Faculty at College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted their annual Professional Development Day at the Nampa Civic Center. This year’s theme focused on “AI in Higher Education: Being the Humans in the Room,” with interactive workshops designed to equip faculty with practical AI integration strategies. Organized by the College’s Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), the event provided faculty with opportunities for collaboration, professional growth, and celebration of achievement.
Keynote Presentations: Thoughtful AI Integration
Joel Gladd, Department Chair of Integrated Studies, opened the day with “Digital Learning at CWI: Where are We?” Gladd examined AI’s impact on faculty roles, course design, and industry alignment. “Many faculty are eager to explore how AI can challenge students to be more critical thinkers, enhance productivity, and create new learning opportunities,” Gladd noted. “We see AI enabling faculty to develop resources they previously couldn’t, like custom apps and websites without coding. That’s truly incredible.” Gladd explained that CWI is committed to providing resources and training for faculty to leverage these tools effectively.
Liza Long, Associate Professor of English and Idaho State Board of Education Generative AI in Higher Education Fellow, followed with “Course Design and Academic Integrity with AI,” sharing best practices for AI integration. Long emphasized embedding ethical discussions into coursework, using AI to refine assignments, and designing assessments that push students beyond AI-generated content. “AI should be used to augment human work, not replace it. We need to think intentionally about when — and whether — to introduce AI into our courses,” Long stated.
Interactive Workshop: Leveraging AI for Faculty
Jillana Finnegan, Executive Director of Strategic Products, led “Make AI Work for You,” helping faculty identify instructional and administrative tasks AI could support. Participants discussed task prioritization, comfort levels with AI integration, and concrete steps for departmental adoption.
Recognizing Faculty Excellence
The event also honored faculty achievements based on student nomination, with Greg Wilson, Assistant Dean of General Education, presenting the 2025 General Education Outstanding Instructor Awards:
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Leslie Schwartz-Leeper, Adjunct Instructor of English – GEM 1: Written Communication
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Johnny Rowing, Associate Professor of Communications – GEM 2: Oral Communication
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Cathy Carson, Professor of Mathematics – GEM 3: Mathematical Ways of Knowing
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Emily McIntier, Instructor of Chemistry – GEM 4: Scientific Ways of Knowing
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Sean Gould, Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy – GEM 5: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
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Chris England, Assistant Professor of Political Science – GEM 6: Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing
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Aurora Mehlman, Instructor of Adult Education – CWI-101 Outstanding Instructor Award
Wilson highlighted “These awards recognize the important work that General Education instructors do every day, delivering hundreds of sections with high-impact practices and equipping more than half of our students with durable skills each semester.” Recognized faculty will be considered for statewide General Education awards in the fall by the Idaho State Board of Education.
Open Education Resource (OER) and Faculty Senate Recognitions
OER Creation Award
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Michal Yadlin, Assistant Professor of Humanities and Coordinator of Honors Program
- Karen Brown, Adjunct Instructor of Art
OER Impact Award
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Jim Gatfield, Department Chair of Communications
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Johnny Rowing, Associate Professor of Communications
OER Sustainability Award
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Joel Gladd, Department Chair of Integrated Studies
Faculty Senate President, Abby Wolford, recognized Senate officers and members for their contributions, including Janel Holt, Professor of Spanish; Lynne Tucker, Assistant Professor of English; Tom Turco, Adjunct Instructor of Health Sciences; Gary Heller, Assistant Professor of Biology; Michal Yadlin, Assistant Professor of Humanities; Christian Purvis-Aldrich, Composition Coordinator of English; and Annie Estvold, Department Chair of Social Work.
2025 Innovation in Action Awards
Courtney Colby Bond, CTL Dean, announced the Innovation in Action Award winners for instructional excellence based on faculty voting:
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Enhancing Student Learning with AI and Digital Innovation: Bryan Krouse, Assistant Professor of Geography, From Syllabus Q&A to Exam Prep: Leveraging AI Chatbots for Online Learning.
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Advancing Student Engagement and Classroom Community: Dan Garrity, Instructor of Marketing, What’s Wonderful: The Question That Turns Your Classroom into a Learning Community.
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Transforming Learning Through Active and Experiential Strategies: Jen Mimish, Associate Professor of Nursing, and Balenda Snow, Simulation Faculty of Nursing, Escaping Ordinary Learning: Using Gamification to Enhance Clinical Decision-Making.
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Reimagining Assessment and Creative Student Work: Mari Harris, Instructor of History, Beyond the Research Paper: Creative Projects for Historical Inquiry.
Reflecting on his award, Garrity remarked, “The most rewarding part is knowing that my colleagues valued my efforts to create a classroom community and a sense of belonging for students. Learning thrives in an environment where people feel they matter.”
Additionally, Social Sciences and Public Affairs won the school-wide Innovation in Action trophy for the highest faculty participation.
Looking Ahead
CWI faculty left Professional Development Day 2025 inspired to explore AI’s potential while ensuring human connection remains central to education. CTL will continue supporting faculty via Zoom during drop-in hours on Friday’s. Liza Long, Associate Professor of English, is also available on Wednesday evenings.
For more information, faculty can visit the CTL SharePoint site or contact ctl@cwi.edu.
