Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Bachelor of Applied Science - Business Administration Program Coordinator and Associate Professor, Ryan Hanson, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for May 2026.
Hanson has been part of the CWI community for 10 years, teaching courses in business communication, analytics, software applications, and finance. His classes include Business Software Applications (BUSA 120), Business Communication (BUSA 201), Introduction to Business Analytics (BUSA 207), Business Analytics (BUSA 208), Big Data and Business Analytics (BUSA 270), and Personal Finance and Business Math (FINA 109). Through his courses, Hanson focuses on helping students build the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the workforce or continue their education.
“Education is one of the greatest predictors of future success,” said Hanson. “Students of all sorts have access to an education that simply wouldn’t be available to them without CWI.”
Before coming to CWI, Hanson spent a decade working in the IT industry with Hewlett Packard and Electronic Data Systems, supporting military contracts for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Defense Information Security Agency. He later earned his Master of Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene University and brought that combination of technical and professional experience into the classroom.
Hanson sees teaching as a way to create opportunities and help students recognize paths they may not have otherwise considered. He believes community colleges play a critical role in expanding access to education and career advancement.
“CWI offers high-quality education at a low cost,” he said. “It allows students from all backgrounds to gain the knowledge and skills they need to be successful on their chosen paths.”
One of Hanson’s favorite parts of teaching at CWI is seeing a wide mix of students learning alongside one another. From Dual Credit students to working adults returning to school to reskill or advance their careers, he views this mix of experience as one of the College’s greatest strengths.
“I love seeing those different perspectives mix together in ways you would not always see at a traditional four-year school,” he said.
Hanson’s approach to teaching is reflected in the day-to-day experience of his classroom, where students describe an environment built on accessibility, encouragement, and steady support. They share that he creates an inviting space where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help when needed. Several also note the time he spends assisting with assignments and group projects, as well as his willingness to support students who may be struggling.
“He makes business analytics achievable and fun and really wants to see his students succeed,” one student shared.
“He does his best to accommodate us, and I really respect that,” another student shared. “He tries to help whenever he can and is focused on student success, which makes a great teacher.”
Raised in Nampa by two educator parents, Hanson saw firsthand the impact educational access can have on a community. Today, he sees teaching as a way to continue that legacy while helping students build futures for themselves and their families.
“Being part of my students’ journeys is deeply fulfilling,” he said.
Hanson also believes one of the strongest reflections of CWI’s impact is seeing former students return to teach at the College themselves.
“Our impact on their lives was such that they wanted to come back and be a part of the CWI community again,” he said.
Outside the classroom, he spends his time woodworking and enjoying time with his wife, four children, and friends, often connecting through games and other shared activities.
