Nearly a decade after receiving a scholarship as a College of Western Idaho (CWI) student, Stuart Tice has come full circle. Once a scholarship recipient navigating his academic path, Tice is now a CWI alumnus and Animal Science Lab Materials Specialist, supporting hands-on learning for today’s Agriculture students.
Tice graduated from CWI in 2018 with an Associate of Agricultural Science after returning to college in search of a career aligned with his lifelong passion for agriculture. After spending years working in the tech industry, he found a sense of belonging through CWI.
“This program finally put me in a place where I felt like I belonged,” Tice said. “Once you find out where you fit, it just works.”
While enrolled at CWI, Tice received the Mitch & Stephanie Coats Excellence in Agriculture Scholarship, a student-created award funded through the CWI Foundation. Created by a fellow Agricultural Science student, the scholarship reflects how students can invest in one another and make a lasting difference.
“When you’re not working and attending school full-time, it is very impactful,” Tice said. “It helped get me through that semester and the following spring.”
After graduating, Tice went on to attend and graduate from University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science, Communication and Leadership and then built a career in agriculture before returning to CWI in his current role. Today, he supports Agricultural Science courses and helps create impactful, hands-on learning experiences for students.
Since returning to campus, Tice has been especially excited to work in the new Nampa Campus Agricultural Sciences Complex, where updated equipment, barns, and labs allow students to see, touch, and experience agriculture in ways that weren’t possible when he was a student.
“Agriculture isn’t just classroom learning. You have to be outside to truly understand and appreciate it. A facility like this allows students to do that, and that’s really exciting.”
Tice has also been able to find a new focus for helping others understand where food comes from and why agriculture matters.
“I discovered a passion for sharing knowledge and helping people understand agriculture,” Tice said. “Being able to share my experiences, education, and everything in between with students and help them on their journey is important to me.”
His journey highlights the ripple effect of scholarship support, empowering students to complete their education and return to invest in others.
“Any scholarship makes a difference,” Tice said. “That support matters more than people realize.”
Join us in supporting CWI students and the futures they are building. Visit Give to CWI to learn more and donate today.
