Congratulations to Senior Information Technology (IT) Program Manager, Autumn Brackley, who was named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for November 2022!
Brackley works alongside the IT department where she helps coordinate large projects, such as Colleague integration and operational work for the staff.
Brackley has been part of the CWI community since May 2008 and has held several positions around the College, including Assistant Registrar, Director of Advising, and Senior Admissions Representative. She has always known she wanted to work for a community college, and when plans were announced to create CWI, she kept a close eye out for positions she believed she was best suited.
“I believe in the community college mission,” Brackley said. “Who we serve, this community I grew up in, and the focus on access to different education paths.”
While Brackley has held several positions around CWI, many employees who have worked alongside her say she leaves a lasting impact in each department and student’s life she touches. Staff members such as Program Manager, Javier Garcia, describe Brackley as a leader around the community who builds and supports student success, continuously innovates how to improve processes for the student experience, and commits to bettering internal processes.
“In the short time I have gotten to know Autumn, I know her to have integrity, be caring and respectful to all,” said Garcia. “In my first week and every day after in my new role, Autumn has helped train me with patience, has helped me understand the requirements and historical perspectives of how we engage in the work, and regularly encourages me to voice my opinion and supports me in the work I need to accomplish. She does this with all the people she interacts with.”
One of Brackley’s favorite memories in her nearly 15 years of service at CWI has been being able to volunteer as part of the College’s Speech and Debate team during its first few years.
“It was so great to see students thrive and find success outside the classroom,” Brackley said. “I cherish those memories and those students.”
It is her commitment to serving students and watching them thrive that has kept her at CWI all these years.
“My favorite part is the confidence I see shine through when students reach their goals,” Brackley said. “Sometimes it is working through an appeal process, passing a class, or finding an instructor or staff member who will be a mentor or write them a recommendation letter — and then they no longer feel ‘new’ to ‘this college thing;’ I can see they will find successes here.”
Outside of CWI, Brackley enjoys reading, preserving food, and baking.