Jody Hoff, an esteemed Economics Instructor in the Business department, has been honored as Faculty of Distinction for March 2024 at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Hoff’s recognition comes from her exemplary dedication, kindness, and effectiveness in teaching, highlighted by her impact on students and contributions to the CWI community.
Hoff’s commitment to her students is evident through the heartfelt nominations she received. One student, Kaleb Urquhart, who had taken three of her classes shared, “Jody showed incredible kindness and passion in teaching economics and business analytics. She was always respectful and professional, making every effort to answer questions and help students understand the material.” Another student, J.C., emphasized Hoff’s ongoing support beyond the classroom, saying, “She is so sweet and cares about the day-to-day things in my life. Jody is a wonderful teacher who does the best she can for her students and is very understanding.”
With a career that began in high school education, Hoff has accumulated extensive experience in economic education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Idaho, a master’s degree from Boise State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Research Psychology from Walden University. Her professional journey includes roles as a Visiting Scholar for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, leadership positions at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, and the Idaho Council on Economic Education.
Hoff’s passion for teaching is driven by her belief that education is the most crucial investment for a young person’s future. “Every day I’m in the classroom, I get to contribute to those investments!” Hoff said. Her dedication to creating engaging and imaginative learning opportunities has led to significant research contributions in educational publications, including in esteemed journals like The American Economist and the Journal of Economic Education.
Beyond her professional achievements, Hoff is known for her approachable and caring nature. She reflected on a memorable moment with a student from her macroeconomics class: “A student gave me a card at the end of the term, thanking me for making the classroom a comfortable place to speak up and ask questions. It was a great reminder of the small things we do every day to make our students feel seen and heard.”
Hoff appreciates CWI for its value proposition of affordable tuition, committed faculty, and a culture that prioritizes student success. “I love that we provide a low-cost, low-risk way for anyone to try their hand at college,” Hoff said. Her dedication to CWI and its students is further reflected in her belief that the institution prepares students for their future by offering state-of-the-art technical and academic programs tailored for immediate success in the workplace or higher education.
Outside the classroom, Hoff enjoys skiing, golfing, mountain biking, and playing the video game Destiny 2. She values spending time with her family and friends, emphasizing the importance of balance in life.
Hoff’s recognition as Faculty of Distinction for March 2024 underscores her unwavering dedication to her students and the CWI community. Her contributions have made a lasting impact, embodying the values and mission of CWI.
