Christine Rood has been named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Executive Director of Business Partnerships / Workforce Development, starting May 27. She will oversee all of CWI’s short-term, non-credit programs including Construction and Apprenticeships, Emergency Medical Services, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Trades, Technology and Business Solutions, and Customized Training.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to continue sharing my passion for education through College of Western Idaho,” says Rood. “CWI is a tremendous advocate for life-long learning. There is no better platform to experience continued education than the College’s non-credit training programs. I am looking forward to supporting CWI’s current offerings, while working to identify new ways to meet the training needs of the community.”
Rood boasts multiple degrees from Boise State University, including a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, a secondary teaching certification with an emphasis in reading, and a Master’s of Science degree in Educational Technology. She is currently working on a doctorate in Higher Education Administration.
A native Idahoan, Rood has spent more than 20 years in higher education development and community education improvement roles. Before coming to CWI, Rood worked for the University of Phoenix Idaho Campus as Director of Academic Affairs. She also previously served as an educational technologist for the Idaho State Department of Education and the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation.
“Christine Rood has a professional record that speaks clearly to her commitment to advancing education in Idaho,” says CWI Vice President for Resource Development, Craig Brown. “With non-credit training accounting for over half of CWI’s total population served, it was vital that we appoint someone to lead this division that understands the College’s role in providing training opportunities for the community. Christine embodies our mission and vision and will no doubt be a tremendous asset to CWI.”
Along with her professional experience, Rood has also served on the Idaho Professional Standards Commission and as Education Chair for the Boise Chamber of Commerce. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Idaho as Education Chair.
Rood is married to Andrew Halvorson, a teacher with the Meridian School District. The couple has two kids; Cy (14) and Peri (12). Rood says she and her husband spend their free time chasing their kids to lacrosse and dance. She says the family also enjoys downhill skiing and spending time on Idaho rivers.