Dr. Bert Glandon, president of College of Western Idaho (CWI), announced his retirement today, Feb. 18, 2021, as part of a special meeting of the CWI Board of Trustees.
Glandon, who came to CWI in July of 2009, reflected on his time here as president.
“It’s been my distinct pleasure to serve the amazing students, faculty, and staff here at CWI for the last 12 years,” said Glandon. “It’s been the highest honor for me to wake up each day and work on their behalf.”
“This is one of the moments you know is eventually coming but you don’t look forward to”, said Trustee Board Chair, Molly Lenty. “We’ve enjoyed President Glandon’s leadership, vision, and amazing presence in our community. This chapter in CWI’s history has been written through his efforts to advance the success of our students.”
Glandon was selected as the second president of the College, taking over for Dennis Griffin, who served as the CWI’s first chief executive, bridging from the schools founding in 2007 to June 2009. Glandon has a lengthy and robust record of student success and service throughout a near 50-year career in higher education and private industry. During his tenure, CWI grew from just over 1,200 students enrolled in 2009 to currently serving over 30,000 students annually.
While at CWI, Dr. Glandon has been an active member of the business and philanthropical communities- serving on numerous boards, working to raise funds for scholarships to help students advance their individual educational journeys.
Prior to joining CWI in 2009, Glandon served as president at Arapahoe Community College (2002-2009) and Treasure Valley Community College (1981-2002). President Glandon, who tells everyone, 'Just call me Bert,' says he’s most looking forward to spending time with his wife of 47 years, Jane, helping to chase their five-year-old grandson around the neighborhood and not logging on to Zoom for quite some time!
During the search for the next president, an interim will be named to lead and guide CWI. Board Chair Lenty has indicated appointment and subsequent announcement will take place at a later date following Glandon's final day which is set for May 15, 2021.
“We’ll take the needed time, do our work, do the necessary due diligence to ensure that we are addressing the needs of our students, the many communities we serve. and of course our faculty and staff as we prepare to select our next president,” Lenty said.
