Congratulations to Executive Director of the Learning Commons, Kim Reed, who was named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Staff of the Month for September 2023.
Reed oversees the College’s academic support departments such as the Library, Tutoring Services, and the Writing Center. The Learning Commons at CWI is a collaborative partnership between the Library and Tutoring with the goal of expanding the ability of each to support student success.
Reed came to the CWI community in 2011 as the Director of Library Services. Prior to CWI, she was working as a Librarian at Boise State University and was in search of a career growth opportunity. She saw the Director of Library Services position at CWI opportunity and began learning more about, at the time, the new college.
“I was excited by the mission as well as the opportunity to be part of creating something that would have a positive impact on our valley, our state, and beyond,” Reed said. “It has been a thrill to be part of that all these years, and it continues to be.”
One of Reed’s favorite aspects of working at CWI is the people. She shares the institution has passionate, collaborative staff and faculty who go to great lengths to support and elevate students. It is also the students whom Reed is constantly impressed with because of their caliber and dedication.
“They inspire me in my work every day.”
Having been at CWI for the last 12 years, Reed has many different memories surrounding the College and its people. One in particular was the College’s first accreditation visit in 2011.
Reed had been with CWI for about six weeks and was concerned about whether the Library team could meet the library standard. When they heard the results of the exit interview, the Library received a low score and was placed on a list of recommendations for improvement. Reed was devastated for about a day and then realized that was exactly the reason she had been hired: to get the Library and the team up to standard. By the time the College was evaluated again, the Library received a commendation from the NWCCU.
“That was a very proud moment for me, knowing what the Library team and I had built in just a few years.”
That leadership is something many of Reed’s colleagues have witnessed firsthand for 12 years.
From stories of her taking charge during the challenging times of the pandemic to her innovative approach, advocacy for staff, and commitment to student success, she has shaped a positive workplace culture. Colleagues commend her empathetic and strategic leadership, emphasizing professional development and successful program implementations. Reed’s impact is felt across the Learning Commons and the broader college community.
“She is as central as anyone at CWI in connecting students with what they need to succeed, whether that is resources, instruction, one-to-one support, or anything else,” said Instruction Librarian, Jason Roach. “The Learning Commons is an amazingly responsive organization, and Kim is at the heart of that.”
“Kim is a tireless advocate for both students and tutors, proposing and innovating new initiatives to help with student retention, inclusivity within the Learning Commons, and accessibility to students,” said Tutoring Services Supervisor, Brett Belden. “She is open and always willing to play to the strengths of the individuals she works with, and this has made the Learning Commons an amazing division to work in. I feel incredibly fortunate to get to work for her.”
Outside of CWI, Reed enjoys traveling, live music, and spending time outside — especially in the summer months. She loves boating, water sports, and tending to her garden. During the winter months, she likes to frequent the ski slopes and hot springs.
