Bert's Alerts - May 30, 2014
In the Spotlight
On May 17 the College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted its fifth-annual Commencement ceremony, which provided nearly 600 participants an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments. For one group of students, their participation reflected a special commitment from the CWI community. Thanks to support from initiatives like CWI Employee Giving, five graduates were provided caps and gowns allowing them to take part in this year's celebration. Since 2012, over 12 graduates have received this support. The CWI Advancement and Foundation offices would like to thank everyone that has donated to Employee Giving and helped make resources like this available to students. Advancement is still working to reach its goal of 250 Employee Giving participants. Anyone interested in joining the campaign please contact Morriah Marks at morriahmarks@cwi.edu or 208.562.3238.
News Highlights
Rood to Lead CWI Business Partnerships / Workforce Development
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.
Talley Joins College of Western Idaho as Human Resources Executive Director
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has announced Lillian Talley is the College’s new Executive Director of Human Resources (HR), effective May 27. Talley brings to CWI 26 years of HR experience. Most recently, she served as the HR Business Partner for Saint Alphonsus Medical Group, through which Talley supported over 80 medical clinics and business offices from Boise to Baker City, Ore.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for this opportunity,” says Talley. “The remarkable growth of CWI has not only translated to increased enrollment, but also to incredible expansion of the employee population. I am excited to support CWI’s institutional priorities of employee and student success. My son had a wonderful experience in attaining his associate degree from CWI – for which I am so thankful.”
While supporting the Saint Alphonsus Medical Group, Talley transformed HR process, practices, and workforce models to meet the growing demands of healthcare reform. Prior to her experience in the healthcare industry, Talley worked for Hewlett Packard. There, she managed leadership curriculum and delivery, was a staffing and workforce consultant, and a HR Business Partner managing HR initiatives across four countries.
“We are so thrilled to have Lillian Talley join the CWI community,” says President Bert Glandon. “Faculty and staff are what make CWI such a special institution. They play a pivotal role in supporting a culture focused on student success. Lillian will undoubtedly be a tremendous resource for all of our employees.”
Talley is also a volunteer with the Boise Assistant League. She helps the organization raise money for its numerous philanthropic efforts. Married with two sons, Talley and her family love everything about the Idaho outdoors and spend many weekends in the mountains hiking and ATV riding. When not in the mountains, she loves to garden and plan home improvement projects.
Hunter Appointed Chief Information Officer at College of Western Idaho
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) has welcomed David Hunter, Ph.D., to campus as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) within CWI’s Information Technology (IT) Department. Hunter joins the College as part of Dynamic Campus Solutions, which has partnered with CWI to provide strategic information technology services for the College. Hunter’s responsibilities will include overseeing strategic planning and implementation of IT projects, as well as managing IT staff.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to join CWI in this leadership capacity,” says Hunter. “I’ve had a life-long affinity for technology and its ever growing presence in education and our lives. As technology continues to integrate into the classroom and the entire educational environment, we are seeing a transformation in the way that we learn and work. I look forward to supporting CWI’s commitment to technology and helping the College foster student and employee success.”
Hunter brings over 18 years of high tech and information technology experience to CWI, including working the past five years in higher education. His expertise consists of extensive knowledge of networking, infrastructure, and classroom technologies as well as project management and emerging technology integration.
“We are very excited to have David Hunter join the CWI community and lead our information technology services,” says CWI Vice President of Finance and Administration, Cheryl Wright. “IT services have a significant impact on both student and employee success. We are confident David’s diverse background will make him a tremendous resource for the College.”
Hunter earned a bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology. He also received a master’s in Computer Engineering from the University of Idaho. In 2013, Hunter was awarded a doctorate in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University, where he researched and published on intelligent networks.
Prior to joining Dynamic Campus, Hunter served in an IT executive role for Brown Mackie College. He provided leadership and guidance to 14 campuses in the western United States, managing and directing IT infrastructure development, strategic planning, and technology integration.
Hunter has lived in Idaho for 40 years and currently resides in Meridian.
Conference Room Scheduling Moving to 25Live
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Scheduling Department has announced that starting June 1 CWI employees will no longer be able to schedule a number of conference rooms using Microsoft Outlook. CWI currently uses scheduling software, 25Live, which centralizes management of space scheduling across all locations. As of June 1, the following conference rooms will only be available to schedule through 25Live:
- Nampa Campus Academic Building 107F and 312F
- Nampa Campus Administration Building 101
- Nampa Campus Micron Center for Professional Technical Education 1117
- Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building 210
Appointments will still be scheduled through Outlook but meeting organizers must first check space availability and reserve these conference rooms in 25Live. (N33) Employees are asked to wait until confirmation is received, which will typically occur within two hours, before finalizing appointments. It is important to remember that scheduled events take priority over nonscheduled events, in any space. Please contact Scheduling at scheduling@cwi.edu with any questions.