CWI Compass Connect - January 14, 2022
Spotlight
Planning a visit to the Nampa Campus Academic Building? Be sure to stop on the second floor to view the fantastic student art on display from April Vandegrift’s Painting 1 class. Front and center is a self-portrait painted by Associate Professor of Math, Maia Kelley. Committed to lifelong learning, Maia chooses a new class to take every semester. “Can’t wait to see what I learn next,” she said.
News Highlights
Greetings from President Jones
To kick off Spring 2022 semester and in-service week, College of Western Idaho’s new president, Gordon Jones, greets staff and welcomes faculty back to campus.
Greetings from President Jones
Gordon Jones to Serve as College of Western Idaho’s Next President
College of Western Idaho (CWI) Board of Trustees unanimously voted to hire Gordon Jones as the College's third president, following a nationwide search process. Jones succeeds President Bert Glandon, who retired in May, and will begin assuming his duties on Monday, Jan. 10.
Jones states, “I’m thrilled to serve students and brighten the future of our communities as the next president of CWI. As growth in the Treasure Valley continues to accelerate, I’m honored to join faculty and staff to deliver transformative learning opportunities and skills that empower students to thrive in our community and beyond.”
Jones is the founding dean of Boise State University’s College of Innovation + Design and has been at the University since 2015. Prior to Boise State, Jones was the Evans Family Foundation Managing Director for the Harvard Innovation Lab at Harvard University, helping thousands of students translate their education and ideas into new ventures and jobs within the technology, health sciences, consumer and non-profit fields. In addition, he worked as an executive for 15 years focusing on innovation, marketing, and sales growth with mid-sized and Fortune 500 companies, including The Gillette Company.
Jones has over five years of teaching experience in design thinking, business, and leadership at several colleges. He has a Master’s in Business Administration from Stanford University School of Business.
“The Board is enthusiastic to welcome President Jones to the College, his expertise in leveraging education and innovation to connect students with the workforce is exceptional," said Board Chair Molly Lenty.
Jones and his wife reside in the Treasure Valley, along with their four children, ages nine to fifteen. Jones stays active in the community through various board positions, coaching youth sports, and is an avid fly fisherman and outdoorsman.
Learn more about the presidential search process and campus visioning.
Help Us Design CWI’s Future Mascot
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has identified the otter as its official mascot. It is now time to bring the otter to life with a creative identity including a name and design!
To kick off the mascot development research phase, we want to hear from you. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to share their input and opinions about the new mascot via the survey linked below. Results of the survey will be used to guide the naming and design process.
Please complete the survey by Friday, Jan. 28. Stay tuned for additional opportunities to provide input which will be shared in the coming months. Unveiling of the new mascot is currently scheduled for Fall 2022.
Thank you for taking time to engage in this important process.
Fall 2021 Facts at a Glance
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Fall 2021 Facts at a Glance is now available to view online. This annual publication provides a statistical overview of the College and is a valuable resource for learning more about CWI.
Offering premier programs and degrees that make a difference, CWI remains a top choice for higher education in the Treasure Valley. Empowering the community one student at a time, CWI moves fearlessly forward paving the way to bold new futures with flexible options, exceptional tuition value, and support every step of the way.
Hard copies of this year’s Facts at a Glance are available by contacting College Relations at communications@cwi.edu.
