CWI Compass Connect - June 10, 2014
In the Spotlight
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) fall 2014 edition of Career Focus Magazine is hot off the press. The publication hit 100,000 Treasure Valley mailboxes June 6-9 and is also available to view online at cwidaho.mycareerfocus.org. This issue includes features on the Career and College Transfer Center, Dual Credit, Business programs, Student Success, and more. Please email communications@cwi.edu for printed copies.
News Highlights
CWI Admissions Express Coming to Boise
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) will host an Admissions Express event in Boise on June 21 to provide help exploring all the educational opportunities CWI has to offer. The day will include Future Student Exploration sessions, tours, prizes, extra help in exploring college options, and assistance in completing the enrollment process.
The event will take place:
Saturday, June 21
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
CWI Ada County Campus
1360 South Eagle Flight Way, Boise
The $25 application fee will be waived for anyone applying to CWI at the Admissions Express event.
College of Western Idaho Offering College Credit Proficiency Testing
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) has joined a limited group of testing and assessment centers in the Treasure Valley that are certified to offer College Level Examination Program (CLEP) services. The proficiency testing is available to CWI students as well as the public.
Since rolling out the testing service in late April, the College has already facilitated nine CLEP examinations, which resulted in approximately 104 college credits. Both CWI Testing and Assessment Centers, located at the Ada County Campus in Boise and the Micron Center for Professional Technical Education in Nampa, proctor the exams. Information on signing up for CLEP, including fees and registration steps, can be found at cwi.edu/assessment.
The CLEP exam is recognized by 2,900 colleges and universities nationwide. There are 33 available CLEP exams spanning five subject areas. Subjects include history and social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and world languages. For more information on CLEP visit clep.collegeboard.org.
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.
CWI and Wyakin Warrior Foundation Sign Agreement
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) and Wyakin Warrior Foundation have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) marking a significant milestone in the organizations’ partnership. On May 17 CWI Executive Vice President of Instruction and Student Services, David Shellberg, met with Wyakin Warrior Foundation Executive Director, Todd Monroe, to sign the agreement.
“It is truly an exciting time for the Wyakin Warrior Foundation,” says Monroe. “Connections like this greatly enhance the service and offerings we provide to Warriors and prospective Warriors involved with our program. CWI is a highly regarded institution with a reputation for providing top-quality education, and outstanding career placement opportunities for students. We’re proud to be affiliated with CWI, and consider CWI a significant partner in enhancing the lives of wounded veterans who wish to further their education and careers.”
CWI has been a key partner with the Wyakin Warrior Foundation since its creation. This MOU is a formal recognition of the mutual duties and obligations in supporting Wyakin Warrior veterans attending CWI.
“A wyakin is a spiritual guide that advises and protects a person throughout life,” says Shellberg. “Through CWI’s partnership with the Wyakin Warriors Foundation, the College intends to help bring that spirit to our injured veterans to assist them in achieving their personal and professional goals. The College is not only honored to be educating our wounded veterans, we are also honored to be associated with the Wyakin Warrior Foundation.”
June Staff of the Month Goes to Marks
Congratulations Morriah Marks for being named College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) June Staff of the Month.
Marks started with CWI in February 2010 as an Administrative Assistant for Institutional Advancement. She is now a Project Manager II for Marketing and Advancement. Anyone who has met Marks remembers her smile and her outgoing attitude. Her commitment to CWI is also easy to see. Recently she could be found going office to office promoting the College’s Employee Giving Campaign. Marks serves on multiple committees including Staff Senate and the Fun and Culture Committee. With all that she does, she still finds time to learn new things and expand her knowledge. Marks is a great asset to CWI and brings something special to the College’s culture.
Marks has an Associate of Applied Science in Administrative Office from Boise State University’s Selland College of Applied Technology. She is currently attending CWI to obtain an associate degree in Business.
She grew up in Idaho with her husband of almost nine years, who is her best friend and favorite person to be around. Together they enjoy hiking, fishing, reading, watching movies, and being as active as possible with their two dogs. Her talents are endless, including solving the Rubik's cube in just one minute 11 seconds.
Congratulations Morriah, you are truly an asset to CWI and a wonderful colleague!
