CWI News – August 8, 2025
Spotlight
U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Governor Brad Little joined Perpetua Resources and College of Western Idaho (CWI) during a visit to the Stibnite Gold Project on August 6, announcing a $250,000 scholarship fund supporting students in CWI’s Geosciences and Mining Technician programs. The partnership aims to strengthen Idaho’s mining workforce by providing students with hands-on training and financial support for in-demand careers.
News Highlights
THE 2025 FALL STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS IS ALMOST HERE
With summer wrapping up and fall right around the corner, it’s time to rally for a new academic year.
College of Western Idaho (CWI) faculty and staff are invited to come together at this year’s Fall State of the College Address — an event designed to inform, inspire, and celebrate everything we have accomplished and envision what’s coming next.
This year’s event is unlike any before. We are gathering at our Nampa Campus Quad — with new energy, new spaces to explore, and a renewed focus on the future. President Jones will share campus updates and highlights with opportunity for Q & A, faculty and staff will have the opportunity to tour the new buildings b and connect with colleagues over food, drink, and dessert all while on campus.
📅 2025 Fall State of the College Address
Wednesday, Aug. 13 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus, West Lawn/Quad
ADDRESS SCHEDULE
8:30 a.m. Social Time, Hosted Coffee and Snacks
9:30 a.m. Welcome & Employee Recognition
10:10 a.m. State of the College with President Jones, Q&A
11:30 a.m. Conclusion & Self-guided tours
Noon Hosted Food Trucks Open
LET'S MAKE THIS YEAR COUNT.
Whether you’ve been here a decade or just a few days, the Fall State of the College Address is your moment to connect, get inspired, and look ahead with purpose. Come celebrate the grit, growth, and momentum that makes CWI unlike anywhere else. The work we do matters — let’s kick off this academic year the same way we ask our students to start theirs: bold, energized, and all in.
Please contact communications@cwi.edu if you need any accommodations to attend this event that will be outside on the lawn.
CWI Launches Career-Focused Photography Program with Small Business Training
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has introduced a new Digital Photography program designed to help students turn their creative skills into sustainable careers right here in the Treasure Valley.
“We really wanted to create something unique that wasn’t duplicating what other schools in the valley were already offering,” said Brenda Fisher, Chair of the Art Department at CWI. “This is about creating opportunities that didn’t previously exist for students and for our local workforce.”
Shawna Donahue is leading and instructing the new program. An internationally exhibited artist, she brings expertise in photography, artist’s books, and encaustic collage. Her work is included in collections such as the New York Public Library and UCLA. Prior to Donahue joining CWI she was an instructor at Boise State University. She is now entering her tenth year of educating students at CWI. Visit shawna-donahue.com to explore her portfolio and creative projects.
Additionally, Donahue was recently selected to be part of a new photography project called Boise PhotoGrid documenting the city of Boise, for which she was featured on the Boise State Public Radio show, Idaho Matters (Listen here). Her work on this initiative can be found on Instagram: @boise.photogrid.
The program was developed from the ground up to meet workforce demand and student interest. While other institutions focus solely on fine arts photography, CWI’s program takes a more applied, career-focused approach. Students gain hands-on experience in editorial, portrait, event, and commercial photography, and learn how to build a freelance or small business with real-world training. The program is still a great fit for students interested in fine art, but it also opens the door to a wider range of career opportunities. Students will also develop a portfolio during their studies, providing an awesome way to illustrate their talent and hard work after graduation.
“There’s a misconception that if you pursue the arts, you’re destined to struggle financially,” Shawna shared. “But the arts are everywhere in our world, and this program proves you can build a sustainable, rewarding career with the right training.”
Until now, students interested in photography had limited options after high school. With more than 1,500 high school students participating in Career Technical Education (CTE) photography courses across the region each year, CWI’s program fills a long-standing gap for local, career-ready training after high school.
“There was a real need for a local program that would allow students to build on what they started in high school,” said Donahue. “Now, we can be that next step.”
To give students flexibility based on their goals and timeline, CWI offers two pathways: a one-year Basic Technical Certificate (BTC), ideal for working professionals or those looking to build marketable skills quickly, or a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree designed for those seeking a deeper, more comprehensive education. Along the way, students can earn an additional Small Business and Entrepreneurship Certificate without adding time.
A key feature of the program is its gear-inclusive model. Equipment fees are built into several photography courses, allowing students to build a professional kit over time and use financial aid where eligible. For those who already own equipment, opt-out options are available on a case-by-case basis.
“This program is about showing students that a career in the arts can be both creative and sustainable,” Shawna added. “We are giving them the tools to succeed on day one.”
Flexible scheduling, stackable credentials, and strong community partnerships make this program accessible to a range of learners, from recent high school graduates to working professionals.
Beyond the classroom, the program is actively building relationships with local creative agencies to provide students with real-world experience through internships and collaborative projects. For example, students in the program have photographed CWI’s new Health and Science and Simplot Agriculture Building, and their work will be displayed as large-scale art within those spaces.
The curriculum also includes general education courses such as personal finance, design, communication, and film and video production to help students become well-rounded creative professionals.
This combination of practical skills, business training, and real-world experience makes CWI’s Digital Photography program a valuable option for students who want to transform their creative passion into a lifelong career.
Ready to turn your creativity into a career? Learn more about the Digital Photography program at College of Western Idaho.
Micron & CWI Celebrate Apprenticeship Program Success
Idaho Governor Brad Little and U.S. Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, joined Micron executives, representatives from College of Western Idaho (CWI), and community leaders at the company’s headquarters on Aug. 6, celebrating a growing partnership transforming the future of Idaho’s technology workforce.
The event recognized the first six graduates of Micron’s Registered Apprenticeship Program and welcomed 22 new enrollees during a signing day ceremony — marking the fourth cohort since the program’s launch in Fall 2022.
These apprenticeships, made possible through public and private investment, represent a vital pipeline for training and developing new technicians in the semiconductor industry. The paid, full-time roles — including process technician, equipment technician, and lab technician — last approximately two years and offer tuition coverage, health benefits, and wage increases along the way.
“The vision for our apprenticeship program was to expand the technician talent pipeline by reaching untapped potential throughout our community and throughout the region,” said April Arnzen, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Micron. “These earn and learn programs like ours offer the opportunity for people to access these careers, people who may not have otherwise considered careers in semiconductor(s).”
A key element of the program’s success lies in Micron’s partnership with CWI. As the core education provider, CWI delivers technical education through its Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology and new Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology programs. These programs provide students with the hands-on skills, knowledge, and support needed to succeed in technician-level careers and are essential to supporting Micron’s apprenticeship pipeline.
The Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology program, launching this fall at CWI, focuses on preparing students for careers in memory manufacturing fabs through applied instruction in cleanroom environments, process control, and automation. The Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program offers students a comprehensive foundation in electromechanical systems, robotics, and programmable logic controllers — all crucial to advanced manufacturing.
“There’s a lot of hardware out there that the secretary just toured, but that hardware in those buildings mean nothing without the human resources,” Governor Little said.
Micron’s recent announcement of a $200 billion nationwide expansion, including a second fab in Boise, is expected to bring 20,000 jobs to the Treasure Valley. As demand for skilled technicians grows, CWI remains committed to helping students access training and opportunity while supporting the region’s workforce needs.
Interested in becoming part of Idaho’s growing tech industry? Learn more about CWI’s hands-on Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology and new Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology programs.
CWI Highlights Career Paths and Awards Scholarship at Canyon County Fair
College of Western Idaho (CWI) was proud to sponsor the 2025 Canyon County Fair and support the next generation of agricultural leaders. Local youth and teens took center stage in the CWI Show Ring, proudly showcasing the livestock they have been raising with care and dedication.
In addition to banners displayed around the Show Ring and the CWI Horticulture Trailer outside the building, Andrea Schumaker, Assistant Dean for Agricultural Sciences, and Tomas Puga, Community Admissions Coordinator and other CWI staff greeted fairgoers on Friday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They handed out sunglasses, stickers, fans, and more, and invited attendees to enter for a chance to win a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship.
The highlight of the afternoon came when Kennedy Kildow’s name was drawn for the scholarship. A proud member of Homedale FFA with five years of livestock showing experience. Kennedy’s favorite part of the Fair is connecting with friends and meeting new people. She plans to attend CWI to study nursing, then transfer to Lewis-Clark State College to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this scholarship,” said Kennedy. “I’ve always had a passion for caring for others, which started with agriculture and working with animals. Over time, that passion shifted toward wanting to help people, especially the most vulnerable. My ultimate dream is to become a NICU nurse where I can make a difference in the lives of newborns and their families. I chose CWI because it offers an excellent nursing program, allowing me to stay connected to my community, family, and friends.”
CWI staff presented Kennedy with the scholarship in the CWI Show Ring between livestock events on Friday afternoon, celebrating her future in front of family, friends, and fairgoers. CWI also awarded a branded windbreaker to Lacie King as part of the day’s giveaways.
CWI thanks everyone who stopped by and looks forward to returning to the Canyon County Fair in 2026.
As CWI continues to support students pursuing careers in agriculture and healthcare, exciting developments are underway. New, state-of-the-art buildings for both the Agricultural and Natural Sciences pathway and the Nursing and Health Science Pathway are currently in progress, providing hands-on, career-focused learning environments. Explore CWI’s ongoing campus transformation at Campus Development | College of Western Idaho.
Work-Based Learning Center at CWI Bridges Education and Employment
The Work-Based Learning Center (WBLC) at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is redefining student success by connecting classroom learning and real-world experience. Through a comprehensive suite of services, the WBLC empowers students to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for the workforce with confidence.
A Hub for Career Readiness
The WBLC offers a wide range of services designed to help students transition from education to employment and assist faculty with positive placement for their programs. The services include:
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Career Exploration: Helping students identify their interests, values, and skills through tools like the Interest Profiler and Career Clusters Survey.
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Job Shadowing: Providing opportunities to observe professionals and gain the information necessary to help students make the right decisions for themselves.
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Internships: Gives the opportunity for students to work side by side with professionals in the industry of choice and either earn credit, experience, or both.
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Work Study & Employment: Assist students in finding part-time jobs and work-study positions that align with their academic and career goals.
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Resume & Cover Letter Support: Offering guidance on crafting targeted resumes and cover letters to increase students’ chances of landing careers that meet their goals.
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Mock Interviews and Interview Prep: Prepare students with practice interviews, sample questions, and professional dress tips to boost confidence and performance.
Real Support. Real Results.
The WBLC helps students sharpen their resumes, build networks, and gain experience that leads to careers. For these two students, it made all the difference.
"Kaden has been such an incredible support throughout my time at CWI. From the very beginning, he supported me every step of the way — helping me revise and strengthen my resume, guiding me through the internship process, and even offering to do a mock interview to help me feel more confident. I’m especially grateful for how consistently he’s checked in and helped however he could to make sure things came together. His support has truly made a difference in my experience, and I appreciate all he’s done to help me grow professionally." — Daisy Gallegos
“ My experience with the Work-Based Learning Center was fantastic! I was provided with guidance on enhancing my resume, interview pointers, and networking opportunities. They even printed off some resumes for me! On top of it all, through the WBLC I was able to secure a position at St. Luke’s!! I highly recommend students to take advantage of this valuable resource. Whether you’re an experienced professional or an eager student ready to enter the field, it’s always a good idea to pay a visit to the staff at WBLC who’ve got your back! I truly appreciate the help you guys offer!” — Ivan Gonzales
Tools for Success
Students are encouraged to use Handshake, the top-rated tool for helping college students find jobs. The WBLC also promotes resume optimization tools helping students tailor their resumes to specific roles.
Support Every Step of the Way
The WBLC team, led by Executive Director John Russ and a team of dedicated professionals, is committed to supporting students throughout their entire academic journey. Whether a student is unsure of their career path or ready to apply for career opportunities, the WBLC offers personalized guidance and resources.
Partner with WBLC Today
Following the spirit of its motto, “Exposure is the birthplace of opportunity,” the WBLC works with various faculty and staff to coordinate industry-specific visits, guest speakers, and schedule one-on-one sessions to support students’ career development.
Jody Kirchgessner, the senior talent sourcer at JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.), expressed their enthusiasm for CWI students, saying,
“Thank you for sharing your graduates with us. Your partnership sets the gold standard for tech school relationships all across the country – we talk about you a lot!” — Jody Kirchgessner
Enjoy the Fair for Less on CWI Day
Get ready to enjoy CWI Day at the Western Idaho Fair on Saturday, Aug. 16. Students, alumni, employees, family, and friends of College of Western Idaho (CWI) community are invited to attend what has been the social event of the summer for over 125 years, taking place this year from Aug. 15 – 24.
CWI Day at Western Idaho Fair
Saturday, Aug. 16
11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Western Idaho Fairgrounds
General Admission to the Fair is $10, and an additional Carnival Wristband can be purchased for $32 for those eager to enjoy the many exciting rides.
CWI students and employees can purchase discounted ($2 off) General Admission tickets.
CWI Day Tickets Use code: CWIFairTime
Only 200 tickets are available — first come, first served
We can’t wait to see you there!
Labor Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Governor Little Highlight Mining Education in Idaho Visit
A powerful partnership between Perpetua Resources and College of Western Idaho (CWI) is opening doors for Idaho students to pursue meaningful careers in mining, thanks to a new $250,000 scholarship fund and a shared commitment to workforce development.
During an Aug. 6 visit to Valley County, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Idaho Governor Brad Little joined Perpetua Resources to highlight the strategic value of the Stibnite Gold Project. Designed to supply the nation’s only domestic source of antimony — a critical mineral for defense and energy applications — the project also promises to generate family-wage jobs in rural Idaho.
Perpetua’s partnership with CWI was at the heart of the event. The company announced the creation of the Stibnite Launch Scholarship, which will support 12 or more CWI students annually for the next three years, and at least three students per year beyond that. These scholarships are specifically designed for students in CWI’s Geosciences and Mining Technician programs, helping them access hands-on, real-world training that leads directly to high-skill, high-demand jobs in Idaho’s mining sector.
“This partnership expands hands-on learning and workforce opportunities for our students, while also supporting the economic vitality of Idaho,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “By working together, we are preparing Idahoans for essential careers and ensuring our communities thrive for generations to come.”
Governor Little applauded the collaboration, emphasizing how business and education partnerships help grow the state’s workforce and economy. The Stibnite Launch Scholarship is also structured to complement the Idaho LAUNCH program, which covers up to 80 percent of tuition and fees for eligible students. The Perpetua-funded scholarship can cover the remaining cost — closing the financial gap for students and empowering them to complete their education debt-free.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer and Governor Little also held a roundtable discussion with Perpetua Resources, project partners, and local education leaders, including CWI President Gordon Jones and CWI geosciences student, Kaylene Cecil, to learn more about the opportunities mining is creating for Idahoans.
Cecil shared that her interest in Stibnite Gold project stemmed from the Perpetua and CWI partnership, and her belief that education about modern-day mining will help create the pathways students need to explore a future career in mining. President Jones added that higher education needs to design for outcomes and help students connect with jobs and careers that lead to better futures.
Through this partnership, students enrolled in CWI’s Mining Technician program gain exposure to Idaho’s evolving mining landscape. The program equips students with foundational knowledge in geology, environmental science, safety, and mining operations, preparing them for a variety of roles in both surface and underground mining environments. With industry-backed training and local career connections, students graduate ready to contribute to Idaho’s economy and its critical mineral supply chain.
Interested in starting a career in mining? Learn more about CWI’s Mining Technician and Geosciences programs.
Volunteer with CWI and Enjoy a Free Concert!
Want to catch a fantastic concert at the Ford Idaho Center for free, all while making a tangible difference for College of Western Idaho (CWI) students? Here's your chance!
We're thrilled to continue our partnership with the Ford Idaho Center this fall to support the vital CWI Food Pantry program. Throughout their exciting concert series, we'll be collecting much-needed monetary donations to ensure our students have access to essential resources.
We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us! Each concert requires a minimum of four volunteers for a two-hour shift. During your shift, you'll engage with concertgoers, helping them make monetary contributions through the CWI Giving website or by collecting cash. The best part? After your short shift, you get to stay and enjoy the entire concert – absolutely free! And as an added bonus, the Ford Idaho Center has upped the ante, providing a free food and beverage voucher!
Blues Traveler
August 26
Train
September 10
Cole Swindell
October 11
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience live music, give back to the community, and directly impact CWI students. Friends and family who aren't CWI affiliates are more than welcome to volunteer and enjoy the show as well! We can accommodate a maximum of four volunteers per concert.
On the day of your chosen concert, a representative from the Ford Idaho Center will meet you at the venue to get you set up. Once you sign up, we'll send you more detailed information about your shift.
We can't wait to welcome you to our team of dedicated volunteers this fall. Your support truly helps our students thrive!
Coding Confidence: Aaron Potter Discovers His Future in AI at CWI
This is a true story about someone from our community who, despite long odds and those saying, “you can’t,” stood defiant and dared to anyway — launching a new career that began at College of Western Idaho.
This is the second of a series of stories from our Let’s Get Started 2.0 spring recruitment campaign. In it we feature innovators, builders, healers, and protectors, each of which capably demonstrate what’s possible when we exercise a grain of grit. After all, if our neighbors can do it, so can you.
Finding His Direction
For Aaron Potter, enrolling at College of Western Idaho (CWI) wasn’t just about earning a degree — it was about building confidence, finding direction, and discovering the power of possibility.
Aaron, a recent graduate of CWI’s Software Development program, first came to the College unsure of what he wanted to do. “I started with general education classes. I didn’t know what I wanted to do quite yet,” he said. After exploring his options, he landed on Software Development. But even then, he wasn’t quite ready to dive into all the math that typically comes with computer science. That would come later.
The Right Fit
Before arriving at CWI, Aaron was living in Utah, going to school and working summer jobs back home in Idaho. It was during one of those summers that his path took a new turn — he met his now-wife and decided to move back to Idaho for good. He needed a place to continue his education, and after considering his options, he chose CWI.
“Out of all the options here, I chose CWI,” he said. “I wasn’t as interested in all of the theory and math required for computer science. I just wanted more hands-on programming, and I felt some of the stuff was more complicated than I really wanted at the time.”
That hands-on focus is exactly what CWI’s Software Development program offered. Students learn to design, build, and test applications using programming languages like Java, Python, and C#, all while gaining skills in web development, databases, and project management. For Aaron, the program offered the right balance of practical training and academic support to help him grow.
Gaining Confidence Through Support
A turning point in Aaron’s academic journey came during his math classes, especially under the guidance of instructor Robert Kosh.
“My math teacher, Robert Kosh, made a huge difference for me,” Aaron said. “He helped me gain confidence in my ability to learn math because I wasn’t super confident before. Through his class, I gained confidence. I felt really proud of my work and effort, and he really helped with to that. He had a good impact.”
Paving the Way Forward
After earning his associate degree, Aaron was ready for the next challenge. He is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with an emphasis in Artificial Intelligence at Western Governors University and working as a freelance developer, training large language models (LLMs) and chatbots for a company called Outlier.
His ultimate goal? To blend his passion for software development and AI into entrepreneurial work that makes a difference.
“I want to identify pain points in my community and help solve those problems,” he shared. “There’s huge opportunity helping smaller businesses take advantage of AI and incorporate it into their processes and systems.”
Advice for Future Students
For students who may be feeling uncertain about starting college, Aaron has one piece of advice: “Just get started. Before I came to CWI, I lacked confidence in what I could actually accomplish in school, but the support I got from my professor, tutoring services, and others made a huge difference. Honestly, just the desire to learn is something to be proud of — and once you start, keep showing up.”
At CWI, Aaron didn’t just learn to code — he learned to believe in himself.
Ready to build your future in tech? Explore CWI’s Software Development program today.
Digital Navigators: A New Resource for CWI Students
A new resource called “Digital Navigators” is available at College of Western Idaho (CWI) to support students with their technology needs. Available at all CWI computer labs as a drop-in service (no appointment needed), Digital Navigators offer a unique kind of peer-to-peer assistance focused specifically on helping students build confidence with everyday digital applications.
A Technology Lifeline for Students
Digital Navigators are fellow students employed in work-study positions, trained to help their peers navigate the digital systems essential to success at CWI. In an increasingly digital world, many students rely on laptops, online platforms, and communication tools but may not feel fully confident using them. For those who find tasks like navigating Canvas (formerly Blackboard) or sending an email challenging, Digital Navigators are a friendly and approachable resource.
Their role is to provide guidance on a variety of digital tasks, from logging into campus Wi-Fi to creating discussion threads in class. The goal is to boost digital fluency while ensuring no student feels left behind.
How Digital Navigators Are different
Unlike One Stop Student Services — which assists students with academic and administrative services like academic planning, financial aid, and advisor appointments — Digital Navigators focus solely on technology-related issues including:
- Sending and replying to emails
- Navigating Canvas (formerly Blackboard)
- Downloading necessary applications
- Creating and submitting assignments
- Using Microsoft Office tools and Google Docs
Digital Navigators address common questions that students may be hesitant to ask, offering a supportive environment that encourages learning and self-sufficiency.
Services & Support
In addition to one-on-one support, Digital Navigators is ready to schedule multi-week digital skills sessions to help any student master the basic computer skills needed for college success. This peer support is not meant to replace Campus Tech Support or resolve hardware issues but rather to empower students with the everyday tech skills needed for college success.
Canvas Transition
CWI has transitioned from Blackboard to Canvas, and Digital Navigators are already trained on the new platform. Their continued support will play a crucial role in helping students make a smooth transition and maintain momentum in their coursework.
Confidence Building
Students are encouraged to seek help — even for questions that may seem small. Digital Navigators are fellow students who understand the learning curve that comes with using technology in an academic setting. Their mission is to ensure all students feel confident using the digital tools available at CWI.
A Campus Resource
Digital Navigators represent a significant addition to student support services at CWI. By offering assistance with day-to-day technology needs, they help build the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of this resource to make their college journey more successful and less stressful.
For more information contact Greg Wilson, Assistant Dean of General Education, or visit the Digital Navigators web page.
New Bachelor’s Degree Designed for Idaho's Workforce Needs
While the skyline is changing across College of Western Idaho (CWI) campuses, something even more foundational is taking shape inside. A first-ever bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration (BAS), built in direct partnership with Idaho’s business leaders, is set to launch this fall.
As with all CWI programs, collaboration with industry is essential. Employers, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts — all Idaho-based — were directly consulted to ensure the applied business degree aligns with real workforce needs in the Treasure Valley. Leaders like Dr. David Peterman, former CEO of Primary Health, and Connie Miller, former CEO of Icon Credit Union and current CEO of Credible Advantage, played a key role in shaping the curriculum, selecting faculty, and making sure the program serves working professionals.
Both Peterman and Miller are very passionate about the mission of CWI. “CWI isn’t just a necessary community institution. It’s an unbelievable resource that fills vital roles in our workforce,” said Dr. Peterman.
A Workforce-Driven Approach to Higher Ed
For Dr. Peterman, the motivation to get involved was simple: most Idahoans don’t work for Fortune 500 companies with robust internal training. They work for small and medium-sized businesses that often lack resources to upskill employees. Peterman recalled, “We had to create our own training programs because there was nothing like this degree, “Now CWI can do that for us.”
Connie Miller shared that the need for professional business skills in Idaho came up repeatedly during advisory committee meetings, which Miller attended for years. “There comes a critical point where leaders need to transition from managing tasks to leading people,” said Miller. “This degree gives them the tools to do that.”
Designed with direct input from respected executives in healthcare, retail, finance, and public service, the business degree offers courses in customer service, human resources, budgeting, inventory, and leadership, with no advanced math required.
Built for People Already Working
Unlike traditional business degrees aimed at recent high school grads, CWI’s BAS in Business Administration is tailored for adults already in the workforce. It is built to serve tradespeople —firefighters, healthcare workers, technicians and more — looking to move up in their careers.
“This is a degree for someone who needs a promotion but doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree,” said Program Coordinator for the BAS, Ryan Hanson. “It’s about helping people remove that last barrier to advancement.”
Hanson, who transitioned from a career at HP into education, brings both industry experience and empathy to the program. He knows what it’s like to feel qualified but still be blocked by missing credentials. “I went back to school at a private university. It worked, but it was expensive,” said Hanson. “CWI provides the same kind of education at a price point that changes everything.”
Real Voices, Real Validation
CWI didn’t just involve industry leaders; they gave them a meaningful role in shaping the program. Dr. Peterman was part of the hiring committee to select program leadership. “The candidates were phenomenal. Ryan could teach at Harvard or Yale,” said Dr. Peterman. “I’m not kidding.”
Miller also played a critical role in advising curriculum and will help develop the program’s leadership course. “Strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and courage are the competencies we need in business,” she said. “This degree builds them.”
Filling a Critical Community Gap
The response from the community has been immediate. CWI initially anticipated enrolling 15 students in the program’s first semester. As of this writing, over 30 are already registered, with many more in the application pipeline. A number of leaders in public service agencies have reached out eagerly to join the program, and this is just the beginning.
For Dr. Peterman, the interest is anything but surprising. “CWI is building the workforce this valley needs. They’re doing it the right way by listening to the people who are actually doing the work.”
A Disruptor with Deep Roots
This degree is more than job titles. It’s about access. President Jones recognized the timing was right to challenge the higher ed status quo, and with support from the State Board of Education and Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, CWI moved swiftly to build and approve the program in record time.
The Future Is Local, Practical, and Bold
CWI’s new bachelor program reflects what happens when higher education listens to the community it serves. It’s flexible, affordable, and immediately relevant. Miller believes in the future of this degree, “Success with this degree means helping professionals grow their professional business skills while still working, “It sets them and our local businesses up for long-term success.”
Looking to climb the next step in your career ladder? Explore CWI's Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration.
