CWI News – Feb. 13, 2026

Alexus Hill has always stepped into responsibility. From helping her younger siblings start their day to planning activities for her Early Childhood Education lab at College of Western Idaho (CWI), caring for others has been part of her daily rhythm.

As the oldest of eight, Hill has been shaping the lives of others for as long as she can remember. Now, she is turning that energy into a career in early childhood education.

“I’ve always loved being able to share information with others, especially with kids,” Hill said. “Watching their growth, even from ages two to three, is so rewarding.”

Hill’s path to early childhood education began at home. Growing up in an in-home daycare her mom ran, she spent much of her childhood surrounded by young children. Those early experiences sparked a dream of opening her own daycare someday, which led her to initially explore coursework through CWI’s Business program.

However, after taking classes and working in a community daycare, Hill realized her passion was not running a business. It was working directly with children and helping them grow.

“Being around kids just felt right,” she said. “I loved seeing them learn and grow, more than I liked the idea of running a business. I wanted to learn how to work with kids and be the best teacher I could be. "

That realization led Hill to CWI’s Early Childhood Education program, where she quickly felt she had found her place.  She felt more engaged in her coursework and energized by what she was learning.

“It was night and day,” Hill said. “I wasn’t just showing up. I was excited about what I was learning.”

In the program, Hill gained hands-on experience through CWI’s Early Childhood Education lab, where students work directly with children ages three to five. There, she observes development, plans activities, and watches children grow over time. One of her favorite parts is seeing progress in small moments, like a child learning to write their name or developing new language skills.

“That growth happens so fast,” Hill said. “Being part of that and knowing you helped nurture it is really rewarding.”

This semester, Hill has expanded her experience by working in the community through an internship with Western Idaho Community Action Partnership’s (WICAP) Head Start Program, a federally funded preschool program serving infants and toddlers. The opportunity allows her to work with younger children and gain experience outside the classroom.

“Being out in the community has helped me see how early support can change a child’s trajectory and set them up for success before they even enter kindergarten,” she said.

Hill’s passion for the field is personal in many ways. Growing up with siblings who have disabilities shaped her perspective and strengthened her desire to advocate for children who may not always be able to advocate for themselves. That commitment has drawn her toward inclusion-focused coursework and influenced her interest in becoming a paraprofessional or head teacher after graduation.

As a bilingual student who speaks both English and Spanish, Hill is intentional about creating classroom environments where all children feel represented. When planning activities, she incorporates vocabulary in both languages to support Spanish-speaking children and families.

“I want to be able to advocate for kids who need someone in their corner,” Hill said. “Every child deserves to be supported and understood.”

Her drive to support every child is evident in her work in the classroom. Early Childhood Education Instructor, Nicole Hodges, recalls the strong connection Hill developed with a child during the Fall 2025 semester who was difficult to understand and had been referred for speech therapy. When other teachers struggled to understand him, the child consistently sought out Hill, trusting her to help communicate his needs.

“Alexus has gone above and beyond to make sure this child feels welcomed, seen, and understood,” Hodges said. “Her patience and compassion for all the children can be seen daily, but her relationship with this child and his family is the epitome of a secure attachment.”

Balancing school with caregiving responsibilities and a full course load has not always been easy. Hill credits her support system for helping her stay on track. Her professors, classmates, and advisors have played a key role in her success, offering encouragement and guidance when she needs it most.

“The professors really care,” Hill said. “They get to know you as a person, not just a student. It feels like a community.”

Hill has plans to graduate from CWI in December 2026 and hopes to someday return to WICAP as a head teacher. She also hopes to support families beyond the classroom by sharing the knowledge she gains through her education — including with her own mother, whose in-home daycare and guidance helped shape her path.

“She wanted to do this herself,” Hill said. “Being able to finish this means a lot, not just for me, but for her too.”

For Hill, Early Childhood Education is more than a career choice. It is a way to give back, advocate, and help shape children’s lives from the very beginning.

College of Western Idaho (CWI) participated in a historic education and industry mission to Taiwan on Jan. 27 – 30, joining a statewide delegation focused on strengthening Idaho’s semiconductor workforce pipeline. 

Department Chair of Mechatronics Technology, Robert Novak, and Executive Director of Strategic Projects, Jillana Finnegan, represented CWI alongside higher education and industry leaders to explore leading semiconductor workforce models aligned with Idaho’s rapidly growing chip industry. The trip was coordinated by the Idaho Department of Commerce and supports CWI’s ongoing efforts to meet workforce needs in automation, advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor careers. 

Finnegan shared the experience directly strengthens the College’s ability to prepare Idaho’s advanced manufacturing workforce.  

"As Micron grows its Boise operations, demand for technicians, engineers, and skilled tradespeople is very high,” Finnegan said. “Insights and partnerships from the mission will help CWI refine and expand programs that feed directly into those roles through our Career & Technical Education, Transfer, and Workforce Development programs." 

Taiwan is internationally recognized for producing one of the most advanced semiconductor workforces in the world. The delegation observed hands-on semiconductor labs, dedicated training academies, and instructional pathways built in direct collaboration with manufacturers. These models reinforced the importance of strong cross-sector partnerships as Idaho expands its own semiconductor ecosystem. 

The trip also solidified commitment and gave direction for better integration across Idaho’s education ecosystem.  To be competitive in attracting new industry partners to locate to Idaho, delegates will be working towards more coordinated workforce strategies statewide. The partnerships forged in Taiwan will continue to guide statewide planning efforts as Idaho builds out training programs, attracts international suppliers, and cultivates a globally competitive semiconductor talent pipeline. 

Novak said the experience affirmed CWI’s direction and highlighted opportunities for growth. 

“Seeing Micron’s global impact and the importance of our partnership firsthand reinforced that CWI is on the right path,” Novak said. “It also showed us how we can take our programs to the next level.” 

The Taiwan delegation visit reinforced the importance of strong, industry-aligned technical training, an approach reflected across several of CWI’s programs. Through Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, and Engineering programs, and Electrical Apprenticeship opportunities offered through Workforce Development, CWI prepares students for high-demand roles in semiconductor manufacturing, automation, and advanced industrial systems. 

Together, these programs prepare students for high-demand roles in chip production, automation, and advanced industrial systems. 

Learn more about CWI’s Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, and Electrical Apprenticeship programs. 

Congratulations to College of Western Idaho (CWI) Associate Professor of Biology, Elise Connor, who has been named Faculty of Distinction for October 2025.

Connor has been part of the CWI community for almost eight years, where she has taught courses including Introductory Microbiology (MMBS 111), Introductory Microbiology Lab (MMBS 111L), Science and Ethics (SCIE 102), Introduction to Cell Biology Lab (MMBS 260L), General Ecology Lab (ENVI 260L), and more.

For Connor, teaching is about helping students gain confidence in their skills and seeing how science connects to real-life decisions.

“I want every student to feel confident working in a lab and to use science to inform their day-to-day decisions,” she said. “Teaching is fun – I get to connect with students, understand their goals, and create lessons that connect those goals to real life.”

Connor earned her PhD in Plant Biology and Microbial Ecology from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied microbes that enhance plant drought tolerance in arid environments. She completed a postdoctoral position examining fungal metabolites and plant function before transitioning into teaching at CWI.

Students know Connor for going above and beyond lectures and labs. She fosters a positive and supportive classroom environment, helps students find tools and support to succeed, and guides them in applying lessons to the world around them.

“She is kind to every student and genuinely cares about their overall well-being,” one student said. “She helped me become a better student. In many other biology classes, I never felt as connected or inspired as I do in hers. She has strengthened my passion for learning biology and pursuing nursing, making it something I genuinely look forward to.”

Connor teaches at CWI because she believes the College offers students a supportive environment that encourages success.

“CWI is a great place for students to get an education because of its small class sizes and supportive learning environment,” she shared. “Instructors genuinely care about student learning and success, and our number one priority is helping students succeed. Students receive individualized attention, meaningful support, and opportunities to work toward their academic and career goals.”

That genuine care Connor sees in colleagues across the College is a quality both students and faculty consistently notice in her. Students often highlight her ability to help them grow academically and personally.

“She encourages us to reflect on and challenge ourselves in the subject while teaching in a way that promotes self-growth as a student,” another student shared. “She genuinely cares that students understand the material and helps us see how it applies to our everyday lives.”

That commitment carries through her courses, where Connor focuses on giving students skills that extend beyond the classroom.

“CWI empowers me to create learning opportunities that translate to applicable work-based skills,” Connor said.

Connor was born in Texas and grew up in Florida. She is married and has a very active 7-year-old son, and she has three sisters. Outside of the classroom, Connor enjoys skiing, tennis, pottery, hiking, mountain biking, and spending time outdoors.

Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming Idaho Shakespeare Festival back to campus on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a performance of The Tempest and an acting workshop.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival will present William Shakespeare’s final play, The Tempest, a story of magic, betrayal, and redemption. Tempted by spirits, teased by sprites, and tormented by a monster, a shipwrecked king and his party face the wrath of the betrayed conjurer Prospero, a man they marooned on an enchanted island years earlier. Along the journey, passions are unleashed, villainy is thwarted, and a family is reunited in a comic and cathartic tale of romance and renewal.

The performance will be American Sign Language (ASL) interpreted and is open to the public.

Idaho Shakespeare Festival Performance: The Tempest
Tuesday, Feb. 17
6 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 122

Following the performance, Idaho Shakespeare Festival artists will host an acting workshop focused on performance and theatrical techniques. The workshop is open to all experience levels.

Acting Workshop
Tuesday, Feb. 17
7 – 8 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 122

CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. All events are free and open to the public.

For those with questions or need more information, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.

The College of Western Idaho (CWI) community brought the energy back to Idaho Central Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 4, as the Idaho Steelheads claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in overtime and a shootout.

Students, faculty, staff, and community supporters filled the CWI section to cheer on the Steelheads while celebrating another successful CWI Night. To kick off the game, CWI President Gordon Jones joined CWI students, state leaders, and community supporters on the ice for the ceremonial puck drop. The moment reflected the College’s commitment to recognizing students and our partners who help support their futures.

Throughout the game, fans had the opportunity to learn more about CWI’s Career and Technical Education and Apprenticeship programs, which were featured as the programs of the night. From hands-on technical training to earn-while-you-learn opportunities, the spotlight reflected the College’s strong connection to workforce development across the region.

One of the most exciting moments of the evening came during the second intermission when CWI Biology student, ShanDale Youmans, was randomly selected as the recipient of the $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship. The scholarship, funded in part by CWI Night group ticket sales, supports current and future students as they continue or begin their education.

“This scholarship has allowed me to focus more on my classes instead of worrying about balancing work and finances,” Youmans said. “It gave me a sense of relief and reassurance that I can dedicate more time to my coursework and succeed academically.”

CWI Night continues to bring together school pride, community partnership, and scholarship support in one exciting evening at the rink.

The next CWI Night is set for Feb. 25, when the Idaho Steelheads take on the Wichita Thunder. As always, $5 from every CWI group ticket sold goes directly to student scholarships. Join us at Idaho Central Arena to cheer on the Steelheads and help students SCORE Big this season.

The fun does not stop at CWI Nights. Discounted tickets are available to the CWI community for all Steelheads home games throughout the season, offering even more chances to show CWI pride while cheering on the Steelheads!

CWI Nights

Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist Jill Storey to the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) on Feb. 26 – 27. 

Jill Storey is an American pastellist whose work is inspired by the complexities of the human form and the Northwest landscape. Through subtle details and the interplay of light and shadow, her work explores how mood and perception are shaped within a composition. 

Storey earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Saint Mary’s College in Indiana and continues to refine her practice through workshops and online sessions. She has received grants and scholarships from the Alexa Rose Foundation and the Idaho Commission on the Arts. Her work has been featured in juried exhibitions nationwide, including the Galleries of the National Arts Club in New York, the Sun Valley Museum of Art in Idaho, and the Brea Gallery in California. 

An award-winning pastellist, Storey has earned recognition in numerous regional and national exhibitions and competitions. Honors include Best of Show at the Northwest Pastel Society’s Members Show, Second Place in Contemporary Impressionism at the PSWC Pastels USA – 99 Voices International Juried Exhibition, and Second Place overall at the Art and Soul of the Magic Valley National Art Competition. 

Storey is a Signature Member of both the Northwest Pastel Society and the Pastel Society of the West Coast. She is also a member of the Pastel Society of America, the New Orleans Drawing Group, and the Boise Open Studios Collective. Her work is held in the permanent collection of the Idaho State Historical Society and in private collections across the country. She currently lives in Boise, Idaho. 

Join us as Storey presents a lecture on her artistic practice and creative process. 

Artist Lecture

Thursday, Feb. 26 
6 p.m. 
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 206

In addition to the lecture, Storey will host a hands-on workshop focused on the foundational materials and techniques of pastel painting. Participants will work from a simple still life using a limited palette of dry pastels, ranging from hard to very soft, on papers with varying textures. The workshop encourages experimentation and exploration of how pastels interact with different surfaces and with one another. 

Pastel Workshop 

Friday, Feb. 27 
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), room 206

CWI’s Visiting Artist Series is made possible through a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts, which is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts. Events are free and open to the public. 

For those with questions or in need of more information, contact goranfazil@cwi.edu. 

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is excited to share an important update to the 2026 Commencement Ceremony. 

Beginning this year, Commencement will be held on campus at the Ford Idaho Center, creating a more community-centered experience that celebrates our graduates on CWI’s home stage. The addition of the Ford Idaho Center to CWI’s portfolio provides an incredible opportunity to honor students' achievement in a venue deeply connected to both the College and the western Treasure Valley. 

2026 CWI Commencement Ceremony  
Tuesday, May 19 
7 p.m. 
Ford Idaho Center 

“This represents an exciting step forward for our students to celebrate this milestone in a venue on CWI’s main campus,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. "This inaugural class will begin what we anticipate a long-lasting tradition for years to come."

Additional details related to the 2026 Commencement ceremony are being finalized and will be shared as soon as they become available. Please visit CWI’s Commencement webpage for the most current information and continue to watch CWI email account for updates. 

We look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 together!

College of Western Idaho (CWI) is taking another step to strengthen account security and improve the user experience by transitioning to a new password reset management service.

The updated service is more reliable, easier to use, and better integrated with CWI systems. Most importantly, it provides added protection for personal and institutional data while supporting a smoother login process moving forward.

What to Expect
Beginning the week of Feb. 16, CWI users will be prompted to add an additional contact method when logging in. This step supports the new service and ensures each account has at least two ways to verify identity.

This update is required for all users and must be completed at the time of login.

For example, if a phone number is already associated with an account, users will be asked to select a different option, such as an email address, to meet the two-method requirement.

Time Impact
For users who already have Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) set up, the process should take no more than five minutes.

New users will complete this step as part of their initial account setup.

Why It Matters
The new provider offers enhanced security, improved usability, and broader integration with CWI services. This transition is a key part of CWI’s ongoing security strategy and helps safeguard both individual accounts and college systems.

Users are encouraged to complete the update promptly to avoid any disruption to account access.

For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact support@cwi.edu or 208.562.3444.