CWI News – March 14, 2025
In the Spotlight
The Nagel Foundation has entered its seventh year as a critical community partner of College of Western Idaho (CWI), donating an additional $224,000 for student scholarships. Altogether, the Foundation’s investment in CWI students now totals $1,232,000 and has benefited over 275 recipients.
News Highlights
CWI Faculty Explored AI in Higher Education at 2025 Professional Development Day
Faculty at College of Western Idaho (CWI) hosted their annual Professional Development Day at the Nampa Civic Center. This year’s theme focused on “AI in Higher Education: Being the Humans in the Room,” with interactive workshops designed to equip faculty with practical AI integration strategies. Organized by the College’s Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), the event provided faculty with opportunities for collaboration, professional growth, and celebration of achievement.
Keynote Presentations: Thoughtful AI Integration
Joel Gladd, Department Chair of Integrated Studies, opened the day with “Digital Learning at CWI: Where are We?” Gladd examined AI’s impact on faculty roles, course design, and industry alignment. “Many faculty are eager to explore how AI can challenge students to be more critical thinkers, enhance productivity, and create new learning opportunities,” Gladd noted. “We see AI enabling faculty to develop resources they previously couldn’t, like custom apps and websites without coding. That’s truly incredible.” Gladd explained that CWI is committed to providing resources and training for faculty to leverage these tools effectively.
Liza Long, Associate Professor of English and Idaho State Board of Education Generative AI in Higher Education Fellow, followed with “Course Design and Academic Integrity with AI,” sharing best practices for AI integration. Long emphasized embedding ethical discussions into coursework, using AI to refine assignments, and designing assessments that push students beyond AI-generated content. “AI should be used to augment human work, not replace it. We need to think intentionally about when — and whether — to introduce AI into our courses,” Long stated.
Interactive Workshop: Leveraging AI for Faculty
Jillana Finnegan, Executive Director of Strategic Products, led “Make AI Work for You,” helping faculty identify instructional and administrative tasks AI could support. Participants discussed task prioritization, comfort levels with AI integration, and concrete steps for departmental adoption.
Recognizing Faculty Excellence
The event also honored faculty achievements based on student nomination, with Greg Wilson, Assistant Dean of General Education, presenting the 2025 General Education Outstanding Instructor Awards:
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Leslie Schwartz-Leeper, Adjunct Instructor of English – GEM 1: Written Communication
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Johnny Rowing, Associate Professor of Communications – GEM 2: Oral Communication
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Cathy Carson, Professor of Mathematics – GEM 3: Mathematical Ways of Knowing
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Emily McIntier, Instructor of Chemistry – GEM 4: Scientific Ways of Knowing
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Sean Gould, Adjunct Instructor of Philosophy – GEM 5: Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing
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Chris England, Assistant Professor of Political Science – GEM 6: Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing
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Aurora Mehlman, Instructor of Adult Education – CWI-101 Outstanding Instructor Award
Wilson highlighted “These awards recognize the important work that General Education instructors do every day, delivering hundreds of sections with high-impact practices and equipping more than half of our students with durable skills each semester.” Recognized faculty will be considered for statewide General Education awards in the fall by the Idaho State Board of Education.
Open Education Resource (OER) and Faculty Senate Recognitions
OER Creation Award
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Michal Yadlin, Assistant Professor of Humanities and Coordinator of Honors Program
- Karen Brown, Adjunct Instructor of Art
OER Impact Award
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Jim Gatfield, Department Chair of Communications
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Johnny Rowing, Associate Professor of Communications
OER Sustainability Award
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Joel Gladd, Department Chair of Integrated Studies
Faculty Senate President, Abby Wolford, recognized Senate officers and members for their contributions, including Janel Holt, Professor of Spanish; Lynne Tucker, Assistant Professor of English; Tom Turco, Adjunct Instructor of Health Sciences; Gary Heller, Assistant Professor of Biology; Michal Yadlin, Assistant Professor of Humanities; Christian Purvis-Aldrich, Composition Coordinator of English; and Annie Estvold, Department Chair of Social Work.
2025 Innovation in Action Awards
Courtney Colby Bond, CTL Dean, announced the Innovation in Action Award winners for instructional excellence based on faculty voting:
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Enhancing Student Learning with AI and Digital Innovation: Bryan Krouse, Assistant Professor of Geography, From Syllabus Q&A to Exam Prep: Leveraging AI Chatbots for Online Learning.
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Advancing Student Engagement and Classroom Community: Dan Garrity, Instructor of Marketing, What’s Wonderful: The Question That Turns Your Classroom into a Learning Community.
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Transforming Learning Through Active and Experiential Strategies: Jen Mimish, Associate Professor of Nursing, and Balenda Snow, Simulation Faculty of Nursing, Escaping Ordinary Learning: Using Gamification to Enhance Clinical Decision-Making.
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Reimagining Assessment and Creative Student Work: Mari Harris, Instructor of History, Beyond the Research Paper: Creative Projects for Historical Inquiry.
Reflecting on his award, Garrity remarked, “The most rewarding part is knowing that my colleagues valued my efforts to create a classroom community and a sense of belonging for students. Learning thrives in an environment where people feel they matter.”
Additionally, Social Sciences and Public Affairs won the school-wide Innovation in Action trophy for the highest faculty participation.
Looking Ahead
CWI faculty left Professional Development Day 2025 inspired to explore AI’s potential while ensuring human connection remains central to education. CTL will continue supporting faculty via Zoom during drop-in hours on Friday’s. Liza Long, Associate Professor of English, is also available on Wednesday evenings.
For more information, faculty can visit the CTL SharePoint site or contact ctl@cwi.edu.
Business and Information Technology Skills for the Win
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) chapter of Business Professionals of America (BPA) demonstrated their extraordinary level of professionalism and business and information technology skills at the BPA State Leadership Conference last week in Boise.
Students competed during the three-day event against students from Idaho institutions ranging from two-year technical colleges to four-year universities. This competition showcased the high level of skills obtained in CWI's Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Seven students from CWI participated, six of whom achieved top-five finishes in multiple competitions and will be eligible to represent CWI at the BPA National Leadership Conference this year in May in Orlando, Florida.
BPA is a Career and Technical Student Organization providing opportunities for students to progress in and expand their professional and technical skills, giving them opportunities not provided simply by obtaining a degree. CWI's local chapter is advised by Seth Akers, Assistant Professor of Network Administration.
Awards
First Place
- Winton Watkins – Server Administration Using Microsoft
- Jack Lauteren – Network Administration Using Cisco
- Samuel McKinley – Computer Security
Second Place
- Reese Murphy – Advanced Interview Skills
- Jack Lauteren – Computer Network Technology
- Winton Watkins – Computer Security
- Jack Lauteren – Device Configuration & Troubleshooting
- Samuel McKinley – Linux Operating System Fundamentals
- Samuel McKinley – Network Administration Using Cisco
Third Place
- Joey Leal – Prepared Speech
- Andrew Paulus – Computer Security
- Winton Watkins – Computer Network Technology
- Connor Betz – Device Configuration and Troubleshooting
Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Agnes Ma
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Visiting Artist Series in welcoming artist, Agnes Ma! There will be two opportunities to visit with this artist at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB). The first will feature Ma presenting a lecture about her extensive and unique work. The second is Ma hosting a playful, hands-on workshop where attendees will learn how to utilize 3D pens to create funky (or not) forms in Polylactic acid bioplastic (PLA). PLA is manufactured in practically limitless colors that can be easily integrated with found objects as well as materials and techniques of your choice, allowing for maximum play and exploration. Fabricate functional, sculptural, conceptual, or whatever forms with a new medium.
Below is a portion of Ma's bio as written on her artist website:
"Born in the hot, sticky summer of the midwest, Agnes Ma is an Illinois native who relocated to the semi-arid state of Colorado in 2016. She received a BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her MFA in Metalwork, Jewelry Design, and Digital Fabrication as well as a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies from Northern Illinois University. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor in Foundations + Fine Arts at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design.
Agnes has exhibited across the United States and internationally, including at the Metal Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, and the IESA Gallery in Paris, France. She was the 2015-2016 Artist in Residence for Metalwork and Glass at Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago, a 2018 Artist-in-Residence at Yellowstone National Park, took part in the Arctic Circle Residency 2023 Spring Expedition, and a 2022-2024 Resident Artist at RedLine Contemporary Art Center. Her work combines traditional craft and modern methods of fabrication to examine the relationship between humans, their surrounding environment, and the complexity of existence."
Read more about Agnas Ma in her BIO.
ARTIST'S LECTURE
Thursday, April 17*
6 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Room 206
CHAIN PLA(Y): CREATING FUNKY FORMS WITH 3D PENS AND PLAY BIOPLASTIC
Friday, April 18*
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, Room 206
*Rescheduled to April 17– 18 due to illness.
Your Vote. Your Voice. ASCWI Spring 2025 Elections Coming Soon!
As Spring 2025 semester continues, students at College of Western Idaho (CWI) are gearing up for an important annual event: the Associated Students of College of Western Idaho (ASCWI) elections. This tradition gives students the opportunity to have a say in the leadership of their college and help shape the policies and programs that will affect their experience on campus.
This semester, CWI students will be encouraged to vote on the ASCWI President, Vice-President, and write-in candidates.
Spring 2025 Ballot
ASCWI President & Vice-President
- Rachel Hare
- Hailie-Dawn Adams
For more information on the candidates, visit ASCWI's Student Government Elections.
Students who wish to write in other students will also have the opportunity to nominate them by providing the student's full name and CWI email address.
Voting
Voting will begin on Friday, March 14, at 5 p.m. and will stay open until Thursday, March 20, at 11:59 p.m. More voting details will be sent through CWI student email closer to the polls opening. To vote in the student body election, you must be a student currently enrolled at the College.
Results
Election results are expected to be announced on Friday, March 21, at noon.
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Sitlaly Escamilla at sitlalyescamilla@cwi.edu.
Unlock New Skills at CWI’s 2025 Summer Camps
This summer, College of Western Idaho (CWI) is offering engaging and educational summer camps designed to provide high school students with hands-on learning experiences in technology, cybersecurity and more. With opportunities to build skills, connect with peers, and even earn college credit, these camps are a perfect way to make the most of the summer break.
CYBER ESCAPE ROOM
Step into an immersive cybersecurity challenge with CWI’s Cyber Escape Room. This unique experience is a beginner-level cyber escape room with puzzles and challenges using real-world cybersecurity techniques such as ciphers, cryptography, password cracking, and social engineering. Each session is limited to 10 people. Early registration is recommended to secure your spot.
Dates: May 2
Times: Three sessions available: 9 – 10 a.m., 10 – 11 a.m., 11 a.m. – noon
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Cost: FREE
Registration: Registration Open
CYBER SUMMER CAMP
Dive into the world of computing and cybersecurity at CWI’s Cyber Summer Camp. This week-long camp introduces students, grades 7 – 10, to computer hardware, operating systems, and the fundamentals of cybersecurity through interactive activities. Attendees will explore gamified cybersecurity education, learn about hackers and cybersecurity threats, and gain valuable hands-on experience.
Dates: June 23 – 27
Times: 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), Room 1425
Cost: $200/per student, grades 7 – 10 (scholarships available)
Registration: Register by Wednesday, June 18
SUMMER BRIDGE CAMP
CWI’s Summer Bridge Camp is a week-long enrichment and skills development program designed for current 11th-grade students interested in exploring careers in Computer Science/Engineering, Automotive/Manufacturing, and Health Sciences. Participants will engage in two classes each day, leadership development workshops, and off-campus industry tours tailored to their chosen field. The program also includes career preparation sessions, guest speaker presentations, and an empowerment workshop. Students will have the opportunity to connect with CWI faculty, staff, and peers through interactive activities and icebreakers. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation for off-campus visits will be provided.
Date: July 7 – 11
Time: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Cost: FREE
Registration: Register by Friday, May 16
7 Years: Nagel Foundation Continues Support for CWI Students
The Nagel Foundation has entered its seventh year as a critical community partner of College of Western Idaho (CWI), donating an additional $224,000 for student scholarships. Altogether, the Foundation’s investment in CWI students now totals $1,232,000 and has benefited over 275 recipients.
Faculty, administrators, and students met with Nagel Foundation representatives at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC) on March 12 for a luncheon and to express their gratitude.
The Nagel Foundation scholarship fund was established at the College in 2019 to keep the legacy of the Nagel Beverage Company alive by enriching and giving back to the community through education and service. The scholarships are awarded from the fund to second-year career and technical education students.
“The Nagel Foundation supports CWI and the students through scholarships,” said Nagel Vice President, Ryan Fornstrom. “We feel this is a good way to ease the financial burden on students wanting to better their lives and also help the community in providing a proficient workforce.”
Though unable to attend in person, CWI President Gordon Jones did share his gratitude. “All parts of this institution appreciate help from our community partners, specifically the Nagel Foundation, and it’s our goal to give back to that same community,” said Jones. “The investment in our students helps diffract the true cost of education and acts as a catalyst for generational change, allowing CWI alumni to increase their lifetime wage earnings and providing financial security and better opportunities for their families.”
Nagel Foundation scholarships are open to CWI students in the Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology, Welding and Metals Fabrication, Machine Tool Technology, Drafting Technology, Automotive Technology, Heavy-Duty Truck Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, and Cloud, Security, and System Administration programs.
Nominate an Emerging Scholar
The Emerging Scholars Committee is excited for the opportunity to select another group of Emerging Scholars! Faculty are encouraged to nominate students based on perseverance, innovative thinking, and professionalism both in and outside the classroom.
Students selected as an Emerging Scholars will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to be applied toward their tuition for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. Eligible students must plan to enroll in six or more credits for the 2025 – 2026 academic year in both fall and spring semesters and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Faculty are also able to nominate students from Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 semesters. Faculty may nominate up to five students per academic year. Dual Credit students cannot be nominated.
Nominations are then reviewed, and finalists are selected by the Emerging Scholars Committee. Up to four students will be awarded in each of the schools of instruction.
Nominations are due by Tuesday, April 1. Please consider nominating one of your students this semester!
For those with questions or in need of more information, please contact Brenda Fisher at brendafisher@cwi.edu.
