CWI News – November 1, 2024

Talon Smith, an Academic Advisor in the Dual Credit department, has been named the Staff of the Month for August 2024. Talon’s dedication, enthusiasm, and positive approach to both his colleagues and students have made him an exceptional member of the College of Western Idaho (CWI) community.

Talon’s journey with CWI began in One Stop Student Services, where he quickly became known for his empathy and his ability to connect with students. Now serving as a Dual Credit Advisor, Talon’s commitment to helping students succeed is evident in every interaction. His nominator shared, “Talon is engaged in the creative process of what it truly means to be educated and brings a level of intellectualism to his role that is uncommon in the best way. He is a kind and positive presence, always striving to see the potential in others.” Talon’s passion for education goes beyond simply doing a job; he is deeply invested in the success of the students he advises.

In addition to his advising role, Talon also serves as one of CWI’s Staff Senators, where he brings a thoughtful approach to making positive changes for all staff members. His ability to connect with others and his dedication to upholding the College’s values make him a standout leader. As his nominator emphasized, “Talon knows the benefit this College provides, and he upholds those values in all his work.”

Talon’s impact on students is profound. A colleague who has worked closely with him noted, “Talon brought nothing but positive vibes to the Dual Credit department. He takes CWI’s model of helping one student at a time very seriously and listens to students, providing them with the resources and advice they need to achieve their goals.” Talon’s approachable demeanor and his willingness to go the extra mile for students and colleagues alike have made him a valued team player.

Having been with CWI for a little over a year and a half in his current position, Talon advises a wide range of students — whether they are seeking an academic credential, exploring future opportunities, or simply pursuing their interests. He is also involved in outreach and student advocacy, helping to demystify the college experience and providing support to ensure his team’s success. Prior to this role, Talon worked as a proud member of One Stop, a time he fondly remembers as a pivotal moment in his career.

Talon’s educational background is in music, with a BA in Music from Southern Oregon University and a Master of Music in Performance from the University of Oregon. His passion for music continues to be a significant part of his life, having performed with the Boise Philharmonic and other orchestras. He draws on this creative experience to bring a fresh perspective to his work in higher education, where he continues to inspire students to reach their full potential.

When reflecting on his experience at CWI, Talon highlighted the camaraderie and teamwork that make the College a great place to work. “The teamwork and camaraderie are infectious, and we all share the same goal of empowering our students and community,” he said. As a first-generation college student, Talon understands the importance of the support systems in place at CWI and is honored to be a part of that network for current students.

Talon’s personal life is just as vibrant as his professional one. He grew up in Medford, Oregon, and now lives in Boise with his wife, their three black cats, and a black Pomeranian named Fester. Talon is always looking to learn something new, whether it’s playing the trombone, guitar, or chanter (in preparation for bagpipes), or enjoying hobbies like gardening, skateboarding, and golfing.

Talon’s dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to student success make him a deserving recipient of the Staff of the Month award for August 2024. Congratulations to Talon Smith for his outstanding contributions to the College of Western Idaho!

There’s a new commercial truck parked in the Heavy-Duty Truck Technician garage at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC). College of Western Idaho (CWI) received a generous donation from the Daimler Corporation by way of a 2018 Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck.

A leader in the automotive industry, Daimler Truck North America’s (DTNA) gift will provide a boost to the education and training of future diesel mechanics. Equipped with a full aero package and a cutting-edge battery-powered HVAC system, this advanced vehicle will provide students with invaluable hands-on experience working with state-of-the-art technology.

The donated Freightliner Cascadia is a prime example of modern commercial truck design, featuring a sleek aerodynamic profile and innovative features. Students with access to this type of vehicle will gain skills and knowledge about the latest advancements in truck technology, including advanced driver assistance systems, emissions control systems, and alternative fuel options.

"We are incredibly grateful to Daimler for their generous donation," said program instructor Ryan Cullison. "This Freightliner will be a huge asset for our program, but especially for the students as they become familiar with systems they’ll need to know about on the job."

CWI's Heavy-Duty Truck Technician program provides students with the comprehensive training and education necessary to excel in the field of diesel mechanics. Through partnerships with industry leaders like DTNA, CWI can offer students real-world opportunities and enhance their career prospects.

To learn more about servicing this and other heavy-duty trucks, explore our program page.

Heavy-Duty Truck Technician

College of Western Idaho (CWI) has received a significant boost in its mission to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Jodi Hickenlooper, Assistant Director of CWI's Counseling and Wellness Services, has been awarded a three-year federal grant totaling $306,000. The grant will fund an additional licensed counselor to increase mental health support as well as suicide prevention services on the college campus.

Named the Garret Lee Smith Campus Suicide Prevention Grant, it is awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant's goal is to promote a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to enhance mental health services for all students, particularly those at risk for suicide, depression, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders. It also seeks to prevent mental and substance use disorders, promote help-seeking behavior, and reduce negative public attitudes. Lastly, the grant aims to improve the identification and treatment of at-risk students, enabling them to complete their studies. 

Counseling and Wellness Services applied for the grant to augment their capacity to improve mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services for their students. A significant part of their planned implementation involves hiring an additional mental health counselor to directly serve students and coordinate program initiatives.

Under the grant, the focus will be on supporting low-income, first-generation students and other high-risk groups like veterans. Some of the grant goals include the creation of a Care Council — a body that includes community stakeholders to address the need for coordination and community linkages. They also aim to increase help-seeking behavior among CWI students through outreach and training, promote social connectedness, and maintain ongoing data collection to identify student needs and guide future mental health initiatives.

In winning the grant, CWI was ably supported by the team at McAllister & Quinn. The team played a crucial role in keeping the grant application process on schedule, gathering required data, meeting all the grant requirements, and writing the project narrative. Their guidance ensured that CWI had a strong application.

Thanks to this federal grant, CWI stands to make significant strides in enhancing mental health and suicide prevention efforts on its campus, contributing to a safer, healthier college community.

For any questions, please contact Counseling and Wellness Services at counselor@cwi.edu or 208.562.2200.