CWI News – November 15, 2024

Diane Bartlett, an Adjunct Professor in the Social Sciences Department at the College of Western Idaho (CWI), has been named Faculty of Distinction for October 2024. With three years of dedicated service, Diane has significantly impacted the CWI community through her teaching, commitment to accessible education, and genuine care for her students.

Diane teaches a range of courses, including Human Sexuality, Gender Studies, and Human Relations for Success. Her approach to education is rooted in her belief that teaching provides hope for the future and an opportunity to positively influence the community. “I teach because it is fun; it gives me hope for our future and the amazing contributions students will make in our community, country, and world,” she shared. Diane’s experience as a social worker and her dedication to mentorship have shaped her teaching style, allowing her to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

Her colleagues commend Diane’s unwavering dedication to CWI, noting her willingness to take on new courses and support her department’s needs. A faculty nominator expressed admiration for Diane’s openness and friendly nature, stating, “Diane is friendly and open, creating an energy that helps others feel welcome and important.” This positive energy extends to her students, who appreciate her interactive teaching style and the safe space she creates for open dialogue. One student remarked, “Diane helps communicate complex ideas and pushes us to research things we might not have considered.”

Diane’s background in social work and psychology is extensive, with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies and a Master of Science in Social Work. She has worked in various capacities including hospice care, oncology, and non-profit work for new parents — enriching her teaching with real-world perspectives. This experience also allows her to bring current professional insight and practical applications into the classroom. Diane has been particularly impactful in courses dealing with sensitive topics, where she fosters a “brave space” for students to share their experiences, leading to transformative class discussions and personal growth.

One of her proudest moments at CWI involved a student enrolled in her Human Sexuality course while serving as a Marine stationed in Russia. This experience highlighted the unique perspectives students bring to the classroom and Diane’s ability to create meaningful exchanges despite distance or cultural differences. “These profound opportunities in class discussions provide a space for learning, unlearning, and relearning what it means to be a human being in a diverse community,” said Bartlett.

Beyond her academic contributions, Bartlett is deeply rooted in her family and community. Originally from the San Francisco area, she grew up in California before pursuing her education in Texas. She now lives in Idaho close to her parents and children, who are embarking on their own career paths. Her two children are actively pursuing their dreams — her son is a French horn player and barista in Seattle, and her daughter works as a pediatric ICU nurse at a hospital in Boise. Bartlett finds joy in spending time with her miniature dachshund, Daisy Mae, and enjoys cultural activities such as attending the Boise Philharmonic and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

Bartlett’s recognition as the Faculty of Distinction for October 2024 underscores her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Her passion for teaching and her commitment to the well-being of her students make her an invaluable asset to the CWI community.

Ray Coon, the Plumbing Program Coordinator in Workforce Development at College of Western Idaho (CWI), has been named the Staff of the Month for September 2024. Ray’s dedication to student success, his innovative approach to teaching, and his commitment to the CWI community have made a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.

Nominated by Marc Swinney, Coon’s approach to teaching apprenticeships sets him apart as an educator. Swinney shared, “Ray is dedicated to student success, always thinking about innovative ways for plumbing apprentices to learn, not just the knowledge of the trade but also providing career and life advice that will serve them long after their apprenticeship is over.” Coon’s role extends beyond teaching; he has built a community-focused and supportive environment for the approximately 400 students in CWI’s Plumbing Program, achieving an impressive 94% completion rate.

In addition to his classroom success, Coon has created impactful partnerships with local plumbing suppliers, ensuring students who complete the program receive a tool bag and kit at Grad Fest. These tools are more than just equipment; they represent a milestone in each student’s career journey and demonstrate Coon’s commitment to setting them up for success. Additionally, he worked to develop a dedicated part-time teacher to lead the plumbing lab, integrating meaningful hands-on learning activities and inviting vendors for special presentations. His efforts to encourage student engagement include providing pizza as an incentive to participate, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment.

Coon's commitment to the College’s core values is evident in every aspect of his work. His dedication to the community shines through initiatives like hosting a plumbing lab project for a local Boy Scout troop, helping them earn badges and introducing them to the trades as a career path. Swinney noted, “Ray went above and beyond, displaying all the college’s core values, especially when he hosted the Boy Scouts. It shows his community-minded approach and respect for all students and colleagues.”

Beyond his passion for teaching, Coon has also led efforts in educational innovation. He spearheaded the development of skill-focused videos featuring Canyon County’s hydronic system, a resource that supports online students outside the service area and enhances the learning experience. These videos have the flexibility to benefit students in the HVAC program as well, demonstrating Coon’s vision of shared resources across programs.

Coon began his journey at CWI in 2012 as a part-time Plumbing instructor and took on the role of Plumbing Program Coordinator in 2022. His responsibilities include managing the Plumbing Apprenticeship classes, which run throughout the year, while still teaching the first-year apprentices each August through May. His love for teaching has remained constant, as he cherishes the opportunity to share his extensive knowledge from over 31 years in the plumbing industry.

Reflecting on his time at CWI, Coon emphasized that his coworkers are what make the college a fantastic place to work. “Hands DOWN it is because of my coworkers! They make coming to work worth the effort. The people I get to work with every day are AMAZING!” he shared. A memorable moment in his career was completing a Certified Program Planning class with a group of his colleagues, an experience he describes as “the most fun anyone could have in a one-week period.”

Coon’s dedication to CWI has allowed him to forge lasting relationships with students, some of whom still keep in touch years after completing the program. His commitment to teaching is rooted in his belief that the college offers students and the broader community invaluable opportunities. “Because of CWI, I have been able to have a larger impact on the plumbing industry in Idaho and those who attend our courses,” he said, proudly noting that CWI is “a National College” with graduates from as far away as Boston.

Outside of work, Coon has a love for Disney, movies, live theater, and attending the Caldwell Night Light parade with his family each December. He grew up in Duarte, California, and later moved to Idaho, where he has resided since 1988. Coon and his wife, Chris, have three children: Ray J, Chance, and Zoe. A lover of ghost stories, Coon and his sisters are currently gathering true Idaho ghost tales, with hopes of publishing a book in the future.

Coon’s dedication to his students, his innovative teaching approach, and his positive impact on the CWI community make him a well-deserving recipient of the Staff of the Month award for September 2024. Congratulations to Ray Coon for his outstanding contributions to the College!