CWI News – November 8, 2024
President's Message
Greetings CWI Faculty and Staff,
I want to extend my congratulations to our recently re-elected board members, who will continue to guide CWI in our mission to serve students and our community. It’s a privilege to work with such a dedicated group of Trustees who truly embody and embrace the College’s mission. You can read more about our Board of Trustees and their passion for serving students and our community on CWI’s newsroom (story link).
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with our Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) students. Their passion for learning and dedication to leadership is truly inspiring, and I am so proud of the outstanding work they are doing to represent our college. CWI’s PTK chapter has consistently earned recognition for excellence, including awards for leadership, academic achievement, and community service. These students continue to exemplify the values of PTK and our college, making a positive impact on campus and beyond.
On Monday, we will come together to honor our veterans with a series of special events across campus on Veterans Day. This will include a Presentation of Colors by NNU ROTC Color Guard at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) at 8:30 a.m. Visit CWI’s website to learn more about the events to recognize and thank our veterans for their service and dedication to our nation.
Thank you all for your hard work to make CWI a place of support, growth, and empowerment for our students!
CWI in the News
Twin Falls Times-News: Idaho Gained Nurses. But Not Enough to Deal with Retirements and Population Boom
WalletHub: Best & Worst Places for Veterans to Live (2024)
News Highlights
East Opportunity Drive Closure: Nov. 11 – 12
As part of the Student Success Center construction, College of Western Idaho (CWI) will be closing East Opportunity Drive on Monday, Nov. 11, and Tuesday, Nov. 12.
You will be able to access the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) via a detour to the north, which will be marked with signs. All parking lots will remain open during this time. Valley Regional Transit (VRT) bus service will continue using the current bus stop.
The image provides a visual for the section of East Opportunity Drive that will be closed.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Facilities Planning and Management at 208.562.2354.
Visit CWI’s website to learn more about ongoing campus development projects.
Incumbent Trustees Secure Reelection at College of Western Idaho
College of Western Idaho (CWI) operates under the guidance of a five-member Board of Trustees; the future of four of these positions was decided on Election Day, Nov. 5. After a comprehensive tally of all district votes, the four incumbent Trustees who ran for reelection have successfully secured their places for another term. These are:
- Vice Chair Cherie Buckner-Webb – Zone 5 (4-year term)
- Trustee Nicole Bradshaw – Zone 1 (4-year term)
- Trustee Jim Reames – Zone 3 (4-year term)
- Trustee Gary Smith – Zone 4 (2-year term)
While no individual trustee is responsible for the overall governance of CWI, each trustee, acting as a member of the Board, is essential to the College and serves the best interests of the CWI student body, employees, and surrounding community members.
Their oversight includes critical initiatives that are central to the long-term expansion and growth of both the College and Idaho. These encompass:
- Campus development projects including the under-construction Health Sciences, Agriculture-Horticulture, and Student Success buildings.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Business Administration.
- Fostering business partnerships and collaborating with employers to support education that works.
- Championing students through the enrollment process and providing wrap-around services to promote their success.
The dedicated efforts of all five Trustees and their commitment to CWI’s mission is evidenced by a 9% increase in year-over-year enrollment for the 2024 Fall term. Congratulations to Vice Chair Buckner-Webb and Trustees Bradshaw, Reames, and Smith!
Additional information about the CWI Board of Trustees is available on the College's website.
2024 Veterans Day Activities at CWI
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to announce a series of events to honor veterans and military families on Veterans Day and beyond. These events are designed to recognize the sacrifices of those who have served our country.
Veterans Day Ceremony
Monday, Nov. 11
8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Room 102
Event Highlights
- Master of Ceremony, Blaine Sellman, Welding and Metals Fabrication
- Presentation of Colors by NNU ROTC Color Guard
- Speeches by the following Veterans:
- John Russ, Work-Based Learning Center
- Robert Ware, Heavy Equipment Technician
- Issac Belden, Veterans Entrepreneur Alliance
- Refreshments provided by local veteran-owned businesses, Hudson Bakery and Zero Dark Thirty Coffee
Veteran Appreciation Career Fair
Monday, Nov. 11
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), 2nd floor
Event Highlights
- Networking opportunities with employers and local non-profit organizations
- Free lunch provided by the Veteran Owned Extreme Pizza of Melba
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Information Session
Tuesday, Nov. 12
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), Room 234
Event Highlights
- One-on-one consultations with DAV representatives
- Lunch provided
Richard Pimentel Presentation
Wednesday, Nov. 13
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by additional networking until 2:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building, 2nd floor Atrium
Event Highlights
- Inspirational talk by Vietnam Veteran and disability rights advocate Richard Pimentel
For more information, please contact Shannon Kerr at shannonkerr@cwi.edu.
SCORE Big with CWI Nights and Idaho Steelheads Hockey
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner with Idaho Steelheads for CWI Nights in the 2024-2025 Season!
Students, alumni, employees, family, friends, and members of the CWI community are all invited to attend each CWI Night at a discounted price of $20, which, in addition to a seat, will include a meal voucher for a Double R Ranch Hot Dog, chips, and a small drink. Five dollars of each CWI group ticket sold for a CWI Night goes directly back to the SCORE Big Scholarship fund.
Plus, representatives from CWI will host a table on the concourse to enter current and future students in a drawing for a chance to win a $1,000 SCORE Big scholarship or CWI hockey jersey — awarded that night on the ice!
CWI Nights at the Idaho Steelheads
(Click the date to purchase tickets for that game.)
Nov. 13 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Rapid City Rush
Dec. 11 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Tulsa Oilers
Jan. 8 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Florida Everblades
Feb. 5 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Rapid City Rush
March 19 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Allen Americans
All games start at 7 p.m.
Idaho Central Arena
Get Discounted Tickets
The fun doesn’t stop at CWI Nights! Through the partnership, CWI also offers a limited amount of discounted ticket price of $18 to all Steelheads home games for the 2024-2025 season.
Tickets must be placed at least 24 hours prior to the event or subject to availability.
Stay tuned for future announcements to learn how students and employees may be able to win free tickets to upcoming games through involvement at campus activities and registration events.
Plus, the CWI community can check out an Idaho Steelheads game in Otter fashion and school spirit with college-branded clothes — available online or at the CWI Bookstore located at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC).
For those with questions or in need of more information, contact communications@cwi.edu.
Fisher Selected as September 2024 Faculty of Distinction
Mike Fisher, an Assistant Professor in the Physical Sciences Department at the College of Western Idaho (CWI), has been awarded Faculty of Distinction for September 2024. With a decade of dedication to CWI, Fisher’s teaching approach, genuine care for students, and commitment to academic growth have left a lasting impact on the college community.
In his role at CWI, Fisher teaches General Chemistry for the first and second semesters, along with their accompanying labs. His teaching philosophy is built around the idea of a “unique symbiosis” in education. “The learning and growth belong to a student. Teachers, however, borrow some of the excitement each time a student learns. It is sustaining,” said Fisher. His passion for chemistry and education is reflected in the positive feedback from students who deeply value his approachable and encouraging nature.
Fisher’s academic and professional background includes work as a lab chemist and a secondary school teacher, providing him with a solid foundation to make challenging material accessible and engaging. He goes beyond traditional teaching methods by focusing on hands-on learning and engagement, a practice students appreciate. As one student, Kyle Neu, noted, “Mike always encourages me and reassures me that I’ll be fine, which has helped me manage my stress and workload. His reassurance has helped me believe in myself, even on tough days.”
Fisher’s impact extends beyond individual classes; he is recognized for fostering a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment. A nominator, Abby Wolford, commended him for his humility and efforts to amplify underrepresented voices in his course materials through Open Educational Resources (OER). “He embodies so many of the values we have as an institution — affordable texts, more voices, and working with an embedded tutor to help students succeed,” said Wolford.
Students repeatedly highlighted Fisher’s patience, clarity, and ability to connect complex concepts, making chemistry less intimidating. One student expressed, “Professor Fisher explains the subject material in a way that even a child could understand. He’s made me realize that chemistry doesn’t need to be as hard as it seems and that it’s okay to fail but to try anyway.” Known for his compassionate teaching style, Fisher avoids traditional lecture formats, opting instead to engage students by writing on the whiteboard and encouraging questions. His positive reinforcement has empowered many students who once doubted their abilities in challenging subjects like chemistry.
Fisher appreciates the supportive community at CWI, where the exchange of ideas among faculty enriches the academic environment. Reflecting on his time at CWI, he recalled discovering a Flamenco dance and music performance on campus, an experience he found “edifying.” For Fisher, CWI’s culture fosters not only student growth but also collaboration and learning among colleagues.
Outside of his professional life, Fisher is dedicated to his family. He and his wife, Maria, have five children aged 9, 7, 4, and twins who are 3. In his spare time, he enjoys biking during the summer and spending quality time with his family.
Fisher’s recognition as Faculty of Distinction for September 2024 honors his tireless commitment to his students and the academic community at CWI. His approachable, student-centered teaching style and deep empathy make him a valuable asset to the college, inspiring students and colleagues alike.
*Photo provided by Mike Fisher.
CWI’s Entrepreneur Lab Ignites Innovation in October
College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Entrepreneur Lab experienced a month of innovation, inspiration, and growth in October thanks to the incredible participation of students, mentors, and community supporters. Here is a look at the memorable highlights.
Entrepreneur Lab Kick Off Event
The Entrepreneur Lab Kickoff Event was a success. This new space is now open to provide resources, workshops, and mentorship to entrepreneurs at all stages.
Boise Entrepreneur Week
The Entrepreneur Lab proudly collaborated on Boise Entrepreneur Week, focusing on the Innovation Youth Challenge. Staff from the College worked alongside event organizers to inspire and motivate young innovators, providing valuable insights and encouragement to the next generation of entrepreneurs.
First Steps with Nick Boban
The Entrepreneur Lab welcomed Nick Boban from Craft Lounge as a guest speaker. Boban shared his personal journey of entrepreneurship, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business. Students and attendees asked insightful questions and enjoyed pizza. During the event, a $250 prize was given to a new entrepreneur for his innovative food truck business idea!
Business Basics Workshop
CWI’s Vice President of Marketing, Emily Tetz, delivered a dynamic session on branding and marketing strategies filling the room to capacity with students from Elevate Academy, alongside CWI’s Career and Technical Education programs. Students continue to share how impactfull and practical they found the session.
October Cohorts
The Entrepreneur Lab ran two successful cohorts in October, led by Director Kenton Lee:
- Next Level Accelerator: An 8-week program for entrepreneurs with established businesses, focused on refining business models and implementing growth strategies.
- Idea Set Go: A 4-week program designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, helping participants navigate ideation, market research, and customer validation.
Both programs offered targeted support for participants at different stages, making it a productive month for all involved.
Whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or just starting out, the Entrepreneur Lab is here to help you on your journey. Visit the lab anytime in room 100-B at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center to chat, ask questions, or learn more about upcoming events.
Stay up to date on future events, workshops, and resources by subscribing to the Entrepreneur Lab’s monthly newsletter.
We look forward to seeing you and helping you grow ideas!
Newly Donated Semi-Truck Levels Up the Heavy-Duty Truck Technician Program
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.
NASA Astronaut Drops in to Inspire Students
NASA Astronaut (Retired) Barbara Morgan visited the College of Western Idaho (CWI) on Oct. 23, to speak with students in the Astronomy Club and Chemistry Club. In 2007, the former teacher was part of the crew on STS-118 Space Shuttle mission on the Endeavour and spent time working onboard the International Space Station.
Morgan had an intimate conversation with students answering many questions about her experiences in space, on the shuttle, and on the space station. She also spoke highly of the education available through school like CWI, "Community colleges are the cornerstone of higher education and our democracy. There is no better place to find great teaching," said Morgan. She also encouraged students in pursuit of their own goals, “I am proud of the CWI students and what a treat it was for me to get to engage with them."
Prior to becoming a NASA astronaut, Morgan taught second, third, and fourth graders at McCall Donnelly Elementary School in McCall, Idaho from 1979 to 1998. That school now bears her name.
During that time, she also participated in the Teacher in Space program as backup to Christa McAuliffe for the 1986 ill-fated mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The visit was also made more special as one of Morgan's former 3rd graders, Justin Vance, now Dean of CWI's School of Arts and Humanities, was able to attend and the two were able to reconnect. Vance likes to joke that "half the things he knows he learned in 3rd grade" which he says is not far from the truth because Morgan was such an amazing and inspiring teacher.
Christina Whitmore and Emily McIntier are the Faculty Advisors for the Chemistry Club and Stephanie Sevigny is the Faculty Advisor for the Astronomy Club. Kae Jensen, Dean, Science Technology and Math said of the occasion, “I am so excited when we can pair such strong community leaders with our CWI students. I offer my thanks to Barbara Morgan and the faculty who coordinated this event for making it possible.”
Ordering Promo Items Just Got Easier
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Marketing department is working to empower departments to reach out directly to vendors for promotional item orders. To help uphold the College's brand, and allow departments to collaborate with vendors more easily, Marketing has created the CWI Logo Usage Guide for Vendors along with a useful list of approved those companies that CWI works with. All this information can be found for ongoing reference under Employee Resources > Communications & Marketing on my.cwi.edu.
PLEASE NOTE:
- As a standard practice, Marketing works directly with vendors regarding the sending and use of CWI logo files and does not share these design files internally.
- Marketing will still need to be involved in the review and approval process for items requested by departments (see more details on the order workflow in the Usage Guide).
- At this time, this guide is exclusive to our Institutional brand. Coming soon will be a supplemental guide for our new mascot, the Otter. If you want to include the Otter before Marketing sends the guide and assets to vendors, you will need provide details about the item (color, imprint size, imprint colors, etc.) to Marketing in order to send the vendor appropriate file(s).
Don't hesitate to reach out to communications@cwi.edu if you have any questions.
