CWI News – Oct. 17, 2025
In the Spotlight
CWI Law Enforcement students took to the track at Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in Meridian earlier this week to practice advanced driving techniques. From reverse cone drills to high-speed braking and evasive turns, the training helped build confidence and precision behind the wheel.
News Highlights
Ford Idaho Center Conveyance
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday, Dec. 4, to approve the conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center to the College.
Under CWI’s stewardship, the Ford Idaho Center property, which is 90 acres and includes an arena, amphitheater, and horse park, will continue to host public events such as concerts and rodeos, while expanding academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“This is a transformational opportunity for our students and our community,” said CWI Board Chair Jim Reames. “Since the City first approached us late in 2024, we've been doing due diligence leading up to public outreach over the past five months, and this is the result of that work. By bringing the Ford Idaho Center into CWI’s Nampa Campus, we can preserve a beloved community venue while also creating new pathways for education, careers, and economic growth for generations to come.”
This conveyance ensures the Ford Idaho Center remains an accessible, vibrant public asset for generations, with future improvements and expanded resources for the community supported through public-private partnerships, CWI Foundation support, and other strategic partnerships.
“The conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center represents an exciting step forward that will create new opportunities for our students and strengthen our connection with the community we serve,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “I am grateful to Mayor Debbie Kling and the Nampa City Council for their leadership and partnership in conveying the Ford Idaho Center to the College.”
Past Updates
Dec. 2, 2025
On Dec. 1, the Nampa City Council voted to convey the Ford Idaho Center to CWI. This marks the second approval after the city identified a title irregularity and an unrecorded deed dating back more than 20 years following the previous vote. The next step in conveyance is approval from the CWI Board of Trustees to accept the property and approve the associated agreements.
Under CWI’s stewardship, the Ford Idaho Center property and venues will continue to host public events like concerts and rodeos, while tapping into potential academic programs and applied learning opportunities for students. This transition ensures the center remains an accessible, vibrant community asset for generations to come.
CWI has plans for fundraising, public-private partnerships, and other funding sources to support the Ford Idaho Center, with no planned increases in tuition or property taxes.
Overview
Several key factors are driving CWI's consideration of the Ford Idaho Center conveyance:
- Growth Opportunity
- Currently serving more than 31,000 students, this is an opportunity for future growth for CWI, as well as Nampa and the entire region.
- CWI will be positioned to serve the growing population and unlock the full potential of the Ford Idaho Center.
- Idaho Higher Education Peers & CWI
- Today, six of the eight public higher education institutions in Idaho (colleges and universities) currently own similar venues on their campuses.
- Compared to peer institutions with similar numbers of students served, CWI’s campus has a much smaller footprint measured in acres; this conveyance will expand the campus footprint.
- Forward Planning
- This conveyance will double the size of CWI's Nampa Campus and ensure adequate space for compatible growth around the College for generations to come.
- CWI will continue to strengthen its partnership with the Nampa community through hosting cultural activities, sporting events, and community gatherings while seeking new opportunities for growth and engagement.
Future Vision
CWI’s vision is to activate the Ford Idaho Center as a hub for education, applied learning, and community life. Plans include:
- Expanded Academic Offerings
- Launch of new programs, potentially in areas such as event and venue management, early childhood education, and agriculture.
- Enhanced Hands-On Learning
- Internships and jobs for students with on-site businesses and events.
- Growth of Recreational & Athletic Opportunities
- Development of recreational, competitive, and community sports.
- Increased Community Services
- Exploration of new amenities such as a healthcare facility, athletics recreation center, and other amenities for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How will this impact CWI’s current operations?
- CWI will continue to partner with Oak View Group who currently operates the Ford Idaho Center. This allows the College to effectively outsource the operations of the facility, minimizing the impact on the College’s day-to-day operations.
- How will CWI fund improvements to the Ford Idaho Center?
- CWI will leverage various funding sources such as philanthropic funds, revenue generated through public-private partnerships, and other sources available to the Ford Idaho Center for improvements.
- Will CWI sell the property?
- No, CWI will be contractually barred from selling the property without the consent of the City of Nampa.
- Will the Ford Idaho Center remain available for public events?
- Yes, public events such as the Snake River Stampede, concerts, and horse events will continue at the Ford Idaho Center as they have in the past under the management of Oak View Group.
- Didn’t the Nampa City Council vote to convey the Ford Idaho Center in October?
- Yes, the Nampa City Council originally approved the conveyance on Oct. 6, 2025. A second vote was required after city officials discovered a title irregularity and an unrecorded deed dating back more than 20 years. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure transparency, the council held a new public hearing and took a new vote on Dec. 1, again approving the conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center.
College of Western Idaho Awarded $862K National Science Foundation Grant for Mining Technician Program
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has been awarded its first-ever National Science Foundation (NSF) grant. The $862,435 award, provided through NSF’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, will help fund the new Associate of Science in Mining Technician degree, the first program of its kind in the region.
“This award is a source of pride for CWI and our students,” said CWI President Gordon Jones. “This project gives our students the opportunity for hands-on learning and experience with state of the industry mining equipment, ultimately helping them gain the skills Idaho employers need. It’s a win for our students and for our communities.”
The three-year project, Developing Innovative Geotechnical Instruction and Training (DIG-IT), will prepare students for in-demand careers in modern mining and geosciences. Students will learn to use advanced mining and surveying technologies such as ground penetrating radar, lidar, and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). They will also gain hands-on experience through coursework, fieldwork, and paid internships with Idaho mining employers. Graduates will be prepared to complete Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) certification, creating direct pathways to technician-level jobs.
Over the life of the grant, CWI expects to enroll three student cohorts, serving up to 60 students. Faculty will also receive specialized training from industry experts to support the program in meeting evolving workforce needs. A new Mining Industry Technical Advisory Committee will guide program development and maintain strong ties between education and employment.
“Receiving an NSF grant is a significant milestone for any institution, and especially for a community college like CWI,” said CWI Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Denise Aberle-Cannata. “This rare achievement validates our innovative approach to geotechnical instruction and positions CWI as a leader in this field.”
Nationally, only one in four NSF proposals are funded, and most awards go to research universities. CWI’s selection is especially notable for a community college and highlights the strength of its faculty as well as the College’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education that meets Idaho employers’ needs.
The proposal development began in 2023 with principal investigators, Associate Professor of Geosciences, Ander Sundell, and Department Chair of Geosciences, Paul Stahmann.
“With this award, we can equip students with the knowledge, training, and experience to build a pipeline of skilled mining technicians who are ready to contribute immediately to Idaho’s growing mining industry,” said Sundell. “It’s not every day a community college gets an opportunity like this. It really shows the strength of our program and how we’re building clear pathways to meaningful employment at an incredible value.”
This grant announcement comes in conjunction with CWI’s partnership with Perpetua Resources to establish the $250,000 Stibnite Launch Scholarship. The scholarship will support at least 12 Mining Technician and Geosciences students annually for the next three years, with funding expected to continue beyond.
The NSF’s Advanced Technological Education program focuses on educating technicians in high-tech fields vital to the nation’s economy. Since its founding in 1993, ATE has supported two-year community and technical colleges as leaders in preparing the U.S. technician workforce.
CWI's Mining Technician degree launched in Fall 2025. Students interested in joining the next cohort can register for Spring 2026 classes beginning Nov. 3. Learn more about CWI’s Mining Technician program.
Mother of Four Fulfills Lifelong Dream at CWI
In The Spotlight: Jen Campbell
For years, Jen Campbell dreamed of going to college. But as a busy mom raising four children and running a small business, her goal had to wait.
“One of my dreams was to graduate from college,” Campbell said. “It had been something I put on the backburner.”
It wasn’t until her triplet sons began applying to colleges that she felt a spark reignite. Helping them navigate applications and financial aid inspired her to finally take action on her own dream.
Now a General Studies major at College of Western Idaho (CWI), Campbell is thriving as she takes on the challenge of balancing school, work, and family life. Living in McCall, she commutes two hours each way to attend classes in person.
Her decision to pursue General Studies came down to flexibility. Campbell wanted a foundation that would allow her to complete her associate degree and then transfer on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Project Management with a focus on Public Health.
Working at Natural Grocers, Campbell has long been passionate about organic food, regenerative agriculture, and nutrition — interests she hopes to integrate into her future career.
“The classes I’ve taken at CWI have really helped me develop those passions,” she said. “I feel like I’m a more well-rounded, interesting person because I’m investing in my education.”
While the long commute and busy schedule might deter some, Campbell said this journey has shown her just how strong she is.
“Going through this process has taught me that I can do hard things,” she said. “I can work, I can still be a mom, I can travel to get to where I need to be, and I can challenge myself.”
One key factor that has made her education possible is the scholarship support she received from the CWI Foundation.
“Because I didn’t have to worry about the cost of gas, I knew that I could afford to come down here to have those classes in person and have a better educational experience,” Campbell said.
Campbell hopes donors understand just how much their generosity means to students like her.
“It might not seem like a big deal, or maybe it’s a great tax incentive, but really you’re helping my dreams come true,” Campbell said. “You’re helping a person, and you’re helping me fulfill my dreams and one of my goals of graduating from college.”
Join us in supporting CWI students, visit cwi.edu/give to learn more and donate today.
Gould Named Idaho GEM Innovative Educator of the Year
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to celebrate Philosophy Adjunct Faculty member, Sean Gould, who has been named Idaho’s 2025 GEM Innovative Educator of the Year in Artistic and Humanistic Ways of Knowing. This top honor from the Idaho State Board of Education recognizes faculty who bring general education to life for non-majors, helping students build lasting skills through creative, engaging instruction.
Gould’s work stands out statewide for his innovative approach to teaching philosophy, his dedication to student growth, and his commitment to access and equity through open educational practices.
Teaching philosophy to non-majors can be a challenge, but Gould makes it meaningful and approachable. In his Introduction to Philosophy (PHIL 101) course, he encourages students to explore questions about existence, identity, ethics, and society while learning to apply philosophical inquiry to their own lives and future careers.
“Philosophy is like whitewater rafting or snowboarding,” Gould said. “There’s exploration, but it’s grounded in skills and structure. My role is to guide students safely through that journey, to help them reflect, grow, and take these tools with them long after the class ends.”
Drawing on his years as a raft guide and snowboard instructor, Gould uses real-world analogies to make abstract ideas relatable. Through scaffolded writing assignments, personalized video feedback, and active reflection, students learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and reason ethically.
Gould’s course design helps students develop the kind of durable skills that carry far beyond college. His four-part essay sequence in PHIL 101 is structured much like a ski lesson: warm-up, introduce skill, refine, and cool down. Each essay builds on the last, beginning with personal reflection, then expanding to research, analysis, and ethical reasoning. By the end of the term, students not only understand philosophical ideas, but also learn to think more deeply and intentionally about the world around them.
What sets Gould’s teaching apart is his focus on connection and reflection. Assignments invite students to relate course concepts to their own worldviews, experiences, and goals. His classes emphasize personal reflection, engagement with primary sources, and the ability to construct and evaluate arguments while applying ethical reasoning to real-life scenarios.
“His extensive feedback, often delivered through individualized video messages and detailed written notes, goes far beyond typical online instruction,” said Department Chair of Integrated Studies, Joel Gladd. “Students regularly comment on how seen, supported, and intellectually challenged they feel in his courses.”
Gould’s commitment to educational access is another reason he stood out for this award. He integrates open educational resources (OER) across all his courses and was named a 2022 OPAL Fellow by the Idaho State Board of Education for his leadership in open education. He has authored and revised OER textbooks for courses including Introduction to Logic and World Religions and collaborates with faculty statewide to expand access to high-quality, no-cost learning materials. By eliminating textbook costs in every class he teaches, Gould ensures all students, regardless of income or background, have access to course materials from day one.
In addition to his teaching, Gould has made significant contributions to general education curriculum and leadership at both the institutional and statewide levels. He has volunteered time to align philosophy course outcomes with statewide GEM standards, supported assessment and program revision for general education at CWI, and mentored other faculty through shared resources and assignment design. He also serves in Idaho’s humanities community as a board member of McCall Arts and Humanities.
“I’ve fallen, swum, and struggled,” Gould said. “That personal familiarity with failure helps me support students through their own. In the classroom, just like on a river, we need each other for safety, fun, and learning.”
The Idaho GEM Innovative Educator Awards celebrate faculty who transform general education. Gould was honored at the statewide GEM Summit on October 9 in Pocatello, where he presented his innovative practices to educators from across Idaho.
CWI congratulates Gould on this well-deserved recognition!
CWI Nights Return — SCORE Big with Idaho Steelheads Hockey
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is proud to partner once again with Idaho Steelheads for CWI Nights during the 2025-2026 Season!
Students, alumni, employees, families, and friends are invited to join the CWI community at the arena for an evening of hockey, school spirit, and scholarship support. For just $25.44, fans will receive admission to the game along with a meal voucher for a Double R Ranch hot dog, chips, and a small drink. Even better, $5 from every CWI Night ticket goes directly back to the SCORE Big Scholarship Fund, helping students achieve their goals.
Each CWI Night will also feature opportunities for students to win big. CWI’s outreach team will be hosting a table on the concourse where current and future students can enter to win a $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship, awarded during the second intermission right down on the ice. One lucky winner will also walk away with a CWI hockey jersey making the evening even more memorable.
CWI Nights
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Oct. 29 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Tahoe Knight Monsters
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Dec. 3 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Trois-Rivières Lions
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Feb. 4 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Greenville Swamp Rabbits
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Feb. 25 – Idaho Steelheads vs. Wichita Thunder
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March 25 – Idaho Steelheads vs. South Carolina Stingrays
Games begin at 7 p.m. at Idaho Central Arena.
Discounted Tickets
The fun doesn't stop at CWI Nights! Discounted tickets are available to the CWI community for all Steelheads home games during the 2025-2026 season for just $18. Tickets must be purchased at least 24 hours prior to the event and are 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. Be sure to show up at the games in Otter fashion and school spirit with college-branded clothing — available at the CWI Bookstore online or in person at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC).
Contact communications@cwi.edu with questions or for more information.
Celebrate Life and Remembrance at Día de los Muertos
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Engagement on Wednesday, Oct. 29, for a Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge, Room 122. Come together as a community to honor life and remember loved ones through an afternoon of culture, creativity, and connection.
Enjoy a workshop exploring the history and significance of Día de los Muertos, followed by an interactive craft activity, photo booth, and delicious tamales and pan dulce. Whether you are familiar with the tradition or learning about it for the first time, this event offers an inclusive and engaging way to celebrate.
Día de los Muertos Celebration
Wednesday, Oct. 29
1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge, Room 122
Oct. 24 – Nov. 3
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) Student Lounge, Room 122
For more information about the Día de los Muertos Celebration, please contact Jeanette Orozco at jeanetteorozco@cwi.edu.
Join the Frightful Festivities at ASCWI’s 2025 Trunk-or-Treat
Associated Student of College of Western Idaho's (ASCWI) Trunk or Treat is back and better than ever! Join us on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 5 – 7 p.m. in the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) east parking lot for a fun and family-friendly evening of trick-or-treating, games, and more.
This year, we'll have even more decorated cars, more candy, and more fun! Come dressed in your best costume and trick-or-treat from the trunks of decorated cars. There will be fun, games for all ages, music, and food from Classic Guac & Roll!
This is a great opportunity for the community of College of Western Idaho (CWI) to come together and celebrate. We encourage all students, faculty, staff, and their families to come out and have a good time!
ASCWI Trunk-or-Treat
Thursday, Oct. 30
5 – 7 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east parking lot
Interested in hosting a trunk or table?
CWI clubs and organizations along with CWI departments and offices are invited to register to host a trunk or table at the event. Registration is limited and will close no later than Oct. 29 (earlier if full).
For more information about CWI’s Trunk or Treat, please contact ASCWI at ascwi@cwi.edu.
Honoring the First-Gen Journey
Are you a first-generation college student? Join us for the First-Generation Awareness Day Event, celebrating students who are the first in their families to attend college, where neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree. This event is open to everyone, whether you identify as first-generation or not.
Come hear the stories of current students, graduates, faculty, and staff as they share their experiences, challenges, and achievements as a first-generation student. Enjoy food, connect with others, and discover resources to support your own journey to success. Why celebrate in November?
Thursday, Nov. 6
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Nampa Campus in the Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge – Room 122
CWI Employees: Get Your FREE First-Gen Shirt!
In conjunction with the Nov. 6 event, CWI employees have the opportunity to get a free First-Gen shirt to wear Nov. 4 – 6 at your place of work. Help CWI raise awareness and celebrate First-Generation college students this year.
Click here to learn more and request a shirt while supplies last.
Student Engagement Helps CWI Start Fall Strong
As the vibrant energy of a new academic year fills the halls, Fall 2025 was off to a phenomenal start at College of Western Idaho (CWI). Lead by Office of Student Engagement’s five-week plan, the semester’s success reflects campus-wide teamwork and the enthusiasm of staff who went above and beyond to help students start strong.
Student Engagement led the design of early-semester programming, but it was the shared commitment, time, and effort from teams across the College that ensured CWI learners were not only enrolled but truly engaged, connected, and supported from day one.
That collaborative spirit was evident even before classes began. During the first week of the semester, Student Engagement coordinated extensive wayfinding support across all CWI locations. Staff and faculty from across the College volunteered their time to welcome students, answer questions, and help them find their way. This collective effort created an inviting start to the semester and reaffirmed CWI’s commitment to accessibility and student success.
Events that Connect and Engage
The success continued with a full calendar of events, each thoughtfully planned in collaboration with offices across CWI. This joint effort underscored the College’s commitment to connecting students early with vital resources and engaging them in the CWI community.
Resource Fair
The semester began with the annual Resource Fair, hosted in partnership with Counseling and Wellness Services. Featuring key CWI departments and community organizations, the event connected students with a broad range of academic and personal support. Held at both the Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB) and Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN), the fair drew 255 students. Survey results showed 93% of attendees felt more aware of available resources, and 94% reported feeling more comfortable accessing them.
Club Fest
Club Fest brought student life to center stage, drawing 230 participants across the NCAB and APIN locations. The event provided a direct path for students to discover and join clubs and organizations, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. Ninety-five percent of participants said the event helped them connect with student clubs at CWI, an encouraging sign of growing engagement across campus.
Job and Career Fair
Highlighting CWI’s commitment to career readiness, Student Engagement partnered with the Work-Based Learning Center to host a comprehensive Job and Career Fair. Held at APIN, NCAB, and the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC), the event connected 390 students with potential employers and internship opportunities, reinforcing CWI’s focus on helping students take the next step toward their professional goals.
Food for Thought
Food for Thought events brought a creative twist to academic support by combining free meals with meaningful conversations. Partnering with the Library, Tutoring Services, and Writing and AI Literacy Center, Student Engagement helped 154 students learn about key Learning Commons services in a welcoming, relaxed setting. Students walked away with a better understanding of when and how to use these resources to strengthen their academic success.
A Strong Start Built on Collaboration
Altogether, more than 1,000 student interactions took place across these events during the first five weeks of the semester—a clear sign of deep engagement and connection.
This success would not have been possible without the hard work and collaboration of staff from across the College. A huge thanks goes to all student service areas who hosted tables, shared resources, and invested their time in welcoming students. Their partnership, alongside Counseling and Wellness Services, the Work-Based Learning Center, Tutoring, the AI and Writing Literacy Center, and the Library helped make Fall 2025 one of the strongest starts yet.
Together, these efforts showcase what’s possible when the entire CWI community comes together to support students from day one!
Enter the 2026 Connections Conference Logo Contest
College of Western Idaho's (CWI) Connections Conference celebrates culture, collaboration, education, innovation, and achievement. We are inviting current CWI students to showcase their design talent by creating a new 2026 Connections Conference logo that represents this mission! Submissions for the Logo Contest will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 21, at 11:59 p.m.
The winning logo will be chosen by the Connections Conference committee and used for marketing and promotion of the event. The selected student will have the opportunity to work closely with CWI’s Communications and Marketing team to bring their vision to life, ensuring their design aligns perfectly with the project's goals. In addition, the winner of the Connections Conference Logo Contest will receive a monetary award of $400.
Please note: Accepting this award may affect your financial aid eligibility. For questions, contact Financial Aid at financialaid@cwi.edu.
Students may submit up to three (3) works for consideration.
The winner of the contest will be announced at the beginning of the Spring 2026 semester.
The winning logo must adhere to CWI’s Brand Standards, as it will appear on official promotional materials. Before submitting, please review all entry requirements to ensure your work meets the contest guidelines.
Apply Now for CWI’s Spring 2026 Honors Program
Looking for a college experience that challenges you and sets you up for success? The Honors Program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is now accepting applications for Spring 2026 and looking for incoming or first-semester students to join a community of motivated learners.
The Honors Program isn't just another line on your transcript – it is a chance to grow academically, connect with peers, and build skills that will benefit you now and in the future.
Honors students enjoy:
- Intimate Learning Environments. Smaller, specialized classes taught by long-time faculty members, designed specifically with Honors students in mind.
- A built-in community. Motivated, high-achieving peers who share your academic ambitions. You will collaborate, study, and grow alongside students who are just as driven as you are.
- A $1,000 scholarship. The scholarship continues even when your honors credits have been earned.
- Personalized support. A dedicated faculty advisor who will guide you through your academic path and help you reach your goals.
- Recognition that matters. Earn honors regalia at graduation and see your achievement acknowledged on both your transcript and diploma.
- Guaranteed transfer advantages. Gain automatic acceptance into honors programs at Boise State University, Idaho State University, University of Idaho, or The College of Idaho when you are ready to continue your education.
The Honors Program is designed to challenge and support you. As an Honors student, you will:
- Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits per semester).
- Complete 10 credits of honors-designated classes with a C or higher, either through honors-designated courses or through a “build-your-own honors program” through contracts with faculty.
- Maintain a 3.25 GPA each semester.
- Attend one CWI-sponsored event per semester.
- Check in each semester to report your GPA and any changes to financial aid or degree program.
These expectations keep you on track while getting the support you need to thrive.
Don't miss this chance to elevate your college experience. Applications for Spring 2026 are open now!
If you're a full-time, degree-seeking student in your first or second semester, you’re invited to apply here.
Your future starts here — make it an Honors future.
