CWI News – Sept. 12, 2025
News Highlights
Future First Responders Honor 9/11 in Nampa
Students from the Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement programs at College of Western Idaho (CWI) honored the heroes and victims of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, in a joint ceremony. On Thursday morning, students from CWI, along with members of the Nampa Fire and Police Departments and other local leaders, came together at Nampa Fire Station 1 to honor those who have lost their lives and remember the families who carry their memory forward.
For several years, CWI Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement students have played a key role in this Nampa ceremony. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of public safety and the profound impact of their future careers.
“I am glad we are getting to be a part of the 9/11 ceremony here for NPD. This is a good time for us to show solidarity for all of us that are in the first responding role, because it is so dangerous,” said Stacy Mowry, Director of CWI’s Law Enforcement program.
Opening Doors Online Auction Open Sept. 15 – 28
The College of Western Idaho (CWI) Foundation’s online auction opens Monday, Sept. 15, as part of the 12th annual Opening Doors Benefit Event to support student scholarships.
From unique experiences to can’t-find-anywhere-else treasures, the auction features more than 40 exciting items up for grabs. Imagine winning bagels for a year, snagging tickets to your favorite events, or surprising someone special with an unforgettable experience package. All while supporting student success at CWI.
Auction opens: Monday, Sept. 15
Auction closes: Sunday, Sept. 28
Every bid counts. Not only could you take home something amazing, but you will also be helping CWI students achieve their academic goals and build brighter futures. It’s a win-win!
Join the fun, place your bids, and be part of opening doors of opportunity for students right here in our community.
Contact the Foundation at 208.562.3100 or foundation@cwi.edu for more information and ways to get involved!
Food for Thought Fall 2025
Join College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Learning Commons (Library, Tutoring Services, and Writing and AI Literacy Center) for their annual Food for Thought, a two-day event for new and returning students to connect with librarians, tutors, and writing and AI consultants to learn about the academic resources available to help them succeed in their classes.
CWI library staff supports students with research and offers streaming videos and other tools to support student studies. Tutors work with students to help them better understand and prepare for coursework, exams, or papers. Services include appointments covering various academic disciplines, study group opportunities, and more. The writing and AI consultants support students with access and training on AI tools and usage, along with writing help.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
Tutoring Center, Room 1304 and Student Commons
Thursday, Sept. 18
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB)
Tutoring Center, Room 209 and Second Floor Atrium
Join the Learning Commons and Student Engagement for free pizza and opportunities to connect!
Campus Conversation | Immigration Enforcement
College of Western Idaho (CWI) invites faculty and staff to join an upcoming campus conversation focused on protocol and procedures for potential immigration enforcement on the CWI campus for college faculty and staff.
Nic Miller, Vice President of Strategy and Operations, and members of the CWI security team will provide information, respond to your questions, and lead discussions in an effort to keep the CWI community informed. The session will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 3 p.m. in room 102/104 at the Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building (NASP).
Campus conversations create opportunities for open communication on important topics affecting our community. If you are unable to attend in person, please join us via Zoom. Online participants will also have the opportunity to submit questions.
College of Western Idaho Opens Agricultural Sciences Complex, Expanding Opportunities for Students & Community
College of Western Idaho (CWI) celebrated the official opening of its new Agricultural Sciences Complex and Simplot Agriculture Building (NAGB) this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Nampa Campus on Progress Way and Cherry Lane in Nampa. This expansion is a major investment in agricultural education and workforce training across the Treasure Valley. Joining in the celebration was city leaders, state legislators, university partners including University of Idaho President C. Scott Green, Simplot Foundation, and Technical Advisory Committee members.
This state-of-the-art facility blends 40 acres and 38,000 square feet of innovative instructional space with sustainable design, creating a modern hub for hands-on education and research. Thoughtfully designed using day lighting principles, the complex ensures that every classroom and lab is infused with natural light. With nearly 300 registrations in programs such as Agricultural Business, Leadership, and Education; Animal Veterinary Sciences; Fermentation Science; and Horticulture Technology, a number of students will embrace learning in this new, modern environment blending indoor and outdoor learning.
The space also includes a student-designed arboretum that will serve as both an educational and community resource. It is the first registered arboretum in the city of Nampa.
“The Agricultural Sciences Complex is a shining example of what happens when a community invests in education,” said Mike Peña, President of the CWI Foundation Board. “This facility will not only transform the lives of students but also strengthen the agricultural industry that is so vital to our region. The Foundation is proud to support CWI’s vision and excited to see the impact this Complex will have for generations to come.”
Tuesday’s celebration also honored key community partners who played a vital role in making this vision a reality, including legislators and Gov. Brad Little. Generous contributions from the J.R. Simplot Company Foundation, naming the academic building on the complex, along with support from the Crookham Company played a key role in bringing the Agricultural Sciences Complex to life, reflecting their shared commitment to advancing education and supporting the future leaders of agriculture in Idaho. There are still opportunities for community support through CWI’s Powering the Treasure Valley campaign, which aims to raise $30 million for campus development, student scholarships, and enhancing academic programs.
Classes in the Complex began Aug. 18, with more than 20 courses being offered this fall. The 38,000 square feet of classroom and lab space supports training in horticulture, landscape design, floral science, and animal science.
The Agricultural Sciences Complex, along with the recently opened Health and Science Building (NCHS) and the CapEd Student Success Center (NCSC) that will open Fall 2026, demonstrates CWI’s continued commitment to expanding educational access, fueling workforce growth, and strengthening the economic vitality of the Treasure Valley.
See how CWI is shaping the future of education in the Treasure Valley. For more information, visit cwi.edu.
Central Receiving & Mail Services Launching Soon
College of Western Idaho (CWI) is implementing a new central receiving and mail services system designed to improve efficiency and ensure timely delivery of mail and packages across all campuses. The new system will centralize how mail, packages, and freight are received and distributed. The transition begins Oct. 1, 2025, with full implementation expected by Jan. 2, 2026.
Key changes include:
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Mailing Address Update (effective Oct. 1, 2025): Campus mail will now be processed at 5500 E. Opportunity Dr., Nampa, ID 83687. The current P.O. Box address will remain valid until Oct. 1, 2026.
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Central Receiving Launch (Jan. 2, 2026): All incoming deliveries of parcels and freight will be received at 5725 E. Franklin Rd., Nampa, ID 83687.
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Mail Stops: New mail stops will be added and select existing ones will be updated to ensure accurate delivery. For example, Canyon County Center will transition to MS 4000 to give the CWI One Stop its own unique code.
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Outgoing Shipments: Departments can request pickup for outgoing mail and packages by emailing centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
Departments across the College are asked to update business cards, stationery, email signatures, and websites with the new addresses. Marketing and Communications will provide updated brand templates ahead of the transition.
“This move reflects CWI’s commitment to supporting our growing community with reliable and efficient services, we appreciate everyone’s cooperation to make this transition smooth,” said Jeff Flynn, Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Management
With these changes, CWI is preparing for a more efficient future in handling mail and deliveries. Faculty and staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated processes and are responsible for communicating these updates to external business partners.
For more details, view this PDF or contact centralreceiving@cwi.edu.
CWI Deans are recognized at the WICHE Academic Partnerships 2025 Annual Meeting
Two Deans from College of Western Idaho (CWI) were recognized at the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) Academic Partnerships 2025 Annual Meeting earlier this year held in Reno, Nevada. Assistant Dean Greg Wilson was applauded for completing the 2023-2025 WICHE Academy for Leaders in the Humanities Cohort. The academy prepares humanities faculty for upper-level leadership roles at higher education institutions in the West. Wilson was named WICHE Academy for Leaders in Humanities Fellow as one of eight faculty chosen to participate from around the west. The Fellowship in part supported Wilson in leading the Open Education Resources (OER) initiative at CWI which is estimated to have has saved students over $1.4 million dollars in textbook costs since 2023 as well as the Digital Navigators initiative which helps students navigate the sometimes-complex digital aspects of pursuing higher education.
Dean Justin Vance was also honored for graduating from the 2024 Western Academic Leadership Academy Cohort. The Western Academic Leadership Academy is a year-long professional development program for academic leaders aspiring to become chief academic officers in the WICHE region’s postsecondary sector. A project Vance worked on in concert with his participation in the academy was the expansion of CWI’s 8-week session offerings that give students added choice in term length options and more entry points throughout the year.
In addition, during the conference Dr. Vance co-presented with Heidi Estrem, Chief Academic Officer, Idaho State Board of Education; Tiffany Seeley-Case, Vice President of Instruction, College of Southern Idaho; and Angela Sackett, Vice President of Academics and Student Affairs, College of Eastern Idaho, on a panel titled, “Embracing the Hot Potato of Statewide Collaboration to Produce Transformative Change.”
The presentation focused on state-level transfer initiatives in Idaho and the shift from them being perceived as 'compliance requirements' to becoming catalysts for meaningful institutional and statewide change. Some topics touched on by Vance were the statewide General Education Summit, General Education Core Certification, the Common General Education Class List, Common Test for Credit (e.g., AP, CLEP, etc.), and common degree type definitions.
Health & Wellness Screenings Arrive at CWI This October
Life moves fast, and finding time for medical appointments can be a real challenge, especially when juggling classes, work, and your personal life. Counseling and Wellness Services at College of Western Idaho (CWI) is thrilled to announce the first-ever Mobile Health Fair.
In partnership with Full Circle Health, Saint Alphonsus Mobile Mammography, and Saint Alphonsus Mobile Medical Unit, CWI’s case managers are bringing essential health services directly to you. Stop by when it works for you, or schedule ahead if you prefer by calling 208.367.4482.
This unique event will provide a variety of vital health services free of charge for students and staff, including:
- Basic Health Testing (blood pressure, glucose, etc.)
- HIV Testing
- Social Needs (e.g., help with housing, food insecurities, utilities, etc.)
Additionally, mammograms will be available with proof of insurance and if certain qualifications are met, including specific history and age.
Mobile Health Fair
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), east side of the building
In tandem with the Mobile Health Fair, Counseling and Wellness Services will be hosting a two-day mental health wellness event. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay , will offer free mental health screenings and provide resources to support suicide prevention, assistance with intimate partner violence, and nicotine cessation.
Free Mental Health Screenings
- Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
- Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Nampa Campus Academic Building (NCAB), Student Lounge, Room 122
Contact Juan Sanchez at juansanchez1@cwi.edu with questions.
