At College of Western Idaho's (CWI) inception in 2007, Boise was the last metropolitan area in the country lacking a community college. In March of that year, the Idaho Legislature appropriated funds for the College. Later that May, a supermajority of voters in Canyon and Ada counties voted to form a community college district. With the monetary support of the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation and the appointment by the Idaho State Board of Education of CWI’s first Board of Trustees, CWI was launched. Acquiring the programs, personnel, and property of Selland College, CWI officially opened its doors to students at its main campus, in Nampa, on what was formerly Boise State University’s West Campus.
Milestones
2024
January
- Cybersecurity program ranked as top Associate of Applied Science programs nationally.
February
- Dr. John C. Wagner, Director of Idaho National Laboratory, visits campus providing students insights on the organization's pioneering innovations.
- Bank of Idaho continues long-standing partnership with CWI and their investment in education within our community with generous scholarship donation.
March
- CWI hosts second-annual Giving Day focused on supporting students, programs, and opportunities.
April
- CWI celebrates new chapter of campus expansion with bridge signing ceremony at the College's Nampa Campus.
- Nagel Foundation scholarship fund tops $1 million in donations after six years supporting CWI students.
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities approves CWI to offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration.
- Scholarships at CWI receive a $100,000 boost from Teens 2 Trades for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and welding programs.
- CWI celebrates completion of the structural framework for new Health and Science Building at the Nampa Campus with topping off ceremony.
May
- SUNY Oswego tours the College's Mechatronics lab, highlighting CWI's groundbreaking partnership with Micron Technology, Inc. to provide students with hands-on experience and industry-relevant skills leading to careers in technology and manufacturing.
- CWI holds 15th commencement ceremony.
June
- Tutoring Services and the Writing Center earn certification as Level 2 training programs by the College Reading and Learning Association.
July
- Assistant Professor of English, Liza Long, honored as an inaugural fellow in Idaho State Board of Education's Generative AI in Higher Education program.
- New Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing program announced.
August
- Veterans gain a degree pathway through CWI's partnership with Mission43.
- CWI's new mascot, River the Otter, launched at annual State of the College Address.
- CWI gains health and wellness tools as an institutional member of the American College Health Association.
September
- Annual Opening Doors Benefit Event, hosted for the first time on campus, raises $316 for student scholarships.
- Surgical Technology program partners with Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine to prepare medical students for operating room procedures.
October
- New Entreprenuer Lab opens on campus.
- President and Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Mary Daly, and team visit CWI to learn about the Treasure Valley market, workforce training needs, and learning opportunities at the College.
- Dental Assisting program partners with Love Heals to provide free dental services.
- Professor of Biology, Hollie Leavitt, named 2024 Innovative Educator.
November
- Retired NASA Astronaut, Barbara Morgan, visits CWI to speak with students.
- Four incumbent Trustees secure reelection at CWI.
December
- Delta Dental of Idaho invests $1.5 million in support of the College's new Health and Science Building.
2023
January
- The College's first 15-year service award presented to Connie Black.
- Ken Kline named as CWI's new Chief Financial Officer.
February
- CWI Speech and Debate team makes history as the top Northwest Forensics Conference (NFC) school for the 2022-2023 season marking the first time a community college was honored with an NFC Presidential Award.
March
- Bank of Idaho's Swing for the Green raises $58,400 for student scholarships at CWI.
April
- CWI hosts first-ever Giving Day dedicated to supporting students, programs, and opportunities.
- CWI selects Ball Ventures Ahlquist to develop a mixed-use campus in Boise.
- Commercial Tire empowers its employees setting them up for success through partnership with CWI.
May
- More than 1,700 students honored at the College's 14th Commencement Ceremony.
- CWI announces new buildings and facilities at the Nampa Campus.
June
- CWI Law Enforcement program leads region in tactical medical training.
- Jacksons Food Stores and CWI announce partnership to deliver innovative leadership and communication training to employees.
July
- Gary Smith named as new Trustee for Zone 4.
August
- Assistant Vice President of Economic Development at CWI, Christi Gilchrist, named Most Influential Business Leader in Idaho for 2023.
- Upgrades made to key digital tools including the College's website, myCWI for students, and Blackboard.
September
- Governor Brad Little visits CWI to announce Idaho LAUNCH, an expanded statewide grant program for Idaho high school seniors.
October
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities conducts onsite visit related to Year-Seven Comprehensive Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness.
- Construction begins on Agricultural Sciences Complex.
- Psychology Professor, Heather Schoenherr, named 2023 Innovative Educator and receives Wayne Weiten Teaching Excellence Award.
November
- CWI receives grant funding from Idaho Workforce Development Council for semiconductor training.
- Board of Trustees endorse Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration.
- Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology students join Micron Technology's Registered Apprenticeship program.
- Automotive Technology and Collision Repair Technology students tour Tesla Service Center in Boise.
December
- CWI launches Associate of Applied Science degree in Management.
- Executive Vice President of Operations, Craig Brown, announces retirement after 13-year tenure at CWI.
2022
January
- Gordon Jones begins his tenure as the third president of CWI.
March
- CWI selected as an education partner for Amazon's Career Choice program.
April
- CWI Board of Trustees approves Campus Visioning plan.
July
- CWI announces addition of 8-week sessions.
August
- CWI Foundation Board welcomes new members.
November
- CWI partners with Mountain Home Air Force Base to bring quality educational opportunities and classes to military personnel and their families on base, as well as civilian residents of Mountain Home eligible for base access.
2021
January
- CWI introduces a bold, new brand consisting of an updated logo mark and colors.
February
- President Bert Glandon announces retirement.
May
- President Bert Glandon inducted into the Boise Metro Chamber's Hall of Fame.
- Idaho Gov. Brad Little proclaims May 13, 2021, as Bert Glandon Day in the State of Idaho.
- Provost Denise Aberle-Cannata named CWI's Interim President.
- Newly elected trustee, Jim Reames, joins CWI Board of Trustees.
July
- CWI launches search for its next president.
August
- CWI announces release of new mobile app.
September
- University of Phoenix and CWI announce transfer agreement, 3+1.
2020
January
- Several improvements are made to the College's external website featuring increased accessibility and implementation of an enhanced AI-driven search tool.
- Beta Sigma Pi, CWI's chapter of the national Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, achieves five-star status.
- Willow Buildings, adjacent to CWI's Nampa Campus Academic Building, are completed.
February
- CWI Board of Trustees partner with Entagled Solutions, an educational consulting firm, to assist the College in achieving greater clarity regarding the issues facing the College and higher education.
- CampusLogic, an online, self-service platform for students to streamline the financial aid verification process, is implemented.
March
- On and off campus events at the College are suspended and Spring Break is extended due to COVID-19.
- College shifts to fully-remote delivery of services.
- Boise area experiences a 6.5 magnitude earthquake.
- Brand champions meet to provide feedback to explore, develop, and refine new CWI logo.
April
- Summer 2020 semester moves to an online format as a result of COVID-19.
- CWI launches Online Learning Resources page dedicated to providing students with learning guides and information.
- Gov. Brad Little extends statewide stay-home order to residents of Idaho.
- Remote work continues for employees of the College.
May
- Latinx Scholars Program launched to help students feel connted to and part of the CWI community.
- Career Technical Education labs open at limited capacity with protocols in place to allow students to complete class projects.
- Professional Nursing students recognized during a drive-by pinning ceremony at the Nampa Campus Academic Building.
- College develops guidance and resources to support employees returning to work.
June
- Internal and external stakeholders are invited to participate in a Brand survey to inform CWI's new brand and help support future direction of the College.
- Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) are allocated to CWI through the Federal Government's CARES Act and distributed to eligible students.
- 2020 graduates are celebrated at during Grabfest, a curbside pick-up event, at the Nampa Campus Micron Education Center.
- CWI's first-ever virtual commencement ceremony recognizes 2020 graduates.
- Fire Service Management, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and Social work programs intoduced.
July
- CWI President's Cabinet and Executive Operations Team make adjustments to the College's Return-to-Work plan for employees.
- Law Enforcement gathers to celebrate 2020 graduates of the program wearing masks and practicing social distancing.
August
- Be Safe, Be Mighty page launched to communicate up-to-date information related to COVID-19 procedures and guidelines, campus safety measures, student services availability, and resources.
- New course delivery options, HyFlex and Synchronous Online, are created to accommodate online coursework.
- In-person services on campus resume for students.
- CWI hosts first-ever virtual College Address to kick off fall semester.
- CWI introduces COVID-19 contact tracing.
- HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing apprenticeship classes develop online orientations.
- Students return to campus for fall semester.
October
- CWI Foundation hosts annual Opening Doors Benefit Event virtually raising $70k for scholarships.
- Professional Nursing program adds three, new simulation labs to aid in hands-on training.
November
- CWI welcomes new trustees, Cherie Buckner-Webb, April Baylon-Mendoza, and Samantha Guerrero, to Board of Trustees.
December
- CWI announces classes focused on Swift programming as part of the Onramp program, a partnership with Boise State University, Idaho Digital Learning Academy, and Apple.
2019
January
- CWI Library receives 2019 National Excellence in Academic Libraries by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).
- CWI’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society attains five star status again.
- New brand identity introduced at faculty and staff in-service.
March
- Public Health and Health Science programs awarded with the Riegelman Award for Guided Learning Pathways to Health Professions during 2019 League for Innovation's 2019 Conference.
- CWI kicks off 10-year celebration campaign celebrating a decade of student success.
- CWI announces transition to cwi.edu.
April
- CWI Speech and Debate team win 7th national title.
May
- Basic Skills Education program recognized by Easterseals-Goodwill as a Community Partner during the organization’s Idaho Awards Celebration.
- Nine students compete at BPA National Leadership Conference bringing home 22 top-ten medals, three first-place, two second-place, and two third-place plaques.
- Law Enforcement ceremony celebrates 17 graduates of the program at the Nampa Civic Center.
- CWI holds 10th commencement ceremony, May 17, marking a decade of graduates.
July
- CWI introduces new mobile app.
August
- Apprenticeship programs recognized during annual Career and Technical Education Reach Professional Development Conference.
- Construction begins on addition of Willows Buildings, adjacent to CWI's Nampa Campus Academic Building.
October
- CWI conducts mascot survey.
- College of Idaho and CWI announce partnership, Yote Track.
November
- CWI launches comprehensive local needs assessment in compliance with the 2018 Perkins V federal legislation.
December
- Christi Rood, Assistant Vice President of Economic Development, accepts the 2019 LERN International Award for Excellence in Management Practice on behalf of the College’s Workforce Development program at the Learning Resources Network Annual Conference.
- Gov. Brad Little announces CWI as a recipient of a 2019 Idaho Awards for Leadership in Energy Efficiency.
- Fire Service Technology celebrates first graduates from the program.
- CWI Board of Trustees announce otter as the College's official mascot.
2018
January
- Early Childhood Education Preschool earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a first for Canyon County.
February
- CWI & CapEd Credit Union partner for the Matched Education Savings Account (MESA) program.
March
- Jacob Tenorio, first community college student to win recognition for his Lake Lowell water quality research, at Northwest Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) conference.
- Speech and Debate team claims sixth community college national championship at the Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) National Comprehensive Tournament.
April
- CWI and OSU Ecampus sign degree pathway agreement.
- Latinx students participate in CWI’s first Nuestra Graduacion.
May
- Associate of Science Degree in Nursing Pinning Ceremony honors 30 students.
- 1952 Degree and Certificate Candidates for graduation and Dual Credit students earned 32 Associates of Arts Degrees.
June
- On-campus New Student Orientation begins for incoming freshman.
August
- CWI is the largest community college in the state serving more than 32,000 students.
- Dr. Yolonda Barnes earns certification for Phi Theta Kappa's Leadership Development Studies curriculum.
September
- CWI Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place a $39 million plant facility levy on November ballot.
- First harvest of the CWI campus garden.
November
- Retired Law Enforcement Program Chair LeRoy Forsman, recognized for 2C Spotlight Award — College Educator of the Year.
- Health Science Building $39 million levy narrowly fails.
- Newly elected trustees Molly Lenty and Annie Hightower join CWI Board of Trustees, C.A. “Skip” Smyser voted in as chairman.
2017
February
- CWI signs transfer partnership with Southern New Hampshire University & Excelsior College.
- Proclamation signing by Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter, declaring Feb. 6, College of Western Idaho Day.
March
- SCORE Big Scholarship established (funded through employee giving).
- CWI Speech and Debate team brings home fifth community college national championship (50th Pi Kappa Delta (PKD) Biennial National Tournament).
April
- SkillsUSA finishes state competition with 15 gold medals, sending 13 competitors to nationals.
- Media Arts students published on the award-winning independent journalism site, Project Censored.
May
- Physical Therapist Assistant program receives full accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- President Bert Glandon honored with the Idaho Business Review CEO of Influence Award.
- Assessment & Testing granted National College Testing Association (NCTA) certification.
- CWI celebrates 1465 degree and certificate candidates with 10 AA degrees awarded to Dual Credit students.
- CWI raised $3,661 to fight childhood cancer through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
August
- 12 New Degree Programs offered for fall enrollment
- Expanded hours in One Stop Student Services
- New Advising Strategy
- Integrated Instruction Model
- First ever Ten Year Service Awards presented to two employees
September
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards 1.5 million to bring the Bridges to Baccalaureate Program to CWI and Boise State University.
November
- CWI and EOU sign a new Memorandum of Understanding strengthening their partnership.
- Petroglyph Recording Project is completed by the Anthropology Club in collaboration with Canyon County Parks, Cultural and Natural Resources.
- CWI generates $102.1 million annually to the economy, reported from the EMSI Economic Impact Study.
2016
January
- CWI's Paramedic program is approved for initial accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
March 20
- CWI Speech and Debate places second among community colleges at national tournament; marking the sixth consecutive year with a top-two finish.
April 14
- The first campus art project, Spirit of Collaboration, is unveiled at CWI’s Micron Center for Professional Technical Education.
May
- CWI celebrates a record 1,293 degree and certificate candidates at commencement ceremony, May 7.
- Students with CWI’s Business Professionals of America chapter earned one gold medal, two runner-up finishes, and a third-place award at the national conference.
June
- Members of CWI’s SkillsUSA chapter won medals in a school record five events, including the College’s first gold medal, at nationals.
July 26
- First class of graduates from CWI’s Law Enforcement program are recognized in a ceremony.
August
- CWI finalizes a new Comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide the College in fiscal years 2017 through 2021.
Sept. 6
- Board of Trustees vote in favor of placing a general obligation bond on the November 2016 ballot for campus development in Boise and Nampa.
Sept. 29
- CWI and Idaho State University formally launch transfer partnership, Bengal Bound.
Oct. 5 – 7
- CWI welcomes representatives from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities for a year seven site visit.
Nov. 8
- CWI’s proposed bond measure falls short of two-thirds majority vote needed to pass.
- CWI Trustees Mary Niland and Mark Dunham are re-elected, while C.A. “Skip” Smyser is elected to his first term on the Board.
2015
Feb. 3
- Lewis-Clark State College and CWI announce transfer agreement, LC Express.
March 8
- CWI Speech and Debate captures its fourth national community college championship in five years.
May 9
- Over 1,100 degree and certificate candidates, along with GED completers, are honored at CWI’s annual spring commencement ceremony.
April
- CWI Board of Trustees approve entering into an agreement to purchase land in Boise at the corner of Main Street and Whitewater Blvd.
May
- CWI students earn three first-place finishes at Business Professionals of America (BPA) national event.
June
- CWI Board of Trustees approves moving forward with purchase of 32.5 acres directly north of the College’s Nampa Campus Academic Building.
July
- CWI student secures silver medal in Internetworking competition at national SkillsUSA conference.
August
- MATH 095, a new method for teaching college prep math, is introduced at CWI.
September
- University of Idaho and CWI announce a new transfer partnership, VandaLink.
Dec. 7
- CWI Board of Trustees decides to continue forward with land purchase in Boise.
Dec. 10
- The CWI Law Enforcement program is granted full certification by the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training.
2014
January
- The Boise State Center at CWI opens at the Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building to provide expanded transfer support to CWI students.
March 23
- CWI Speech and Debate earns a runner-up finish in the community college division at national conference.
May 4
- Students with CWI’s Business Professionals of America chapter win 13 awards, including four top-three finishes, at national competition.
May 17
- CWI celebrates 1,112 degree and certificate candidates at fifth commencement ceremony.
June 27
- CWI student earns second-place finish at SkillsUSA national event.
July
- CWI completes an extensive update to its Nampa Campus Master Plan.
Summer
- CWI expands its presence in Boise with the addition of three buildings at the College’s Ada County campus.
Fall
- CWI hosts the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) for its second accreditation visit.
- Renovation of CWI’s Micron Center for Professional Technical Education receives national recognition for Outstanding Design by American Schools and Universities Magazine.
Nov. 4
- CWI Board of Trustee, Stanley Bastian, is re-elected while Emily Walton is elected to her first term on the Board.
2013
Spring
- CWI expands facilities with the opening of the Nampa Campus Multipurpose Building.
March 18
- CWI Speech and Debate earns third-consecutive national community college championship.
May 12
- CWI students earn 18 awards, including four third-place trophies, at Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference.
May 18
- CWI honors 861 degree and certificate graduates and 1,500 GED candidates.
June 28
- Two CWI students earn top-10 finishes at SkillsUSA National Conference.
2012
January
- CWI names new professional-technical facility the Micron Center for Professional Technical Education in recognition of a $2.5 million gift from the Micron Foundation.
February
- CWI granted candidacy status for accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
March 18
- CWI Speech and Debate captures second-consecutive national community college championship.
April 29
- CWI students earn 10 awards, including three first-place trophies, at Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference.
May
- Nearly 670 degrees and 1,400 GED and apprentice completers are celebrated at CWI’s third commencement ceremony, May 12.
- CWI celebrates five-year anniversary since vote passed to establish the community college district, allowing for the creation of the College.
- U.S. Department of Education approves CWI to begin participating in Federal Student Aid Programs independently, May 24.
June 27
- Four CWI students earn top-10 awards at SkillsUSA National Conference.
July 20
- The NWCCU approves CWI to offer six Associate of Arts degrees fully online.
August
- New Micron Center for Professional Technical Education opens for classes in Nampa.
- Nampa Campus expands with the opening of CWI’s Aspen Classroom Building.
Nov. 6
- CWI Board of Trustee members Mary Niland, Mark Dunham, and Guy Hurlbutt are re-elected.
2011
March
- J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation provides initial $6 million investment to secure center in Nampa for nine professional-technical programs.
March 30
- CWI Speech and Debate wins national community college championship.
May 11
- CWI takes home nine medals, including one first-place finish, at Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference.
May 13
- CWI hosts its second graduation ceremony, which celebrates nearly 570 degree students and 200 GED and apprentice candidates.
2010
January
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) approved CWI's Application for Consideration for Candidacy.
May
- CWI students earn the College’s first-ever national awards, returning with 13 medals from the Business Professionals of America (BPA) National Leadership Conference.
- Nearly 400 students participate in CWI’s first graduation ceremony, May 17, held on the front lawn of the Nampa Campus Academic Building.
June
- CWI students earn two bronze medals at SkillsUSA National Conference.
July
- CWI Foundation receives 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Fall
- CWI introduces Business Partnerships/Workforce Development division.
2009
Jan. 20
- CWI welcomes 1,208 students to campus for its first semester with academic classes.
Summer
- Boise State University professional-technical programs and Selland College of Applied Technology staff transition to CWI.
July 13
- Dr. Berton L. Glandon begins his tenure as the second president of CWI.
Fall
- CWI’s Professional Technical Education programs start classes.
2008
Jan. 14
- CWI welcomes its first students; initially offering a wide selection of certificate classes and fast track career training non-credit programs.
June
- A Memorandum of Agreement between the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and CWI is signed. The MOA provides accreditation oversight by CSI as CWI pursues its own independent accreditation.
July 15
- Trustee’s approve the 2008-2009 Schedule of Tuition Fees, establishing the per credit fee at $119.
January – October
- Comprehensive Strategic Planning process to reflect the values of a locally owned and controlled community college.
November
- Hagler and Associates deliver Strategic Plan to Board of Trustees for approval.
2007
May 22
- Supermajority of Ada and Canyon County voters passed referendum to establish a community college district, enabling the creation of CWI.
July 17
- Board of Trustees for CWI appointed.
July 30
- First Board of Trustees meeting held.
Aug. 7
- Dennis Griffin named president for CWI.