College of Western Idaho (CWI) is thrilled to introduce President Gordon Jones. CWI named President Jones as the College’s third President in January of 2022. The journey that led President Jones to CWI follows more than two decades of leadership roles in higher education and the private sector. Let us learn more about Gordon Jones.
Who is Gordon Jones?
President Jones – I’m President of College of Western Idaho, married, and a father of four. I’ve called Idaho home since 2015 and plan to call Idaho home forever. Founding the College of Innovation and Design (CI+D) at Boise State University led me to Idaho, and prior to CI+D I, I was at Harvard University directing the Harvard Innovation Lab (i-lab).
Have you always been in higher education?
President Jones – Actually, no. My career has spanned both the private sector and K-20 education. My first job after college was teaching math at a small, rural high school in Northern Arizona. Following graduate school, I spent 15 years in the private sector with startups, mid-sized, and Fortune 500 companies focused on innovation, new product development, and growing organizations across a variety of industries.
Why is innovation important?
President Jones – Innovation is the lifeblood of any organization. The world is constantly changing, and every day we face new challenges and uncertainties that require creative solutions. Learning and preparing ourselves for the future will require skills and experience that can adapt to new realities. Just look at the Treasure Valley – the population growth alone is forcing us all to reflect and, in some cases, re-imagine how we work, learn, and play in our local communities. I believe education is what inoculates us from being unprepared to tackle the future. CWI helps students learn new skills, gain knowledge, and apply their innovative ideas so they can find employment and start a life here in Idaho. What’s not to like about that?
Why did you choose CWI as your next endeavor?
President Jones – The real value of higher education lives with the mission community colleges serve. Delivering affordable and accessible education, leading to employment or future educational goals, is CWI’s primary focus. I whole-heartedly believe in and want to be a part of that mission. In public higher education, our students and our community need us to deliver the promise of a better life. My role as President allows me the opportunity to ensure that promise is delivered.
What do you like to do away from CWI?
President Jones – As mentioned earlier, I am busy keeping up with four, very active kids, ages 9–15. I dedicate my time engaging in the community through various board positions, coaching youth sports, and enjoying the great outdoors of Idaho. During summer and fall, I especially like being in the middle of a river with my fly rod. Honestly, the outdoors is one of my favorite elements of living in Idaho, along with the people. I am honored to be leading CWI, and I am looking forward to the amazing people and meaningful relationships I will build along this journey.
