In this episode Swimming Upstream, I'm your host,Tom Luna Tom Luna engages in an enlightening conversation with Gordon Jones, President of the College of Western Idaho (CWI), live from the ASU GSV Conference in San Diego. With a rich educational background spanning K-12 teaching to leadership roles at Ivy League institutions, Gordon shares his compelling journey and vision for CWI, one of the fastest-growing community colleges in the Boise region.

Gordon delves into the transformative impact of community colleges in today’s evolving educational landscape, emphasizing the urgency of making higher education both affordable and accessible. He highlights CWI’s groundbreaking new programs, such as the low-cost 4-year business degree tailored to meet the dynamic demands of Idaho’s workforce and the broader community. Together, they discuss how CWI’s forward-thinking initiatives are designed to foster public trust and drive generational change through innovation and empathy.

Listeners will be captivated by insights from the Harvard Innovation Lab and trends defying predictions about community college growth, as well as how CWI is uniquely positioning itself as a catalyst for economic and educational advancement. Whether you’re passionate about education reform or community-driven leadership, this episode offers valuable lessons for all.

Key Moments

00:00 Interview with Gordon Jones at the ASUGSV conference.

03:38 Harvard Innovation Lab: Global talent fostering cross-disciplinary ideas.

08:29 Many predictions are now respected amid education changes.

13:22 Community college growth defies trends, driven by demand.

16:26 Community colleges offer alternatives to 4-year degrees.

20:46 New Idaho business bachelor's degree approval pending.

21:53 Bachelor’s demand unmet; education ecosystem strengthens.

Connect with Gordon Jones

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gordon-jones-4967174/

Website: https://cwi.edu/