Movers and Shakers January 27, 2012
NIC VP of instruction accepts presidency in Colorado
North Idaho College Vice President for Instruction Jay Lee announced Thursday his plans to resign from NIC after accepting the presidency at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colo.
Northeastern is a junior college with about 2,400 students. NJC is part of the Colorado Community College System, which includes 13 state community colleges that serve more than 162,000 students annually. Lee will begin as president at NJC March 12.
Lee began serving as vice president for instruction at NIC in July 2008. Prior to joining NIC, Lee was the dean of career and technical education at Rochester Community and Technical College in Minnesota.
"Although I am excited to begin the next phase of my career, I'm saddened by the realization that my time at NIC will soon draw to a close," Lee said.
NIC will delay conducting a national search for its next vice president for instruction until the college appoints a new president following Priscilla Bell's retirement in June.
Idaho House votes to boot Occupy Boise
BOISE (AP) - Idaho House members voted 54-16 to boot Occupy Boise protesters from state-managed ground near the Capitol building.
Republican Rep. Steve Hartgen before Thursday's vote reminded lawmakers the bill dealt with settled law, where the U.S. Supreme Court has concluded content-neutral camping bans from public ground aren't unreasonable restrictions.
Hartgen said Occupy Boise protesters can testify, picket and meet lawmakers - they just can't camp.
Democrats who fought the measure were joined by three Republicans: Phil Hart, Janice McGeachin and Tom Trail.
Rep. Grant Burgoyne of Boise said he recognized the bill banning camping on the old Ada County Courthouse grounds was constitutional, but believes it sends the wrong message to Idaho residents.
In the name of free speech, Burgoyne urged legislators to accommodate even something that offends some members' sensibilities.
CWI gets $2.5M from Micron for tech center
NAMPA (AP) - The College of Western Idaho received a $2.5 million donation from the Micron Foundation to complete renovations of the old Sam's Club store in Nampa into a new vocational school.
The $16.9 million Professional Technical Education Center will be named after the company.
Micron Foundation Executive Director Dee Mooney says the company is committed to advancing technical education and supporting communities where its employees live and work.
The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation purchased the building and later gifted to CWI. The college has been remodeling the future professional center since May 2011.
If you have a new, relocated or expanded business, or announcement of events, promotions or awards, The Press wants to let our readers know. The service is free and items run Tuesday through Saturday. To get the word on the street on your movers and shakers, call city editor Bill Buley at 664-8176 Ext. 2016 or e-mail [email protected].