Candidate profile: NIC trustee, Gary Coffman
Birth Date: April 24, 1949
Profession: Retired (after 33 years as a North Idaho College director)
Educational Background: BS in Secondary Education, Montana State University - Billings, 1972
MA in Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, 1976
Public Service: N/A
Community Service: Served on the United Way of Kootenai County Board of Directors, 1991-1996, two years as president. Volunteer of the Year in 1995.
How many years as a resident of your city: 35 years
Marital Status: Married
Family: wife, Becky; daughter, Camber; grandson, Dexter
Hobbies: photography, gardening, golf, cinema
1. Why are you running for office?
Higher education is key to the economic development and quality of life in our region. As a trustee of North Idaho College, I hope to help NIC reach its full potential for serving individual students and communities.
2. What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face?
One: As an elected trustee it is important to assure NIC is connected with communities and in tune with their higher education needs, in order for the College to maintain or develop timely responses to those needs.
Two: Providing purposeful higher education opportunities for students is critical, but it is equally essential to help assure students are successful in fulfilling their personal educational objectives.
Three: Pursuing adequate funding for the College while minimizing costs to students.
3. If elected what steps will you take to resolve these issues?
One: Promote interaction of the College with community groups and leaders. Strengthen partnerships with local school districts and with the other higher education institutions serving the region. Direct the pursuit of data to promote informed decisions by the College that best represent community needs.
Two: Continue credible efforts to increase/maintain the higher education opportunities for regional students, whether for specific skill development, technical training, or baccalaureate transfer programs. Also develop and strengthen student support systems to assure students are able to take full advantage of those education opportunities. This should result in increased student success and improved completion rates that meet the recently reported objectives of the Idaho State Board of Education.
Three: Pursue the reversal of the long term decline in the State’s share of budget revenue for North Idaho College. Promote the understanding that local property taxes are an essential part of NIC’s revenue and a relatively small but powerful investment in the future health and prosperity of the region. Strive for ways to minimize the increasing costs to students in their pursuit of higher education.
4. What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job?
While living in Coeur d’Alene for the past 35 years I have observed remarkable changes in the region. As a very active employee at North Idaho College for 33 years I have also observed the many ways the College has contributed to the positive growth of individuals and communities. I have had a closer association with students than most anyone. Much of what I have learned about the successes and failures of colleges, I have learned from students. I have been directly responsible or instrumental in the development and management of many NIC programs supporting student success. I served repeatedly as the leader of NIC’s Staff Assembly and as a member and leader of countless NIC operational groups and committees. I understand the big picture issues very well, and I understand the issues of individual students. I have always respectfully and effectively supported group decision making while also taking responsibility for individual action. I have successfully supervised a full range of amazing college employees, from students to faculty. I add humor and concise clarity to issues whilepromoting positive communication in fulfilling group objectives.
5. Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent?
Better than any other candidate, I know the community, I know North Idaho College, and I know students. I have been consistently considered capable, fair, and caring by friends and colleagues. I have been a higher education leader in many ways, and I have a heightened appreciation and passion for the value of education in solving many problems and enhancing people’s lives.