NIC: Support for President Nick Swayne

This letter is in support of NIC President Dr. Nick Swayne. Dr. Swayne is intelligent and his command for executive leadership of educational institutions is evident, as is his passion for NIC students and our college. A testament to Dr. Swayne’s impact in his short time at the college are the letters calling for his reinstatement from the students, faculty and staff after a small majority of the Board of Trustees, without just cause, voted to put Dr. Swayne on administrative leave.

In doing so, the Board has put NIC’s accreditation at risk and has jeopardized students’ pathway to degrees, high school students’ access to dual-credit programs, student access to federal aid and the future of our beloved college. An accredited community college allows students an affordable choice to begin their post-secondary education, and then advance to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor’s and advanced degree if they choose to do so. Equally important, NIC offers a variety of technical training programs that are vital to our business community and local economy.

NIC has a history of graduating well-educated and skilled students who live here and work locally. I urge the entire community to show your support for Dr. Swayne by calling for his immediate reinstatement. I believe this is a red alert moment and time is of the essence.

C. CICERO

Coeur d’Alene