NIC: The Cardinal rises again

Common sense prevails. The citizens of Kootenai County put aside their partisan differences, ignored the negative efforts of the KCRCC and overwhelmingly worked together to protect North Idaho College from any further harm. It’s been a long, and difficult four years of unstable, angry, poor leadership that cost the college greatly. Trustees Corkhill and Zimmerman did everything they possibly could to support the college, but they were overruled by the majority trustees. I am saddened when I think back to all the dedicated administrators, faculty, and staff that left the institution due to the erratic and bad behavior of the majority trustees. But once a Cardinal always a Cardinal and I know they are very happy from afar for the outcome. There is a bright future ahead for our students and community.

President Swayne and the employees that worked so hard for students to receive a quality education deserve our greatest respect. I believe a major effort will be made by the Board to comply with the NWCCU standards and the bad times are behind us. It’s time to celebrate! I want to thank the citizens group of SaveNIC, and most especially Christa Hazel for never giving up on the idea that our institutions will hold if we put the effort forward to save them. Because of their diligence, and the professionalism of our new trustees of Knudtsen, Durbin and Havercroft, generations of students to come will benefit from a quality education right here in their hometown. Great days are ahead for NIC. The Cardinal rises again! 

CHRISTIE WOOD 

NIC Trustee Emeritus 

VP Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations