NIC returns to the good standing it deserves

Congratulations are in order for North Idaho College as its accreditation status was restored Monday night. It is long overdue.

Coeur d'Alene's Mayor Dan Gookin also congratulated NIC on Tuesday, and we agree with him. These few words from our mayor particularly stood out:  "I hope that you take time to reflect and celebrate, and that you look forward to a bright future for your staff, and the students, parents and supporters in Coeur d’Alene and Kootenai County. We all prosper from the educational opportunities that North Idaho College provides."

NIC, as most know, is far more than a place of higher education. It is more than classrooms, tests and homework. It is a key part of this community. It is where people learn, grow and develop. We want and need NIC to grow and thrive, and with this restoration, it is on the road to do exactly that. This region succeeds when NIC succeeds. 

For decades, NIC has been a gateway to opportunity: an affordable path to higher education, a driver of workforce development, and a hub of cultural and economic vitality. When NIC falters, the community feels the ripple. This news affirms that NIC remains anchored in its mission and prepares to continue shaping futures across Idaho.

It's a triumphant moment for the college, and it should be recognized now that it is no longer on probation, a decision confirmed by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. As NIC President Nick Swayne noted, even as accreditation questions loomed, NIC continued to do what it has always done best: teach, support, and serve its community with integrity and purpose. That is what we admire most about NIC. Students have always been its priority.

While many individuals contributed to this successful outcome, it is worth acknowledging one contribution that often goes unnoticed: the quiet, steady professionalism of Tom Greene, NIC’s interim chief of communications and government relations. 

Throughout this long and sometimes chaotic chapter, Greene, who had previously been an outstanding reporter for The Press, led efforts to ensure that accurate, timely information was delivered to the media and the public—a crucial role during a period when transparency mattered more than ever. His calm, reliable presence helped ensure the community stayed informed and grounded, even when the road was anything but smooth. We appreciate his good work.

Now, let's look ahead to what promises to be a bright future.

NIC’s restored accreditation is not simply a status. It is a renewed promise — one that assures students their education is secure, affirms the value of community institutions, and signals that NIC is moving forward with clarity, accountability, and confidence.

It's a special day for North Idaho College and perhaps even one for all of North Idaho.