COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – North Idaho College has sworn in three new members to its Board of Trustees, sparking hope within the community for a positive change as the institution faces accreditation threats.
The college has been under scrutiny from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities due to governance issues. The institution has experienced significant challenges, including large-scale employee departures and an athletic budget increase from $2.2 million to $6.2 million, leading to a projected $5 million deficit for 2025.
Community members, including Dan and Brie Gookin, expressed optimism about the new board members. “We’re happy to see a new board that is going to promote the college and the community and put their interests in education above those of politics,” they said.
Rick Durbin, Eve Knudtsen, and Mary Havercroft have been voted onto the board in light of governance issues that have put the college’s accreditation at risk. The board has until April 1, 2025, to return to good standing with the accreditation agency.
During the meeting, Brad Corkhill was unanimously elected as the new chair of the Board of Trustees, with Tarie Zimmerman as vice chair. The atmosphere at the meeting was notably different from previous ones, which had been described as dysfunctional.
The Gookins shared their relief, stating, “I’m super chill, we’re elated. I mean this is going to be a great meeting. This is going to be the way it’s supposed to be, which is boring, and we’re happy about it!”
The community looks forward to seeing North Idaho College embark on a path to recovery and work to maintain its accreditation status.
