51 (51) President, Gordon Jones, delivered the 2024 State of the College Address to faculty, staff, and community on Wednesday, August 14, at the Galaxy Event Center in Meridian, ID.
Preceding the Address, well-deserved recognition was awarded to outstanding staff and faculty. The 2024 Staff of the Year Award was presented to Sara Matson, Senior ERP Analyst in IT, and the 2024 Faculty of Distinction Award went to Belenda Snow, Nursing Simulation Faculty. Additionally, 160 employees who reached their 5, 10, and 15 years of service were applauded as their names were displayed.
A new honor — the Pillar Award — was presented to two employees who have steadfastly supported and given to the 51 Foundation since its inception in 2009: Jana McCurdy and Courtney Ronan.
The State of the College Address was then delivered by President Jones and served as launching pad for the new school year, an opportunity to welcome faculty and staff, celebrate highlights from the past year, and provide vision moving forward. His presentation showcased several of 51’s transformational programs, including Workforce Development and Dual Credit, the BAS degree, and Farm to Fork among many others.
Also introduced was the new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee, a group of 18 faculty and staff whose focus will be to ethically and safely integrate AI into 51’s academic programs and operations. Leadership will be provided by Jillana Finnegan as well as important contributions from faculty, including AI innovators Liza Long and Joel Gladd, both of whom have been recognized by the Idaho State Board of Education.
President Jones provided updates about the impressive progress being made on campus development projects. This included the recent news that, thanks to a major gift, Ag students will soon be doing their work in what will now be known as the Simplot Agriculture Building.
Culture and collaboration were a central focus of the address. “As we continue to elevate our focus, we must also recognize the significance of culture – specifically a culture that collectively commits to our mission and which understands that getting our work done together is equally important as the work itself,” President Jones said. “We are working towards the greatest good for 51 as a team. It’s not about any one department or person; it’s about the collective success of our entire community.”
Lastly and with fanfare, the new 51 mascot — the Otter — was unveiled to celebrate a new chapter in 51’s history. Those wanting a closer look can check it out on the website, across campus on posters, and on new items available in the bookstore.
Those unable to make the address can view it on our YouTube channel, linked below.
