Eastern Idaho’s two public higher ed institutions have entered into a “strengthened partnership,” with an eye to high-demand careers.
The Idaho State University-College of Eastern Idaho partnership is focused on improving student pathways in fields such as education, engineering, business, health sciences and nursing.
The high-demand field of nursing is a high priority. Idaho State says it will commit additional faculty to Eastern Idaho, in hopes of supporting additional students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Idaho State also says it will improve facilities, “to support nursing education and other fields in health professions,” according to an ISU news release.
“This collaboration is driven by our shared vision of empowering citizens in eastern Idaho with greater access to higher education, fostering innovation, and supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce,” ISU President Robert Wagner said in the release.
“At CEI, we believe every student, no matter where they live, deserves a clear path to a meaningful career,” CEI President Lori Barber said in the release. “This collaboration with Idaho State University opens doors for our students, especially in critical fields like nursing, and ensures they can pursue their dreams close to home and at an affordable cost.”
ISU and CEI’s advising departments will work on ensuring “seamless” credit transfers, according to the ISU release.
About 50 miles separate ISU’s main campus in Pocatello from the CEI campus in Idaho Falls, but Idaho State operates an Idaho Falls satellite campus, across town from CEI.
