IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) welcomed a delegation from the University of Idaho (U of I) on April 1, 2025, for a collaborative event focused on creating new opportunities for CEI students to seamlessly transfer and succeed at U of I. The gathering, held on the CEI campus, brought together 20 faculty members, deans, and department heads from U of I’s Moscow campus to meet with their CEI counterparts for a morning of discussion, brainstorming, and partnership-building.

The event was co-organized by Dr. Marc Skinner, University of Idaho at Idaho Falls University Place CEO, and Dr. Angela Sackett, CEI’s Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. Their goal: to strengthen the bridge between the two institutions and to help CEI’s Falcons see the benefits of continuing their education as Vandals in Moscow.

CEI President, Dr. Lori Barber stated, “At the College of Eastern Idaho, we are deeply committed to creating meaningful pathways for our students to continue their education and achieve their goals. This collaboration with the University of Idaho represents a shared vision for student success and a dedication to removing barriers to transfer and degree completion. We are grateful for the opportunity to strengthen this partnership and expand opportunities for our students across Idaho.”

With U of I recently earning the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, a marker of top-level research excellence in higher education, the timing of the event was especially meaningful. Faculty from both institutions explored ways to showcase U of I’s outstanding undergraduate research opportunities to CEI students. Ideas included guest lectures, such as a U of I astronomer working with NASA’s Dragonfly Titan rotorcraft mission, and student field trips to the U of I Moscow campus to engage with Vandal researchers and tour cutting-edge research labs.

The conversations focused on expanding U of I’s presence at CEI, increasing awareness of transfer pathways, and creating tangible experiences that inspire students to pursue their bachelor’s degrees and beyond.

Participants from both CEI and U of I left the event energized and optimistic about future collaboration, unified in their shared mission to provide students with clear, rewarding academic pathways.