The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) Board of Trustees announces the resignation of its inaugural board chair Park Price, concluding nearly a decade of service to the institution and the community.

Since helping guide the creation of CEI in 2017, Chair Price has played a pivotal role in shaping the college's vision, governance, and strategic direction. As a founding trustee and the Board's inaugural chair, he helped lead the institution through its formative years and supported its growth into a thriving community college serving students, employers, and communities across eastern Idaho.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire CEI community, we extend our sincere gratitude to Chair Price for his years of dedicated service," said CEI President Dr. Lori Barber. "The foundation he helped establish during those early years continues to guide our work today. Park’s leadership, commitment, and belief in the power of education have shaped College of Eastern Idaho into the institution it is today. He will be missed.”

Price said, “This is an ideal time for me to step down. The Future Tech facility is complete, the College is in the capable hands of President Barber and her team, and the trustees have a clear vision for the future of CEI. Serving as a trustee and Chair of the Board has been one of the great honors of my public life.”

Trustee Cal Ozaki said, “It has been a privilege to serve alongside Park since the beginning of College of Eastern Idaho. As our inaugural chair and a founding trustee, he provided the leadership, vision, and steady hand that helped establish the culture and foundation of the institution we know today. His leadership has shaped not only CEI, but also those of us fortunate enough to serve alongside him. My wife and I are grateful to call Park and his wife our friends. I will miss having him at the Board table, but I am deeply grateful for his leadership, friendship, and the lasting impact he has had on CEI.”

The Board of Trustees will make an interim appointment to fill the vacant seat until the trustee elected in November assumes office.

Applications for the interim appointment will be accepted through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28. Applicants must reside within Trustee Zone 3, which is a statutory eligibility requirement under Idaho law.

Individuals interested in being considered for appointment should submit a letter of interest and résumé to:

Emma Getliff
Liaison to the Board of Trustees
trustee.liaison@cei.edu

Additional information about trustee responsibilities and eligibility requirements is available at https://www.cei.edu/board-trustees

About College of Eastern Idaho

College of Eastern Idaho is a comprehensive community college serving eastern Idaho through affordable, accessible, and high-quality education, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.