Strategic Plan (2026-2028)
Letter from the President:
I am pleased to share College of Eastern Idaho’s new three‑year strategic plan, shaped through the insight of our faculty, staff, students, and industry partners. This plan reflects our shared commitment to student achievement and to preparing learners for a rapidly changing world through innovation, workforce development, dual enrollment, and emerging technologies such as digital literacy and AI.
Strategic plans matter because progress should never be left to chance. A clear, ambitious direction keeps us focused on what CEI does best, empowering students, strengthening our community, and building a resilient, future‑ready institution.
CEI’s pioneering spirit is evident in our remarkable enrollment growth, more than 250% in just eight years. This plan builds on that momentum. Together with our community, we step forward with purpose and a deep belief in what CEI can achieve with this roadmap to guide us.
- Dr. Lori Barber
President
Goal #1: Increase Institutional Sustainability
CEI will work to have greater participation and investment from the community it serves. CEI will strengthen its long-term sustainability by purposefully diversifying funding sources. This approach ensures stability, fosters innovation, and positions CEI as a trusted partner in regional economic development.
- Objective 1: Expand and strengthen fundraising through the CEI Foundation.
- Objective 2: Increase the community’s use of CEI’s campus.
- Objective 3: Grow local donor support for ongoing and unrestricted funds.
- Objective 4: Position CEI for increased general fund investment through proven results.
- Objective 5: Optimize tuition and fees within statutory limits and market conditions.
Goal #2: Increase Workforce Training and Community Education’s Impact
WTCE strengthens the region by preparing a skilled workforce for high‑demand industries, from nuclear‑informed trades and essential apprenticeships to healthcare and public safety. By expanding employer partnerships and career pathways, CEI fuels economic growth while helping residents access stable, in‑demand careers close to home.
- Objective 1: Establish CEI as Idaho’s nuclear-informed trades hub
- Objective 2: Expand HVAC, plumbing, & electrical apprenticeship programs
- Objective 3: Increase healthcare offerings
- Objective 4: Expand law enforcement & first responder training
- Objective 5: Increase number of employers served
Goal #3: Increase early college students to CEI students
- Objective 1: Empower more early college students to continue their education at CEI
- Objective 2: Clarify advancement pathway
- Objective 3: Expand advising programs
- Objective 4: Establish a scholarship program for early college students
- Objective 5: Position CEI as the top choice for high school seniors
Goal #4: integrate digital literacy across the curriculum
- Objective 1: Integrate AI literacy into all degree programs
- Objective 2: Establish digital literacy as an institutional student learning outcome
- Objective 3: Strengthen CEI’s brand through AI-embedded education.
Goal #5: Elevate CEI’s STEM reputation
CEI will purposefully leverage the development of the Applied STEM Institute to benefit both students and the region. By providing high school students with immersive experiences in STEM, CEI will deliver early access to advanced education and mentorship while ensuring the region’s best and brightest minds start here, build careers here, and drive local innovation.
- Objective 1: Brand CEI as the destination for STEM talent
- Objective 2: Create mentor networks to inspire STEM careers
- Objective 3: Design realistic access for rural students to engage with the institute.
- Objective 4: Increase math confidence in high school students.
Goal #6: Increase student achievement
CEI helps students reach their goals. We focus on helping more students enroll, succeed in their courses, stay on track, and graduate so that every learner feels supported, confident, and ready to succeed.
- Objective 1: Increase overall and divisional enrollment
- Objective 2: Increase the course pass rate
- Objective 3: Improve fall-to-spring student continuation
- Objective 4: Increase degree and certificate completions