While the skyline is changing across ĢƵ (CWI) campuses, something even more foundational is taking shape inside. A first-ever bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration (BAS), built in direct partnership with Idaho’s business leaders, is set to launch this fall.
As with all CWI programs, collaboration with industry is essential. Employers, entrepreneurs, and subject matter experts — all Idaho-based — were directly consulted to ensure the applied business degree aligns with real workforce needs in the Treasure Valley. Leaders like Dr. David Peterman, former CEO of Primary Health, and Connie Miller, former CEO of Icon Credit Union and current CEO of Credible Advantage, played a key role in shaping the curriculum, selecting faculty, and making sure the program serves working professionals.
Both Peterman and Miller are very passionate about the mission of CWI. “CWI isn’t just a necessary community institution. It’s an unbelievable resource that fills vital roles in our workforce,” said Dr. Peterman.
A Workforce-Driven Approach to Higher Ed
For Dr. Peterman, the motivation to get involved was simple: most Idahoans don’t work for Fortune 500 companies with robust internal training. They work for small and medium-sized businesses that often lack resources to upskill employees. Peterman recalled, “We had to create our own training programs because there was nothing like this degree, “Now CWI can do that for us.”
Connie Miller shared that the need for professional business skills in Idaho came up repeatedly during advisory committee meetings, which Miller attended for years. “There comes a critical point where leaders need to transition from managing tasks to leading people,” said Miller. “This degree gives them the tools to do that.”
Designed with direct input from respected executives in healthcare, retail, finance, and public service, the business degree offers courses in customer service, human resources, budgeting, inventory, and leadership, with no advanced math required.
Built for People Already Working
Unlike traditional business degrees aimed at recent high school grads, CWI’s BAS in Business Administration is tailored for adults already in the workforce. It is built to serve tradespeople —firefighters, healthcare workers, technicians and more — looking to move up in their careers.
“This is a degree for someone who needs a promotion but doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree,” said Program Coordinator for the BAS, Ryan Hanson. “It’s about helping people remove that last barrier to advancement.”
Hanson, who transitioned from a career at HP into education, brings both industry experience and empathy to the program. He knows what it’s like to feel qualified but still be blocked by missing credentials. “I went back to school at a private university. It worked, but it was expensive,” said Hanson. “CWI provides the same kind of education at a price point that changes everything.”
Real Voices, Real Validation
CWI didn’t just involve industry leaders; they gave them a meaningful role in shaping the program. Dr. Peterman was part of the hiring committee to select program leadership. “The candidates were phenomenal. Ryan could teach at Harvard or Yale,” said Dr. Peterman. “I’m not kidding.”
Miller also played a critical role in advising curriculum and will help develop the program’s leadership course. “Strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and courage are the competencies we need in business,” she said. “This degree builds them.”
Filling a Critical Community Gap
The response from the community has been immediate. CWI initially anticipated enrolling 15 students in the program’s first semester. As of this writing, over 30 are already registered, with many more in the application pipeline. A number of leaders in public service agencies have reached out eagerly to join the program, and this is just the beginning.
For Dr. Peterman, the interest is anything but surprising. “CWI is building the workforce this valley needs. They’re doing it the right way by listening to the people who are actually doing the work.”
A Disruptor with Deep Roots
This degree is more than job titles. It’s about access. President Jones recognized the timing was right to challenge the higher ed status quo, and with support from the and , CWI moved swiftly to build and approve the program in record time.
The Future Is Local, Practical, and Bold
CWI’s new bachelor program reflects what happens when higher education listens to the community it serves. It’s flexible, affordable, and immediately relevant. Miller believes in the future of this degree, “Success with this degree means helping professionals grow their professional business skills while still working, “It sets them and our local businesses up for long-term success.”
Looking to climb the next step in your career ladder? Explore CWI's Bachelor of Applied Science in Business Administration.
