College Leadership

Paul Bennion

Vice President for Student Affairs

• Advocate Center
• Campus Ministries
• Campus Safety
• Counseling Center
• Learning Support & Disability Services
• Inclusion & Intercultural Engagement
• Outdoor Program
• Residential Life
• Counseling & Health Services
• Student Involvement & Leadership

David Douglass

Executive Vice President & Dean of Faculty

• Academic Departments
• Administrative Assistants
• Archives
• Associate Dean
• Faculty
• Grants
• Institutional Research
• Library
• Museum
• Planetarium
• Registrar

Brian Bava

Vice President for Enrollment Management

• Admission
• Financial Aid

Jack Cafferty

Vice President of College Relations

• Alumni Relations
• Annual (Boone) Fund
• Advancement Services
• Major Gifts
• Parents Council
• Events
• External Relations
• Fundraising

Latonia Haney Keith

Dean of Graduate Studies & Vice President of Strategic Initiatives

• Graduate Academic Programs
• High Impact Practices
• Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance
• Immigration Law Compliance

Reagan Rossi

Vice President of Athletics

• Athletics
• Coaches
• Sports Information

Kyle Sales

Chief Financial Officer

• Business Office
• Financial Information

Current Board Members

Chair, Jen Sampson '97
Community Advocate

Jennifer (Vroman) Sampson, a native Idahoan, graduated from The College of Idaho in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. She served as Student Body President her senior year. Upon graduation she began a career at Albertsons, Inc. During her twelve years with the company she experienced three mergers in three different cities, became a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with thousands of dedicated associates.  Jen spent the majority of her career in Public Affairs, Communications, and Community Outreach.  In 2015, Jen and her family relocated back to Boise after seven years in Dallas/Fort Worth and six years on the East Coast. With that move came the opportunity to shift careers, and currently she operates a small house renovation business. She is the Past President of the Boise Public Schools Foundation Board, a member of the Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation, and sits on The College of Idaho Scholarship Gala committee. Jen, her husband Shane, daughter Kate, and their two very mischievous puppies, Maggie and Goldie, live in East Boise.

Vice-Chair, Megan Ronk '01
Director of Business Innovation & Development, Idaho Power

Megan Ronk is Director of Business Innovation & Development for Idaho Power where she is charged with business expansion and innovation initiatives for one of the United States’ top ranked investor-owned electric utilities. Before joining Idaho Power, Ronk enjoyed a 16-year career in state government and public policy, most recently serving as the Director for the Idaho Department of Commerce under Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter. In that role, Ronk led economic development efforts for the state, including business attraction, retention and expansion, international trade, tourism and rural-development initiatives. Ronk also worked as a Policy Advisor to U.S. Secretary of Interior and former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne. Ronk serves on the Board of Directors for Mountain West Bank and the Boise Valley Economic Partnership; as a commissioner for the Idaho Commission on Human Rights; and as an adjunct faculty member at the College of Western Idaho where she has taught microeconomics for over ten years. Ronk has received the Idaho Business Review’s Accomplished Under 40 award and is a three-time winner of the Idaho Women of the Year award. Ronk’s highest priority and greatest accomplishment is her family including husband Jayson and two young sons, Simon and Harrison.    

Laura Arjona
Vice President/Chief of Staff, Switchboard Health

Laura grew up in Southeast Boise attending Boise schools through high school graduation. After leaving the state to earn her engineering degree at Rice University, Masters in business administration at Harvard, and carving a career in healthcare business, Laura returned to Idaho in 2017 with her young family.  As Chief of Staff at Switchboard Health, Laura helps patients access integrated virtual specialty care by working with health plans and at risk providers. Laura was previously a health plan executive, management consultant, and investment banker. Laura and her husband enjoy biking, skiing, swimming, and taking road trips around Idaho with their three young children. 

Elaine Baylor
Community & Education Advocate

Elaine received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology at Newcomb College, which was the women’s college connected to Tulane in New Orleans. After Newcomb, she attended Tulane’s School of Social Work where she received her Master’s. Elaine has spent her professional career mentoring and providing professional coaching to students, especially those from under-served populations. In addition to The College of Idaho Board of Trustees, she is currently a Board Member for the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation Board, the Los Angeles Valley College where she is involved in the Fundraising, Scholarship, and Public Relations Committees and is an Advisory Board Member for the COWEN Institute of Tulane University, New Orleans. Elaine appreciates the opportunity to engage with students, hearing their stories and hopes that she can provide support and the wisdom that comes from experience to these students. Anyone that knows her, knows that she is a humble, kind, compassionate person of deep faith, with a very big heart and is “honored to serve as a Trustee”.

Andrea Cook
Former President, Warner Pacific University

Andrea Cook served as president of Warner Pacific University in Portland, Oregon from 2008 to 2020. Dr. Cook worked as an administrator at five colleges and universities over a period of 43 years, working in financial aid, records, enrollment, marketing, advancement, external relations and as president. During her presidential tenure at Warner Pacific University, the institution became the first and only, four-year institution in the state of Oregon to be federally designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Additionally, the institution’s student body diversity increased from 15 to 65 percent Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to become a minority-serving institution. Cook also has extensive experience in institutional and programmatic accreditation processes and has served on national and regional boards, including the North America Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, Council of Christian Colleges and Universities, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, The Stewardship Foundation, and University of Western States. Dr. Cook earned M.S. and Ph.D., degrees in Educational Policy and Management from the University of Oregon.

Hon. Candy Dale '79
United States Magistrate Judge

A native of Boise, Judge Dale obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, with honors and as a Gipson Scholar, from The College of Idaho in 1979. While in law school, she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Idaho Law Review.  Before her appointment to the federal bench in 2008, she was a trial lawyer for over 25 years in Idaho and a member of numerous professional and community organizations. Judge Dale received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from the College in 2017 when she delivered the keynote address at Commencement.

Pam DeCoste '82
Retired, former vice president of Philips Healthcare

A 1982 magna cum laude graduate from the College, Pam recently retired after a strong career with Philips Healthcare. She has a proven track record of managing global financial organizations driving growth and profitability, implementing financial discipline and structuring risk management frameworks. She has a strong history of creating growth, managing multi-billion-dollar business groups and markets, and leading the Internal Audit and Fraud investigation function for global Philips out of the Netherlands.

Coby Dennis
Superintendent, Boise School District

Dennis grew up in the Boise valley before pursuing a career in education that included being named superintendent of the Boise School District in 2019. Prior to his promotion, he had worked in various capacities within the school district since 1991, successfully leading a number of efforts to improve instruction, overall academic achievement and school facilities in the District. He has a demonstrated aptitude for creating solutions. He helped support and coordinate the District's implementation of Community Schools, Common Core State Standards to support learning in the classroom, Strategic Planning, Budgeting, Legislation & Rule Making Advocacy, District Outreach (external and internal communication), Facility Improvements, and Policy Development.

Beth Elroy '92       
Vice President, Global EHS & Sustainability, Micron Technology, Inc.

Elizabeth Elroy, (Beth), is the vice president of Global EHS and Sustainability, leading a worldwide team responsible for developing and implementing our EHS and Sustainability strategies. Beth joined Micron as an environmental engineer and has served in a wide range of roles including Environmental Manager, Engineering and Construction Manager, and Senior Director of Facilities. Beth is a strong advocate for Micron’s DEI initiatives and has mentored several women through the years. She volunteers many hours to our STEM programs and is the Executive Sponsor for Micron’s Capable employee resource group. External to Micron, she serves on the Idaho Board of Directors for the Department of Environmental Quality and is active in numerous outdoor activities. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the College of Idaho and a master’s degree in Engineering from Idaho State University.

Scott Ferguson
Owner, Pacific Valve, LLC

Scott Ferguson’s connection to The College of Idaho originated with both of his parents who met in the college cafeteria and were married 2 months later.  They both graduated from the College of Idaho, and there is currently an ongoing Ferguson Memorial scholarship that their family contributes. Scott graduated from WSU and started his career as a stockbroker, as his career developed he continued to focus on value investing principles and consulting.  Scott owns Pacific Value, LLC, a money management firm that manages portfolios with same value investing principles he had acquired over the years. Scott is married to Kary and they raised three young men, and as they experience empty-nesting they hope to expand their civic efforts.

Kate Fowler '02
Vice President, Operational Finance, St. Luke's Health System

Kate Fowler leads operational finance, revenue cycle, and patient access services at St. Luke’s Health System. She is responsible for partnering with system leadership to execute financial strategies and manage resources in support of St. Luke’s mission. Kate holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from The College of Idaho and earned an MBA from Northwest Nazarene University. Kate is an Idaho native and lives in Boise with her husband Will and their two young children (who make it all worthwhile). The family enjoys skiing, overlanding in their Jeep, the arts, and seeking out new adventures.

Buckner Harris ‘77
Partner, BA Harris Advisors | Accountants

Buckner “Buck” Harris graduated from The College of Idaho in 1977. After graduating, Buck began a long career in public accounting. As a CPA, he worked for several firms, including the predecessor of Deloitte, before founding his firm, BA Harris in Boise, Idaho. Now semi-retired, when not fishing or playing tennis, Buck focuses his time providing support to attorneys as an expert witness. Buck has previously served on the boards of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Idaho, the Rotary Club of Boise-Metro and the Lee Pesky Learning Center. He was also a past member of The College of Idaho National Alumni Board and currently serves on the College’s Planned Giving Committee.

Paula Kluksdal ‘94
Partner, Hawley Troxell

Paula graduated from The College of Idaho in 1994 where she received her Bachelor of Arts and graduated cum laude. She received her J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1997, where she was Editor in Chief of the University of Idaho Law Review, 1996-1997. Paula is co-chair of the firm’s banking practice group and was the first woman member of Hawley Troxell’s Board of Partners from 2012 to 2020. She focuses her practice in the areas of real estate and finance, and represents a wide variety of lenders and borrowers in the documentation and due diligence necessary for securitized lending, compliance with Idaho’s commercial lending regulations, loan documentation, and collection.  In addition to serving on the College’s Board of Trustees, Paula is a member of the Idaho State Bar, American Bar Association, National Association of Bond Lawyers, and Idaho Women Lawyers. Paula has achieved many accomplishments throughout her legal career, most recently the 2021 Richard C. Fields Civility Award. Paula also generously contributes her time and expertise to provide presentations on a variety of topics for associations, including professional women organizations. She is married to alumnus John Kluksdal ’94.

Ray Marshall '75
Attorney

Raymond Marshall is a business litigation and white-collar investigations partner in the firm’s San Francisco office. He is also the Team Leader of the White Collar Defense and Corporate Investigations Team. In addition to his professional affiliations, Raymond is extremely active in community affairs and serves on the boards of the Equal Justice Society, the United Negro College Fund, and HomeBase/The Center for Common Concerns. In March 2009, he argued on behalf of five of the leading civil rights groups in the country (Asian Pacific American Legal Center, California State Conference of the NAACP, Equal Justice Society, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund) before the California Supreme Court, arguing that allowing Proposition 8 (a proposition which sought to outlaw gay marriage) to stand could be detrimental to other minority groups who could easily become the targets of initiative campaigns seeking to take away their rights.

James P. Mertz
Chairman, Symms Fruit Ranch

Oversees the family farming operation founded in 1914 by his wife's (Kathy) grandfather, now in the 5th generation of family participation as growers, packers, sellers, and shippers of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus general farming operations.   Jim's career began in education before shifting to Symms Fruit Ranch in 1971.  He has been actively involved in the local agricultural community since arriving, including serving on the Idaho Horticulture Association, the Idaho Apple Commission, the Idaho Cherry Commission and the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, among others. Jim earned his bachelor of arts degree in 1961 from Beloit College in Beloit, WI, and his Master’s degree from Columbia University in 1965. Kathy and Jim have three children; Jamie, Carrie, and Joe '93 plus eight grandchildren; Hattie, Max, Jack, Maisie, Milo, Fran, Sean Elizabeth, and Jay.

Megan Multanen
Owner and CEO, Bestbath

Megan L. Multanen, MPA, is an Idaho native and a graduate of Boise State University where she earned a degree in Sociology and Economics. Post-Boise State, Megan attended the University of Arizona where she earned her Masters of Public Administration. While working in the Department of Training and Public Policy development for Pima Prevention Partnership in Tucson Arizona, Megan worked with the Governor’s Office for Children, Youth, and Families to deliver curriculum and grassroots training to 30 community coalitions throughout the state of Arizona. Megan returned to Idaho in 2010 to work for Bestbath and has worked in the Marketing Department, Commercial Sales department, and Dealer Sales department. Today, Megan is an owner and CEO of Bestbath. Megan pursued her Certified Aging in Place Specialist designation through the National Association of Home Builders in 2010. An active member of the American Composite Manufacturers Association (ACMA) Government Affairs Committee, and Architectural Committee Megan has also served the industry in Green Composites initiatives. Megan has served as Chair of the Board for the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, as well as on the Executive Committee of the Chamber Board, and enjoys the opportunity that affords her to be an active member of the community

Lorenzo Olvera '07
Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Saint Alphonsus Health System

Lorenzo Olvera has been named Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Saint Alphonsus Health System. Olvera earned his bachelor’s degree in political economy from The College of Idaho in Caldwell and received an Executive Master’s in Leadership from the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business. He has also received certificates in diversity and inclusion from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and the University of South Florida. Lorenzo is also a father to two.

Doug Oppenheimer
President, Oppenheimer Companies

Doug Oppenheimer has a long and successful history in the Treasure Valley above and beyond his company, Oppenheimer Companies, Inc., which is involved in food sales, manufacturing and marketing as well as being involved in commercial real estate.  Currently, Oppenheimer is the Director of the Idaho Community Foundation, President of the Boy Scouts of America (Ore-Ida Council), Treasurer for Alturas Institute, Director for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival's Advisory Board, Director of Idaho Business for Education, Director of the Idaho Film Foundation, and more.  He is also a published author, having penned the book, "Sun Valley: A Biography," the first book written on the history of Sun Valley, Idaho.

Michael Pearson ‘97
State Financial Officer / Deputy Administrator of Idaho Division of Financial Management

Michael is the Deputy Director of Operations in charge of oversight of procurement, IT, facilities, compliance, internal audit, and Licensing for Idaho’s largest executive branch agency. In this role, he directly supports DHW’s #1 focus of improving child welfare outcomes by finding efficiencies in the structure supporting those on the front lines. Prior to joining Health & Welfare, Michael was the State Financial Officer at the Division of Financial Management in early 2024. Michael is most proud of the twelve years as CFO at the Department of Fish & Game where he was instrumental in the bonding and construction of a new headquarters for the Department that was completed on time and under budget during the Coronavirus pandemic. Michael also serves in many not-for-profit organizations, including serving as National Treasurer of AGA in 2023-24. In his spare time, Michael enjoys gourmet cooking, golf, and spending time with his two teenage children.

Dr. Karly Pippitt, M.D. ‘02
Director and Associate Professor, University of Utah

Dr. Pippitt is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine at the University of Utah where she also serves as the Director of Medical Student Education in Family Medicine. Karly graduated from The College of Idaho in 2002 where she received her degree in biology and later attended the University of Utah where she received her M.D. in 2006. Dr. Pippitt’s background in medicine, teaching, and volunteer work is extensive. In addition to The College’s Board of Trustees, Karly also serves on various committees at The University of Utah such as Continuing Medical Education Advisory Committee and Medical Staff Credentials Committee.

Alison Rabe '10
Executive Director, Jesse Tree

Ali moved back to Idaho in 2019 to take on the role of Executive Director at Jesse Tree, a nonprofit preventing eviction and homelessness for low-income families in the Treasure Valley. Prior to joining Jesse Tree Ali was a Staff Attorney at HomeBase, headquartered in San Francisco, where she supported local governments and service providers in their efforts to end homelessness. In 2012 Ali received the Boren Fellowship, through which she supported indigenous communities in rural Cambodia fighting to keep their land. She continued the same work in Sierra Leone. Ali also spent some years working for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services as an adjudicator, processing refugees from all over the world. Ali is a proud Yote and holds a J.D. from William & Mary Law School.

Dennis Robertson '87
President of Elite Athletes Division, Protocol International

Dennis received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at The College of Idaho and his extensive athletic background paved the way to his current role as President of Protocol International’s Elite Athletes Division responsible for P & L, recruitment, negotiating, training and development. Dennis’ athletic achievements range from his participation in the 1979 Junior AAU Olympics to The College of Idaho where he became the two-time Defensive Player of the Year (1984-86), Athlete of the Year (1985), and the Assistant Junior Varsity Coach (1986). He also became an NBA Pro-Am player with the Portland/Seattle team from 1986-1987 and started as small forward for Each One Teach One at the famous Rucker Park in Harlem under legendary Coach John Martin for three years. In addition to his athletic background, Dennis has also been involved in the corporate arena as a banking executive spanning over 30 years with American Express, JP Morgan Chase, and Carver Federal Savings Bank. This experience encompassed many aspects of corporate coaching, branding, training and development, campaigns, acquisitions and promotion, and staff recruitment. Dennis brings to the table his high energy, competitive edge, personable leadership skills, and proven track record. Dennis is currently working with Professional Athletes, College and University Athletic Departments, AAU teams, High Schools and youth.

Amalka Samarasekera ‘13
Strategy & Planning Lead, HP Inc., Print Hardware Systems & Solutions

Amalka leads Strategy and Planning for HP Print Solutions and Software Platforms team, where she drives product innovation, business strategy planning, and future product marketing for HP’s Consumer Business print solutions and software. She also has extensive experience in program management and market research analysis. She graduated from The College of Idaho in 2013 with dual degrees in psychology and anthropology/sociology. Amalka also received her Master of Business Administration from Boise State University in 2018 and International Baccalaureate Diploma from Pearson College (UWC) in British Columbia, Canada in 2009. In addition to The College’s Board of Trustees, she also serves on other boards as the Partnerships lead for Women Innovators and Selection Committee member for the UWC-USA National Committee.

Mary Smith
Retired, Community Advocate

Mary Smith graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with honors (cum laude) with a degree in Economics and History. She managed market research on development projects in southern California, Utah and Hawaii for companies such as Walker & Lee, Prudential Insurance, and the Immobiliare. Mary is past president of the Idaho and Ada County Medical Alliances. She currently serves as treasurer of the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts Board. Mary is married to College of Idaho alumnus James W. Smith, M.D.

Melinda S. Smyser      
Developer-Property, People & Gardens

Melinda S. Smyser grew up on a ranch in Middleton, Idaho and is a fifth generation Idahoan.  Smyser has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho and received her Master’s degree from the College of Idaho, as did her mother, Sandra Sloviaczek and daughter, Lauren Smyser. She is a counselor with over 30 years of experience, including developing and implementing school counseling programs focusing on the needs of at-risk students and their families. She was a small business owner of Capitol Cellars Restaurant in Downtown, Boise. Smyser served as the Director of Drug Policy under Governor Little, where she worked with local communities and public and private stakeholders in the ongoing process of improving the effectiveness and availability of prevention work across all 44 of Idaho’s counties. Prior to the position, she was the Director of the Department of Labor under Governor Otter working to meet the workforce demands and employment needs of Idaho’s growing businesses. She also served as the Regional Director for U.S. Senator Jim Risch. Smyser was honored to serve two terms as an Idaho State Senator, representing Canyon and Gem Counties. She volunteers in many capacities in her local community. For the past two years, Smyer has served as the President of PEO, a woman’s philanthropic, education organization. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family. Her greatest accomplishment in life is raising her four children and being married to the love of her life, S.A. “Skip” Smyser.

Dr. Donald Stritzke '80
Retired M.D., Urology

 

Jill Twedt '01
Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Boise Cascade Company

Jill Twedt is Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Boise Cascade, where she started in 2007 as an employment and labor attorney after four years at a private law firm in Boise.  She now leads the legal, compliance, sustainability and environmental, records management, and governance functions for the company.  Twedt graduated from The College of Idaho in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and went on to earn her law degree from the University of Idaho. She is married to fellow alumnus Josh Sears ('99) and the couple has two children.

Ken Wagers ‘84
Vice President, Kelmar Associates

Ken is currently the Vice President of Client Information Services at Kelmar Associates. He graduated from The College of Idaho in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Finance and received his Master of Taxation at the University of Denver School of Law in 1985. Ken has spent his career working collaboratively with nearly every state’s unclaimed property department in the U.S., focusing on system implementations, integrations, services, and best practices. In addition to the College’s Board of Trustees, Ken is a member of the NAST Corporate Affiliate Board, Involta Financial Advisory Board, and The College of Idaho National Alumni Board (past president). A few of Ken’s interests include hiking, running, skiing, and woodworking.

Dr. Sue Weitz '71
Retired, Gonzaga University

Dr. Sue Weitz, Retired Vice President for Student Life and Senior Advisor to the President at Gonzaga University for 34 years, has also served as Semester At Sea Executive Dean in the summer of 04, Fall 10, Fall 14, Spring 2020.  Her first “around the world voyage” was the Fall of 96 when she served as the Dean of Students. She is married to Greg Intinarelli and has three children, Lauran, Marcus, and Derek. She earned her Bachelor and Master degrees from The College of Idaho and her Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Gonzaga University. Her Ph.D. dissertation focused on alcohol use and college students. Sue has had a long successful career in Higher Education serving over 45 years in various positions at The College of Idaho, University of Central Arkansas, St. Mary of the Woods College, and Gonzaga University.  She has received numerous national and regional awards from NASPA and JASPA as well as from her last home institution, Gonzaga University. Among the honors, NASPA awarded her The Scott Goodnight Award for outstanding performance as a Dean, and the National Fred Turner Award for distinguished service. The National Jesuit Association (JASPA) awarded her the Ignation Medal for Outstanding Achievement and the Victor Yanitelli Award (highest award from Jesuit Institutions for contribution to the profession).  When Sue retired from Gonzaga University she was recognized with her Trademarks being “Love and Laughter". Dr. Weitz is extremely passionate about Higher Education and is honored to be able to serve The College of Idaho, the institution that gave her educational and professional start.

Dr. Rick Williams '74
Scientific, technical, and research consultant

Williams is a fisheries ecologist and Research Associate in the Department of Biology at The College of Idaho. His research and consulting activities focus on the conservation of native steelhead, redband, and cutthroat trout in western North America. Williams graduated in 1974 with majors in Zoology and English Literature. Rick is a third generation College of Idaho graduate, preceded by his parents, Dick and Rita Williams (1950) and grandparents, Ledru and Alta Williams (1918). Dick served on the National Alumni Board (1958-61; President 1961), while grandfather Ledru joined the College of Idaho’s Education Department faculty in 1945. Ledru was also the acting President of the College from 1948 to 1950.

The College of Idaho Advisory Board will provide high-level strategic and generative thought to the College. The group will serve as a sort of "think tank" and sounding board as to how to make the College and even more effective, efficient, and valuable resource to the state and region.

• AJ & Susie Balukoff
• Linda Bequette '89
• George Crookham
• Jim Grigsby '82
• Steve Hanks
• Alice Hennessey
• John Jackson
• Molly Lenty-Dickson
• Charlene Maher
• Roger Quarles
• Rich Raimondi
• Tara Russell
• John Michael Shert
• Brian Shirley
• Angela Taylor
• David Turnbull
• Bill Whitacre
• Graye H. Wolfe, Sr.
• Chet Wood '81
• Linda Yanke