Movers and Shakers

NIC names new provost and vice president for academic affairs

North Idaho College has named Gwen Cash-James as its next provost and vice president for academic affairs following a national search. She will begin her role June 1.

Cash-James most recently served as vice provost and dean of academic affairs at Eastern Washington University, where she oversaw faculty recruitment, hiring, evaluation and tenure processes, directed faculty development initiatives, and led accreditation efforts and federal regulatory compliance. During her tenure, she contributed to a 2.5% increase in student retention in a single academic year, established an Office of Faculty Affairs, and developed leadership programs for staff, faculty, department chairs and deans.

“Gwen Cash-James will be a key partner in advancing our accreditation work, strengthening enrollment and retention, and deepening our workforce and career-technical education partnerships across the region,” NIC President Nick Swayne said. “Her extensive experience leading academic innovation, supporting faculty, and aligning programs with community and employer needs will help us build on our progress and accelerate our momentum in the years ahead.”

Cash-James replaces NIC Interim Provost Lloyd Duman who announced his retirement after working for the college for more than 30 years. Duman was named NIC’s interim provost in 2022.

“Lloyd Duman made a lasting impact on North Idaho College through his decades of service and steady leadership during a critical moment in the college's history,” Swayne said. “We are deeply appreciative for his commitment to our students and employees, and we wish him the very best in his retirement.”

Cash-James holds a Doctor of Education in higher education administration from Northeastern University, where her dissertation focused on the organizational entry of new chief academic officers at community colleges. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Pacific University and a Master of Arts in English from Eastern Washington University.

She has served as an evaluator and team chair for the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 2012, participating in institutional reviews and site visits at colleges and universities throughout the region. She is also active in community service, serving on the boards of Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho and the Women Helping Women Fund in Spokane.

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