APRIL NIBJ: On the Move
George Busch joins Banner Bank
George Busch has joined Banner Bank as senior vice president and Spokane Commercial Banking Center manager. In his role, Busch will lead the bank’s local commercial banking team — one of the most productive in the company.
Busch has more than 27 years of commercial and commercial real estate banking experience, including more than 15 years of experience leading commercial banking teams in the Eastern Washington and North Idaho Region. He is currently a member of the Coeur d’Alene Rotary Club and serves on the Spokane-Kootenai County Real Estate Research Committee.
Busch earned a master’s degree in business administration from Washington State University and a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. He can be reached 509-892-4587 or at [email protected].
About Banner Bank: Banner Corporation is a $16.35 billion bank holding company operating a commercial bank in four Western states through a network of branches offering a full range of deposit services and business, commercial real estate, construction, residential, agricultural and consumer loans. Visit Banner Bank online at www.bannerbank.com.
Phi Theta Kappa names NIC dean distinguished college administrator
North Idaho College Dean of Students Alex Harris has been named a recipient of the Phi Theta Kappa Distinguished College Administrator Award.
The award honors college leaders who work directly with students to strengthen campus communities and expand opportunities for student success. Recipients are nominated by student leaders of Phi Theta Kappa, a worldwide honor society that aims to recognize the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges. Twenty-one administrators nationwide were selected out of 105 nominations for the award.
“Being recognized by our students is a huge honor.” Harris said. "Being named one of the winners was a wonderful surprise and a reminder of how deeply our hard work touches the lives of our students."
At NIC, Harris has dedicated his efforts to increasing student engagement and removing barriers that hinder success in both academic and co-curricular programs. As a proud NIC graduate and former Phi Theta Kappa member, he draws on his own experiences, both as a former student and a professional, to inspire students to pursue leadership opportunities and strive for academic excellence.
“Mr. Harris understands that student success is built through connection, access, and consistent support,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “Students recognize him for the way he advocates for them at every level of the institution, ensuring they have the resources, encouragement and opportunities needed to thrive.”
To be eligible for the award, nominees must serve as a vice president, dean or director at an institution with an active Phi Theta Kappa chapter, have at least three years of service in their current role and be nominated by student leaders from their chapter.
Alex Harris