NORTHWEST NOTES: Former University of Idaho administrator named College of Western Idaho's inaugural athletic director

NAMPA — College of Western Idaho has named Mahmood Sheikh as the school's inaugural athletic director. 

Sheikh has been with CWI since September 2025 as the assistant chief advancement officer for strategic initiatives. This position will lead the launch of intramural and intercollegiate athletics for the college. 

Prior to his arrival, Sheikh served more than six years as the senior associate athletic director for development and executive director of the Vandal Scholarship Fund for the University of Idaho.  

“Mahmood brings a combination of strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and deep experience in athletics as we build this program from the ground up,” CWI president Gordon Jones said in a school news release. “He understands how to develop sustainable models, cultivate community partnerships, and create opportunities that put students first. I am confident Mahmood will lay a strong foundation for intramurals and athletics that support student success and helps prepare our graduates to thrive.” 

Earlier this year, Jones announced CWI would establish intercollegiate athletics and an intramural program, which Sheikh will now lead. School spokesperson Ashley Smith said the school plans to pursue NJCAA Division I status in the Scenic West Athletic Conference, whose members include North Idaho College and the College of Southern Idaho.

“Our ambition is to launch intercollegiate sports through an endowment-funded model to ensure annual operational costs are made available before the first season begins and throughout the sport’s history,” Jones said. “Rather than relying on yearly fundraising, this approach enables us to build high-quality, sustainable athletics supported by philanthropic contributions, in areas of interest to the Treasure Valley community.”  

"Once we secure endowment dollars to provide the necessary annual funding required to support a competitive, sustainable team, we will formally introduce that sport," Smith said.

Sheikh spent 14 years in intercollegiate athletics including two stints at the University of Idaho, based in Boise, and a period at the University of Colorado. In addition, he spent nearly nine years as the deputy executive director for the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation, Inc.  

“As an Idahoan, I am fired up for this opportunity knowing that 98.6% of our student body hails from right here in the Gem State," Sheikh said. "Our work in athletics and intramurals will align with CWI’s role of championing accessibility, safeguarding affordability, and designing strong pathways for students and student athletes. Otter proud!” 

A native of Moscow, Sheikh is a graduate of the University of Idaho.

Sheikh will start in his new role on Monday.