IBR STAFF
Though the school has been around since 1969, it only became the College of Eastern Idaho in 2017. Rick Aman has
been the president of the school for the past seven years.
The school will soon have a new president, only its second since becoming CEI. Dr. Lori Barber will take the helm of the Idaho Falls-based institution on Aug. 1.
An extensive search on the part of the board of trustees and college led to finalist forums, the school reported, stating it was a “collaborative and concerted work.”
“I would like to express appreciation to the Presidential Search Committee for their time, dedication and thoughtful work on behalf of CEI.,” said Park Price, board chair. “President Rick Aman has built a strong leadership team at CEI and Dr. Barber has been a key member of that team. The trustees are confident that Dr. barber will build upon the success that CEI has enjoyed thus far.”
Previously, Barber has been the vice president of Academic and Student Affairs since 2019. She also served at them dean of General Education at the school. According to a release from CEI, she has earned a litany of degrees: A Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation for Arizona State University; a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies in History and Anthropology from Idaho State University; and a Bachelor of Arts and Letters in History from Idaho State University.
Her efforts at CEI include the development of two applied baccalaureate degree programs, making it the only community college in the state to offer two programs of their kind. She also led Academic and Student Affairs to a year-seven accreditation reaffirmation.She was also a member of the Idaho LAUNCH committee.
“I’m honored to have been selected as the second president of College of Eastern Idaho,” Barber said. “As CEI moves into this new phase, I am thrilled to lead the college to the next level of excellence. I am excited to work with business and industry leaders to ensure they have the exceptionally trained workforce they need.”
She added that she is looking forward to working with the school’s four-year university partners in transferring students to those institutions to continue their educations.
“I have a clear vision for how we can continue to grow as a cutting-edge institution,” Barber said. “With our talented faculty and staff, I am ready to lead CEI in its continued success, building on the best that already exists and creating new possibilities of excellence.”