The College of Idaho Co-President Jim Everett has announced his intention to end his tenure as Co-President on June 30, 2024, and transition to a fundraising role. Co-President Doug Brigham, a 1987 graduate of the College, will continue as President of the College. Everett and Brigham were approved for the unique co-presidency model by the Board of Trustees in February of 2018 and Everett will have completed just over six years as Co-President when he steps down.
"Just over six years ago, the trustees took a risk, appointing two non-academics as Co-Presidents of The College of Idaho. I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on spending my entire adult life in this community, where 'work' became more of a calling than a job," Everett said. "Despite challenges, each day has been a source of inspiration, witnessing the kindness and goodness of people from all walks of life and ages. My work brought me hope, purpose, and a strong belief in what can be achieved when working together for a common good. As I transition to a new role, I am optimistic about the bright future of The College of Idaho under the capable leadership of Doug Brigham and the exceptional team of faculty, staff, coaches, trustees, and the remarkable students who will change the world for the good of humanity."
“Jim is a tireless ambassador for The College of Idaho. His passion for mentoring and advocating for students, staff and faculty within the College community is exceptional. The Board of Trustees is grateful for the leadership and passion that he brought to the Co-President role,” said Jennifer Sampson, Chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, and a 1997 graduate. “In his six years as a co-president, Jim has consistently over-delivered. On behalf of the trustees, we thank Jim for his guidance as the College has achieved unprecedented levels of success. He will be fantastic in his new role on our development team.”
“Serving along and learning from Jim has been an absolute honor,” shared Co-President Doug Brigham. “Jim’s dedication to guiding students has left an incredible impression on this campus, setting a standard I hope we all aspire to uphold. Even as he transitions from the co-presidency, Jim’s commitment endures as he channels his energy into fundraising for the College. Simply put, Jim Everett is the best.”
During Everett and Brigham’s Co-Presidency tenure, the College has experienced record fundraising levels, which includes tripling the amounts raised for the annual fund (Boone Fund) as well as fully funding 7.5 new endowed chairs at $2.5 million each. The College has also experienced 25-percent growth in its endowment, a 15-percent increase in enrollment and the College has earned its first-ever investment-grade rating on its debt. In addition to these accomplishments, the College was awarded the eighth Rhodes Scholar in school history (Kaya Evans in 2023) and claimed two NAIA national team championships in men’s basketball and women’s cross-country in 2023. Just this past weekend, the College surpassed $1 million raised at the annual Scholarship Gala for the first time in school history.
Brigham and Everett presented themselves as a presidential team concept during the interim presidency of Bob Hoover during the 2017-2018 school year, and the Board of Trustees unanimously approved the unique model in February of 2018. “Both Doug and Jim were remarkable individual candidates with strong leadership skills and deep knowledge and love for the College,” said Board Chair Laura Turner at the time of their selection. “This is not a compromise. This is a deliberate choice of two very gifted candidates who proposed a partnership. It is precisely what the College needs at this point in history.”
Everett had been serving as the College’s swimming and diving coach for two years before becoming Co-President. That followed a 40-plus year career with the YMCA, where he served the final 29 years as CEO of the Treasure Valley YMCA, retiring in 2016. During his time at the Y, Everett earned accolades that are too numerous to include in a single news release, but included St. Luke’s Light of Philanthropy, CEO of Influence, the Idaho Statesman Distinguished Citizen of the Year, Big Brother of the Year, Salvation Army Citizen of the Year, and many others. Everett’s proven skills in fundraising include successful capital campaigns in which the Y raised more than $100 million, and the rapid expansion of facilities under his leadership included one of the first Y camps built in the US during the last 50 years.
Brigham is a 1987 graduate of The College of Idaho who went on to earn an MBA from Boise State University. He had a successful 20-year career in financial and operational leadership with Washington Group International (formerly Morrison Knudsen Corporation), serving as Corporate Treasurer, Corporate Controller, before finishing his career as Senior Vice President for Operations & Maintenance. In 2008, he joined TitleOne Corporation as one of the company’s employee owners. During Brigham’s tenure, TitleOne became one of the premier regional title & escrow agents in the western United States. The company now has 14 offices throughout the state of Idaho, employs 225 team members, and has been named one of the top ten “Best Places to Work in Idaho” in the large employer category for many years. Brigham maintained close contact throughout this period with The College of Idaho, teaching finance courses, serving on the Board of Trustees, and leading the Board as Chair from 2015 through 2017.
The College of Idaho has a 133-year-old legacy of excellence. The College is known for its outstanding academic programs, winning athletics tradition, and history of producing successful graduates, including eight Rhodes Scholars, three governors, and countless business leaders and innovators. Its distinctive PEAK Curriculum challenges students to attain competency in the four knowledge peaks of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and a professional field—empowering them to earn a major and three minors in four years. The College’s close-knit, residential campus is located in Caldwell, where its proximity both to Boise and to the world-class outdoor activities of southwest Idaho’s mountains and rivers offers unique opportunities for learning beyond the classroom. For more information, visit www.collegeofidaho.edu.