qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy | University of Idaho | Education (leadership focus)  | 2008
Dissertation: Process and influence: a phenomenological multiple case study of community college student career decision making

Master of Science | Boise State University | Educational Technology  | 2002
Thesis/project: Study for and implementation of a digital online course evaluation system for the College of Southern Idaho

Bachelor of Science | University of Idaho | Trade & Industrial Education | 1996
Combined experiential learning from my private career, general education, and upper division adult education courses

Associate of Applied Science | College of Southern Idaho | Drafting Technology | 1991
Career technical applied degree that convinced me that I wanted to be a community college teacher

University of Idaho | Special Assistant to the Provost for Community College Engagement | 2024-2025
Provided advisory input to the University Provost, academic affairs leadership and executive leadership concerning how best to engage with the four Idaho community colleges. Worked directly with those college leadership teams to improve the transfer experience of community college students from a regional perspective.

College of Southern Idaho | Provost, Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer | 2014-2024
Responsible for all teaching and learning aspects of the college, including curriculum and faculty oversight, instructional quality, and meeting both internal and external standards of quality and integrity. Direct reports included Vice President of Student Services, Chief Information Officer, Small Business Development Center, Library and Museum, Instructional Deans, Executive Director of Workforce Training and Development, and held occasional acting/interim roles as CIO, VPSS, Dean of Students, and others. Included deep engagement with regional economic development.

Idaho Division of Career Technical Education | State Administrator | 2012-2014
State director of the Idaho system of Career Technical Education, including secondary programs, the Idaho Technical College System, Workforce Training Network, Adult Education, Centers for New Direction, and Fire Service Training.

College of Southern Idaho | Instructional Dean, CTE | 2007-2012
Responsible for the delivery of career technical educational programming and workfroce training for south central Idaho within the Idaho Technical College System. Began career as program manager/instructor of the Drafting Technology Program, moved to create the Web Development Program, and then entered leadership as department chair of Trade & Industry as well as Information Technoloy.

Faculty | Western Academic Leadership Academy | 2022-present
Mentoring and preparation for emerging academic leaders in the western United States

Idaho Council on Academic Affairs and Programs | 2014-2024
Idaho college and university provosts and other academic leaders providing advisory support to the Idaho State Board of Education

Idaho Workforce Development Council | 2012-2014, 2016-2020
Appointed by Idaho Governor C.L. Butch Otter inititally, then later by Governor Brad Little as the sole higher education representative to the Council.

National Association of State Directors of Career Techical Education | 2012-2014
Idaho representative to the organization, currently known as CTE Advance

National Council of State Directors of Community Colleges | 2012-2014
Idaho representative/delegate to the national organization focused on matters of public policy for community college systems

Region IV Development Association | 2014-2025
Served as secretary/treasurer and executive committee member representing southern Idaho higher education

Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization | 2023-2025
Represented the College of Southern Idaho and fully participated in many economic development efforts in southern Idaho. Ended tenure as member of the Executive Board.

WICHE Alliance Executive Board | 2021-2024
Idaho delegate to the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education Alliance Board, an organization of community college leaders in the western United States.

Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors | 2022-2025
Elected as board member from amongst all chamber member organizations

Idaho Technology Council Board of Trustees | 2019-2022
Nominated and appointed to the ITC Board which provides guidance and advocacy relating to the tech industry in Idaho

Provost Emeritus | College of Southern Idaho | 2024
Granted emeritus status upon conclusion of 35-year career at the  College of Southern Idaho

Institutional Leadership Award | International Economic Development Council | 2015
Recognition of achievement in workforce training in support of regional economic development

Leaders Worth Following Award | Leadercast Twin Falls | 2017
Awarded by the Twin Falls Leadercast organization at their annual meeting

Other

• Speaking engagement invitations too numerous to mention

• Appointments to various state of Idaho working groups relating to higher education and workforce training

• Complete curriculum vitae is available on request

• LinkedIN profile

• Dr. Leslie Edgar
  JR Simplot Endowed Dean
  College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
  University of Idaho
  Moscow, ID

  • “Thank you ... for the outstanding work you have done over the past several months. Your efforts to strengthen relationships with our community college partners have been invaluable, and I know CALS has benefited greatly from your engagement and expertise.”

• Dr. Chris McGilavry
  Academic Dean, School of Manufacturing, Skilled Trades, and Applied Technology
  Front Range Community College
  Lorem, CO

  • “I am especially grateful to Todd Schwarz for his mentorship and willingness to share his experiences. Leadership is about reflection. This experience gave me the space to reflect on my own leadership journey and think more intentionally about the leader I aspire to become.”

• Dr. Shelley McEuen
  Chair of  Communication and Social Sciences
  College of Southern Idaho
  Twin Falls, ID

  • “I've been ruminating on how, exactly, to convey how moved I was by your presentation Monday morning. I found it timely, authentic, and profoundly human. Thank you for being willing to show that piece of yourself to all of us.I thought your message was erudite and important for today's climate.”

• Dr. TJ Bliss
  Associate Commissioner and Chief Academic Officer
  Utah System of Higher Education
  Salt Lake City, UT

  • “Todd Schwarz is an architect of strategic ideas and a visionary leader. I've worked closely with him for over a decade, observing how he moved the needle to improve access and success for thousands of students. He has the experience, personality, and ingenuity to help solve some of the most pressing problems facing college leaders today.”

• Dr. Laura Woodworth-Ney
  Director
  Western Academic Leadership Academy
  Lorem, CO

  • “It has been wonderful to work with Todd on the Council on Academic Affairs and Programs (CAAP). His leadership has transformed CAAP, and higher education in the state over the past two decades. His vision for academics has made CSI what it is today.”