Ginger Winckler said she enjoys her job at NIC.
NIC has a new dual credit coordinator whose experience with technology and the university environment promises new focuses in the dual credit program.
The dual credit program allows academically qualified students to earn both high school credit and college credit upon completion of NIC courses.
“It’s a great way to get an introduction to college,” said Ginger Winckler, the new dual credit coordinator. “It helps students who are unsure if they can do college or not.”
She said she wanted a position that wasn’t about “cutting the budget and cutting people,” but instead one that helped students.
The position mainly serves to act as a liaison between NIC and participating high schools.. Winckler took the position on Aug. 8, replacing the retired Steve Casey.
“[Casey] was a high school principal, and knew that side of things,” Winckler said. “I have more experience on the college side. I understand the college environment.”
Winckler said the University of Illinois, where she worked previously, largely embodied “survival of the fittest.”
“I’m enjoying the nurturing environment of NIC,” she said. “The University of Illinois was a major research institution, whereas I see [NIC] as a major teaching institution.”
Among her goals, Winckler said she hopes to see NIC accredited by the National Association of Concurrent Enrollment, and to expand the classes offered in dual credit.
“The goal is really to grow,” she said. “We need to develop methods to institutionalize the program so that as we grow, NIC can support it. We need to determine who we want to reach, and determine our level of commitment to rural Idaho. We want these students to become our next students.”
Winckler also said she hopes to improve communication between NIC and area high schools.
“[It’s all about] acknowledging the uniqueness of each high school,” she said. “Each school has different needs.”
She said she also intends to try to increase the connection of dual credit students to NIC.
“I would like opportunities for students to come to campus, to connect.”
Winckler is originally from the coast of Washington.
After her time at the University of Illinois, she wanted the “mountains and beauty of the Northwest,” she said.
She described Idaho as “refreshing,” especially NIC.
“There’s a school spirit I wouldn’t have expected of a community college,” she said. “I think there’s a camaraderie here that’s very nice.”
Previously, Winckler worked seven years in elementary education. In the early ‘80s, she worked for an early technical company when personal computers debuted.
For seven years, Winckler was employed at the National Center for Super Computing at the University of Illinois, the institution that wrote Mosaic, the first web browser. She also spent 15 years in administrative positions at the University of Illnois, and 10 years at their College of Veterinary Medicine.
“It’s important to view yourself as adaptable because things change,” she said.
“It’s important in all jobs to find the right fit. It depends where you are in your life. You have to understand yourself. I’m a person who likes variety; I like learning something completely new and different.”
