Debi Fitzgerald has long-standing relationships with Lewis-Clark State College and the Lewis Clark Valley. As the new Director of the LCSC Center for Arts & History/Continuing Education and Community Events, she hopes to take advantage of those relationships to nurture the growth of the programs she now oversees.
Fitzgerald, who began her new position in December, returned to LCSC after serving as Assistant Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Washington State University since June of 2007. Prior to her work at WSU, she was the Director of LCSC's Lewis-Clark Service Corps for almost 9 years. Her responsibilities included overseeing the LCSC Statewide AmeriCorps program as well as campus service-learning. Under her leadership the program grew from 36 AmeriCorps members to over 80, serving as tutors and mentors to at-risk students throughout Idaho and Eastern Washington.
Fitzgerald, a Clarkston native, has been involved in arts and culture in the LC Valley most of her life, including being active in the Lewiston Civic Theatre and serving as a commissioner with the Idaho Commission on the Arts for 11 years (1987-1998). She holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Idaho. During her undergraduate work at LCSC, Fitzgerald served as student body president and vice president from 1979-1981. In her new job, Fitzgerald oversees non-credit Continuing Education courses available throughout the LC Valley, at outreach locations in Orofino and Grangeville, as well as courses offered completely online. Other educational opportunities she is responsible for include the Silverthorne Artist’s Series and Road Scholar programs. Continuing Education and Community Events is also the coordinating department for popular LC Valley events Dogwood Festival of the Lewis-Clark Valley, Art Under the Elms, and the Dogwood Show and Shine.
"I am excited about this opportunity," said Fitzgerald. "I see so many possibilities in the Lewiston community for cultural growth with the advent of the new library, expansion of the historic district through the Nez Perce County Historical Society, and the great programming offered through the Beautiful Downtown Lewiston organization. With the CAH/CECE, I hope to build upon previous community outreach efforts and include the community in all aspects of planning for future programming at the CAH as well as our continuing education offerings, so that community members are provided meaningful personal enrichment opportunities."
Kathy Martin, Dean for Community Programs and Governmental Relations, said, "We are fortunate that Debi is able to return to her roots in higher education and provide leadership to CAH and CECE. I’m very pleased to have her back at LCSC. Her expertise and vision lend collaborative and cooperative attributes to our outreach services provided throughout the region."
Fitzgerald, who began her new position in December, returned to LCSC after serving as Assistant Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Washington State University since June of 2007. Prior to her work at WSU, she was the Director of LCSC's Lewis-Clark Service Corps for almost 9 years. Her responsibilities included overseeing the LCSC Statewide AmeriCorps program as well as campus service-learning. Under her leadership the program grew from 36 AmeriCorps members to over 80, serving as tutors and mentors to at-risk students throughout Idaho and Eastern Washington.
Fitzgerald, a Clarkston native, has been involved in arts and culture in the LC Valley most of her life, including being active in the Lewiston Civic Theatre and serving as a commissioner with the Idaho Commission on the Arts for 11 years (1987-1998). She holds a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Idaho. During her undergraduate work at LCSC, Fitzgerald served as student body president and vice president from 1979-1981. In her new job, Fitzgerald oversees non-credit Continuing Education courses available throughout the LC Valley, at outreach locations in Orofino and Grangeville, as well as courses offered completely online. Other educational opportunities she is responsible for include the Silverthorne Artist’s Series and Road Scholar programs. Continuing Education and Community Events is also the coordinating department for popular LC Valley events Dogwood Festival of the Lewis-Clark Valley, Art Under the Elms, and the Dogwood Show and Shine.
"I am excited about this opportunity," said Fitzgerald. "I see so many possibilities in the Lewiston community for cultural growth with the advent of the new library, expansion of the historic district through the Nez Perce County Historical Society, and the great programming offered through the Beautiful Downtown Lewiston organization. With the CAH/CECE, I hope to build upon previous community outreach efforts and include the community in all aspects of planning for future programming at the CAH as well as our continuing education offerings, so that community members are provided meaningful personal enrichment opportunities."
Kathy Martin, Dean for Community Programs and Governmental Relations, said, "We are fortunate that Debi is able to return to her roots in higher education and provide leadership to CAH and CECE. I’m very pleased to have her back at LCSC. Her expertise and vision lend collaborative and cooperative attributes to our outreach services provided throughout the region."