CSI’s VP Buettner Set to Retire Jan. 25

By Nate Poppino, The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho

Dec. 13–Claudeen Buettner, the longtime health sciences head at the College of Southern Idaho who became its executive vice president in 2005, an-nounced on Wednesday that she plans to retire on Jan. 25 after more than 35 years at the college.

Speaking by phone on her way to Boise Wednesday evening, Buettner said she felt she could retire now after helping the college train several new administrators and faculty leaders — including Mark Sugden, who became dean of health sciences, human services and biology in July.

“It’s in good hands,” she said of the college.

Buettner came to CSI in 1972 to teach in the nursing program, becoming chair of that department in 1994. She began adding other health science programs to the department in 1996, creating a total of 14 by the time she was named executive vice president and chief academic officer in May 2005.

In her current position, she focuses on curriculum and accreditation, and sits on the second highest position at the college behind CSI President Jerry Beck. But she never turned her back on nursing, CSI spokesman Doug Maughan said, and will serve as an adviser for the college as it constructs its new health sciences building on the north end of campus.

Aside from her work for CSI, Buettner has served on the Idaho Governor’s Task Force on Health Care and was recently appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Nursing. She also visits other schools around the region and the nation to assist with their nursing and health science accreditation goals.

“I think as long as she’s still here, she’s considered our maven of health science, because, after all, she kind of has been that for a long time,” Maughan said.

Jeff Harris, chairman of the board of directors of St. Luke’s Magic Valley Regional Medical Center, praised Buettner’s work on Wednesday. The hospital, among other area health care providers, works closely with the college to provide clinical experience for its students, a partnership formed by Buettner.

“I don’t think the community realizes her contribution (to health care),” Harris said.

Buettner’s resignation was not a surprise, Maughan said, given her years at CSI. Neither he nor Buettner had spoken with Beck about whom he might tap to replace her, though Buettner said it should be someone interested in keeping the job for a longer period of time.

Whomever Beck names will likely still be able to benefit from Buettner’s experience. She said she plans to stay involved at the college at least long enough to see the new health sciences building completed.

“It’s a lifetime dream to get all of those programs under one roof.”

Nate Poppino can be reached at 735-3237 or npoppino@magicvalley.com.

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