Dr. Wiley Dobbs has been named the 2025 recipient of the Maxine Bell Education Advocate Award by the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) Board of Trustees. The announcement was made at the December 2025 board meeting.
Dr. Dobbs spent 33 years with the Twin Falls School District, beginning as a teacher and coach before serving as a junior high principal. He concluded his career with 14 years as district superintendent, during which he mentored and inspired educators throughout Idaho.
The Maxine Bell Education Advocate Award was established by CSI in 2022 to honor individuals who have shown ongoing support for education in Idaho and whose contributions are considered significant over their lifetimes. The award is named after former Jerome Representative Maxine Bell, who contributed to education both during her time in the Idaho House of Representatives and as Co-Chair of the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee.
College staff reviewed several nominations before forwarding a finalist to the CSI Board of Trustees for approval. Selection criteria include evidence that nominees have made sustained contributions as advocates for public education in Idaho, demonstrated long-term impact, and improved educational outcomes within Idaho, especially in regions served by CSI.
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