A $3 million gift by a Northwest College alumni couple is now funding three endowed faculty including, for the first time in school history, positions in the science and education departments.

The gift is being maintained by the NWC Foundation investments as a way to try and maintain the gift in perpetuity and the money being doled out annually is part of a total of $2.8 million now being provided annually by the foundation for a variety of programs.

The funding started for the three positions — two full-time salaries with one split between two positions — started this spring semester.

 “Our goal is to continue inspiring teaching that provides exceptional learning opportunities for students at Northwest College,” said Shelby Wetzel, executive director of the NWC Foundation.  

At a meeting late last year to update board trustees on the foundation, she noted that its one of a number of ways the foundation provides funds that enable the college to free up more of its own money for other needed purposes.

Trustee Tara Kuipers in particular noted the unique benefit of the positions.

“This is something new and it’s exciting,” she said.

The selected faculty include Deepthi Amarasuriya, assistant professor of physics; Cammy Rowley, assistant professor of education; and Jo-el Sauers, instructor of education. 

An endowed chair is a faculty position that is privately funded by an endowment, which ensures the position lasts as long as the college exists. It’s both an honor to the appointed chair holder and an enduring tribute to the donor who establishes it. 

Amarasuriya, the Jones Family Endowed Chair for Science, joined Northwest College in 2006 as a member of the Physical Science Division, teaching physics, astronomy and math. She earned her bachelor’s in physics from Purdue University and two master’s degrees — one in physics from Idaho State University and the second in mathematics from the University of Wyoming.  

She’s passionate about sharing her knowledge ranging from the smallest subatomic particles to the vast expanses of the universe, the college said in a release. As an advisor to the Multicultural Club and member of NWC’s Diversity Awareness Committee, Amarasuriya is an advocate of global citizenship and acceptance.  

Rowley and Sauers, both being named Jones Family Endowed Faculty for Education, will share the education endowment’s benefits. Both faculty members bring a love for education and instruction to the NWC campus and community. 

From the University of Wyoming, Rowley holds a bachelor’s in elementary education, as well as a master’s and doctorate in curriculum and instruction with emphasis in early childhood education.  

Sauers earned a bachelors in early childhood education and a masters in elementary education from the University of South Carolina, along with post-graduate credits from Georgia Southern University. 

“With two new faculty in the Education Department, we supported our colleague’s desire to collaborate, forging an energetic team with dynamic student projects,” NWC President Lisa Watson said.  

The Jones Family Endowed positions are the result of a $3 million gift from a Northwest College alumni couple in late 2021. These endowed positions are funded through NWC Foundation investments to ensure they last forever.  

Endowed position holders receive a set amount of annual funding to support innovative student learning initiatives as well as professional development. The remaining endowment income helps cover compensation costs.  

Applications were peer-reviewed by NWC faculty and the Academic Affairs Office. Terms for the current appointees will run through the spring of 2026.