Community College Taps Moscow Native to Build Sports From Ground Up
The College of Western Idaho announced Wednesday it has selected a Moscow native with deep roots in Idaho college athletics to direct the development of its first-ever sports programs. Mahmood Sheikh, who joined CWI only six months ago in a fundraising strategy role, will become the community college’s inaugural athletic director starting June 1.
Sheikh brings 14 years of intercollegiate athletics experience to the position, most recently serving more than six years as senior associate athletic director for development at the University of Idaho, where he also led the Vandal Scholarship Fund. The U of I alumnus will transition from his current position as assistant chief advancement officer for strategic initiatives at CWI.
Endowment Model to Fund Programs
CWI President Gordon Jones outlined an unusual funding strategy for the athletic programs, saying the institution plans to launch sports through an endowment-based approach rather than annual fundraising campaigns. Under this model, operational costs would be secured through donated funds before any teams take the field.
Jones said in Wednesday’s announcement that philanthropic contributions will support athletic programs in areas of interest to Treasure Valley residents, allowing CWI to build what he called sustainable, high-quality athletics without depending on year-to-year fundraising.
The state’s largest community college currently operates no athletic programs of any kind. Sheikh will oversee the creation of both intercollegiate and intramural sports offerings.
Student Fees to Cover Director Salary
Sheikh’s compensation as athletic director will be $175,000 annually, paid through student fees, according to CWI spokesman Ashley Smith. That represents a $50,000 increase from his previous salary of $125,000 in the strategic initiatives position he assumed in September.
In Wednesday’s statement, Sheikh emphasized the local focus of the planned programs. He noted that 98.6 percent of CWI students are Idaho residents, saying the athletics work will align with the college’s mission of accessibility and affordability while creating pathways for student athletes.
Timing Follows Idaho Center Acquisition
The athletic director appointment comes less than six months after CWI acquired the Ford Idaho Center complex in Nampa through a no-cost transfer from the city. The facility includes an indoor arena that hosts rodeos and sporting events, along with an outdoor horse park.
That property acquisition gave CWI control of significant athletic infrastructure in the Treasure Valley, though the college has not specified which sports it plans to introduce or when competition might begin.
What Comes Next
Sheikh will have four months to prepare before officially taking the reins June 1. His immediate priorities will likely include identifying potential sports programs, determining facility needs, and beginning the endowment-building process that CWI plans to use for long-term funding.
The college has not announced a timeline for launching its first teams or which sports will be prioritized. Additional details about program development and fundraising goals are expected as Sheikh settles into the role.