Community Colleges Matter: Lessons from Justin Vipperman's Life

From rural Idaho roots to the college classroom, Justin Vipperman’s journey from first-generation student to teaching college shows how the right support and community can change a life—and inspire others.

From Rural Idaho to the Lecture Hall

Justin Vipperman’s journey to becoming a college professor is a story rooted in Idaho soil. A fifth-generation Idahoan, Vipperman grew up in the small town of Wendell, just outside Twin Falls. He is a first-generation college graduate who began his educational journey at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) before transferring to Idaho State University (ISU), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Political Science in 2013. He later completed a Master’s in History at Portland State University in 2016 and is now pursuing a doctorate in Political Science and History at ISU. A husband and father of three, Vipperman is also the spouse of Wendell’s mayor.

The right fit at the right time

After graduating from a high school class of just 75 students, Vipperman initially enrolled at Boise State University but ended up dropping out within the first year after realizing that the campus wasn’t the right environment for him. “There were too many people and the campus was too big,” he recalled, “and at that time I wasn’t ready to attend a large university.” ISU, on the other hand, offered the intimacy and community feel he needed. After touring the campus with his wife, he realized that “ISU was the right fit at the right time for someone coming from a small rural school.” He appreciated the ability to build one-on-one relationships with professors, something he felt was lacking at larger institutions. Vipperman says that the relationships he built with the faculty at ISU were impactful and meaningful.

An Expanding World-View

Originally an education major at CSI, Vipperman found himself increasingly drawn to history and eventually made the switch. His time in ISU’s Department of History left a lasting impression. “The academics at ISU were on par with everywhere I’d been—if not better,” he said, noting that ISU’s faculty chose to be there because they genuinely value the students and the community.

He recalls memorable classes with Dr. Kevin Marsh, under whom he also served as a teaching assistant, and Dr. Stephanie Christlow, whose course on the Economic History of Greece and Rome exceeded his expectations. “I loved the class,” he said. “She did such a great job.”

One course in particular on the history of violence stood out for its impact. “The books we read and the assessments we did helped me see global violence in a way I never had before. I probably needed that, coming from a small rural area in Idaho. I needed to know what was going on out there.”

Reflecting on his experience, Justin added, “I loved all the faculty at ISU.”

A Calling to Teach

Initially planning to teach high school and coach baseball, several of Vipperman’s professors at ISU encouraged him to consider university teaching. Vippermans says that Marsh took him aside one day and told him that he had never seen a scholar like him who was half salesman and half academic, a combination well-suited for higher education. 

While at Portland State, he had an epiphany: his skills were best suited for teaching at a rural community college. “I believed that I could teach at a four-year research institution,” he says, “but I had a skill set that works best at a community college.” 

Since he grew up in the area, he understands where students like himself are coming from. “I understand the barriers students face trying to go to school,” he said. Many times, Vipperman says, rural students face the decision of dropping out of college to join the workforce. Being a professor at a small college allows him to give advice to young people about the benefits of a college education. His own background has made him a powerful advocate for young people navigating college and life decisions.

Beyond the Classroom

Though he didn’t join many extracurriculars, Vipperman was active in Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, serving as president in his second year. He led initiatives like campus book and bake sales and organized student trips to academic conferences.

Vipperman’s career path took off when Dr. Marsh nudged him toward an internship with the Bannock County Historical Society. Initially uninterested in museum work, he accepted the paid internship and discovered a new talent and employable skill—grant writing. Vipperman was excited when his first successful grant funded acid-free boxes for textiles. That experience led to further grant-writing opportunities at Urban League of Portland and eventually at CSI, where he worked as a Health Care Development Council Grant Writer. That position allowed him to begin teaching as an adjunct and eventually led to his full-time faculty role.

In addition to teaching, Vipperman continues to give back through civic engagement. He has written grants for St. Luke’s Magic Valley Hospital and currently serves as Chair of the Foundation Board. He also serves on the boards of Preservation Twin Falls and the Idaho State Historical Society.

Coming Full Circle

Justin Vipperman’s journey—from a small-town student unsure of his path to a determined educator and community leader—underscores the transformative power of community colleges and regional universities. His experience highlights how institutions like CSI and ISU can provide not just academic opportunity, but mentorship, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

Now a professor himself, Vipperman is helping students navigate the same decisions he once faced. Whether in the classroom or through civic service, his story is proof that where you start doesn’t determine how far you can go.

About our contributors:

Rudo Chigweshe, an international student from Zimbabwe, is pursuing a Ph.D. in English and the Teaching of English at Idaho State University. Prior to entering the program, she earned a master’s degree in Communication, Media, and Persuasion from ISU in May 2020. Her academic focus centers on gender studies and the concept of militant motherhood in African literature.

Suparna Sinha is a PhD Student and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Idaho State University. She is an international student from India, and is currently in her fifth semester of study. Her areas of interest include Postcolonial Eco-Feminist Literature and Dalit Literature. She has presented in international conferences like the DEI in Education conference held at ISU, the54th and 55th NeMLA Conventions, the WLA 2023, and the IGC conferences in 2023 and 2024. Her hobbies include solving cryptic puzzles, writing articles on positivity in her blog, and knitting.