roots run deep PREPARING FOR A BOLD FUTURE
Robert W. Wagner, Ph.D. PRESIDENT | IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
During my college days, I had an early morning job at the campus laundry, driving a truck to make deliveries across campus. After a violent windstorm one night, I found myself among the first to see the damage it left behind. What struck me most weren’t just the fallen trees, but the surprisingly shallow root systems of these once-mighty giants. Despite their towering presence, their roots weren’t deep enough to withstand the storm.
The image of fallen trees is a powerful reminder of the importance of strong roots – and Idaho State University embodies that idea.
Like a resilient tree, ISU’s roots have grown deep into the soil of Idaho over the past 123 years, providing the foundation to weather challenges and to thrive, even in adversity.
EST. 1901 1951
1915
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
1927
1947
IDAHO STATE COLLEGE Four-year degree granting college
GOLDEN JUBILEE ACADEMY OF IDAHO
UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO SOUTHERN BRANCH
IDAHO
Swanson Hall, 1904
Students in class, 1910 Red Hill “T”, circa 1916 Student Army Training Corps, circa 1917
1963
1970
MINIDOME & PILLARS ERECTED
2001 ISU CENTENNIAL
“T” became “4” for desire to be a four-year school
Noise Parade, 1960’s Homecoming Game ISC becomes Idaho State University
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY
As we look boldly toward the future, ISU’s firmly planted roots provide the strength and stability needed in higher education now more than ever. We are the state’s leader in healthcare education, nuclear research, biological sciences, and we excel in business, teacher education, technical training, the arts, and many other programs. But our real strength lies in our unwavering commitment to students. No matter how we grow or how the world changes around us, students are at the heart of everything we do.
The state of Idaho needs strong higher education institutions. That’s why ISU has embarked on a journey called Bold Path Forward. Through this initiative, we are focusing on intentional growth, student success and building pathways for first-generation, adult and rural students to thrive while serving an evolving state. We are seeing the fruits of this work already.
WE ARE SEEING THE FRUITS OF THIS WORK ALREADY
ENROLLMENT IS UP for the straight year
3 rd
10.9 % RETENTION INCREASED
RESEARCH EXPENDITURES UP 60 %
50 %
REDUCED BUDGET DEFICIT Expected to have no deficit in the coming months
To continue our trajectory in service to the state, we are introducing Opportunity-Aligned Resourcing (OAR), a new way of aligning our public resources with opportunities that will help us achieve our state-focused mission. Like a ship’s rudder guiding it through uncharted waters, OAR will keep us on course as we innovate, adapt and continue to serve the students and communities in Idaho that depend on us.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
ENROLLMENT GROWTH & STUDENT SUCCESS
Intentional and sustainable growth focusing on student recruiting, retention and improving our completion rates. We are launching a comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management process that will draw on the expertise of staff, administrators, students and faculty as we look for opportunities to expand our enrollment reach, in more economical ways.
ACADEMIC & RESEARCH FOCUS
Continued growth of our research enterprise to meet the needs of our state, industry and government partners - in ways that lead to economic diversity and prosperity. We will continue to focus on a comprehensive portfolio of academic and creative arts programs that serve our region, the state of Idaho and the nation.
ADVANCING/ENHANCING PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Strategize innovative solutions to replacing, enhancing, and building new infrastructure seeking state support, public-private partnerships, and philanthropy while leveraging our A-1 bonding status. Our focus will be on our academic and research buildings, residence halls, infrastructure for our student-athletes and the creative arts.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
Work with public and private partners to identify efficient ways to conduct academic programming, purposeful research and workforce development focusing on local and statewide economic impact and solution-oriented partnerships at all of our campuses. We will energize the Bengal alumni in preparation for a new comprehensive fundraising campaign.
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, EMPOWERMENT & CONNECTION
We will invest in the people who are investing their time and efforts to make this institution great. We will focus on market, equity and retention structures that develop and retain our great team. We will empower them through shared governance and shared responsibility to serve innovatively and with the resources they need to be successful.
At ISU, our focus will always be on students and the state of Idaho first. We’re not just growing – we’re growing and reaching out with purpose. Whether it’s supporting different populations of students, expanding access to higher education through partnerships with industry and other institutions or advancing cutting-edge research, every step we take is rooted in excellence and the idea of creating opportunities for all.
Looking ahead, I am confident that Idaho State University’s roots will continue to deepen, ensuring we have a strong root system as we reach toward new heights. Idaho State University is our grand oak – steadfast, deeply rooted in Idaho and growing stronger with each passing year.
Together with our sister institutions, we are contributing to a bold future for all of Idaho, one that ensures our students, our communities and our state will thrive for generations to come. The grand oak of Idaho State University will do its part, continue to stand tall, and inspire everyone who joins us to grow, adapt and seize the opportunities ahead.
