A year ago today was my first day at Idaho State University. I walked through the Swanson Arch on my way into this beautiful campus, symbolizing the start of my journey here. It has been a deeply humbling and rewarding experience so far. I had the opportunity to begin to build lasting relationships with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. I learned so much about the university and the tremendous strengths and opportunities that are on the horizon.
My meetings with students and a few individual handshakes frame my first year. In meetings with ASISU leaders, student ambassadors, the 1901 association, and other student groups, I heard from our students about their experience at ISU. I learned how our faculty impacted their lives, how their education has changed them, and how they feel we can improve. I came away from each with a profound sense of responsibility and pride. I felt a responsibility to do well, for them. And I felt pride that, if we produce students like them, our work is a success. That feeling culminated in a few handshakes with graduates who, as they crossed the commencement stage, had tears in their eyes when they looked at me and said “thank you.” Those meaningful student interactions make me genuinely hopeful for our future.
With that hope, I am confident that we can tackle a number of challenges and new initiatives that will set us up for success and long-term stability. As I reflect on the last year and look ahead to the coming year, I have outlined a number of goals for myself and for the institution.
