Arts and Letters Updates | August 2022
Welcome Back Faculty and Staff!
Faculty and staff meet for the annual Welcoming Assembly
New Undergraduate Certificate in Forensic Sciences Begins this Fall
Since eighth grade, Kailey Pease has known that she wanted to help figure out the puzzle of people’s lives through forensic work. 

Pease, a sophomore at Idaho State University studying anthropology, is the first student to officially sign up for the new undergraduate certificate in forensic science.

Graduate and undergraduate students from ANTH 4434/5534, Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology, participate in a mock burial excavation this spring. Students learn how to
survey, identify clandestine burials, excavate, document, and record.
Professor Gershberg Publishes Book
Addressing contemporary concerns about democracy, partisan politics and misinformation by examining other periods of cultural disruption, Idaho State University associate professor of journalism Zac Gershberg co-authored a timely new book out this summer from the University of Chicago Press, The Paradox of Democracy: Free Speech, Open Media, and Perilous Persuasion.

A sweeping overview of communications technologies and their impact on public discourse, Gershberg wrote with Sean Illing, of Vox, to consider how free expression has facilitated democracy so citizens can mobilize and use their voices. Yet they also chart the degree to which such openness enables forces of exploitation and propaganda that seek to undermine democracy from within. 
 
“The Paradox of Democracy is as provocative as it is unpredictable,” wrote Washington Post media columnist Margaret Sullivan. “It carefully and engagingly expands our understanding of how democracy works—and struggles—in a society where free expression is foundational and where media is undergoing revolutionary and rapid change.”

Those interested in The Paradox of Democracy can acquire it on Amazon or use code UCPNEW at the University of Chicago Press page for 30% off and free shipping. 
D.A. in Political Science Celebrates 51 Years
This year is the 51st anniversary of the Doctor of Arts (D.A.) in Political Science at Idaho State University. According to Dr. Mark McBeth, ISU Chair and professor of Political Science, ISU was one of the first universities in the United States to adopt the D.A. degree option and the program has been training and placing students for 51 years. 
Students Graduate High School with ISU
Associates Degrees and Certificates
According to Chelsie Rauh, Director of the Early College Program, 147 Associate Degrees of Art were conferred through June and through August to high school graduates. 

Holly Kartchner, Director of Outreach and Retention in the College of Arts and Letters, says that more students are taking advantage of dual credit and college-provided courses. With Fast Forward funding, college credits can be paid for by the state. By the time they graduate, it’s possible for high school students to have completed two of their four years of college. 

“Every student gets individualized advising so students can be strategic as they work through their associates program,” Kartchner says.

Along with Associates of Arts degrees being conferred, 37 students received their Spanish Language Basic Certificate, and one student received a German Language Basic Certificate.  
Washington D.C. Internship Provides
Valuable Experience for ISU Student
On the Fourth of July, Idaho State University senior Eric Morris had the opportunity of a lifetime— he was volunteering at the White House. 

“That’s one of my peak experiences,” Morris said. 
 
It was just one of the many opportunities Morris received as an intern for the Executive Office of the President this summer.
 
How did someone from small town Arimo, Idaho get to Washington, D.C. working for the President of the United States? 
 
“I think the reason that they hired me was because I was well-rounded from school,” Morris said.  
 
Morris is a global studies major at Idaho State University, minoring in business administration and linguistics. He learned about the internship opportunity from an ISU Global Studies alumnus who sent an email to the department. 
"Somehow we got the idea if you're a strong leader you can carry all of your things. The truth of the matter is we are human and we have limitations, and no one can carry all of their things at the same time." -PBJ
"Peace and freedom comes when you identify the thing you do like nobody else. Discover your brilliance." -PBJ
"Think of a leader, one leader, that had the most positive impact on your life, on your career. What did they do that made them be the person you thought of?" -PBJ
There is still time to pre-register your two-person team for our cornhole competition! Follow the QR code below so you don't have to wait in line on the day of the competition.

A generous sponsor has donated cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!
Announcement!
Applications for Fall 2022 graduation are due September 6
If you have any questions, please email graduation@isu.edu.
Meet some of our Faculty and Staff
My name is Patrick Young and I am thrilled to be joining the faculty at ISU! I’m from the North Georgia area and enjoy hiking and spending a lot of time with my Siberian Husky, Kirby. My primary performing instrument is the tuba, but I play the trombone, euphonium, piano, and I sing. In addition to my duties at ISU, I will also be performing with the Colorado Opera in Denver, Colorado. I am thrilled to be back out west and very much look forward to working with all of the students. JOIN the bands at ISU!!! :) Any student interested in joining the band program at ISU, including the marching band, please contact me! I’m excited to get to work!
Originally from Salt Lake City, I studied at Idaho State and Boise State University. Aside from art, I enjoy making music and building instruments, cooking, and spending time outdoors.
I am a crafty gal—I love card-making, knitting, cross-stitch, and scrapbooking. I'm a hobby baker, always excited to try a new recipe and share with my family and friends. I like camping, solving puzzles, and playing with my two energetic dogs.
College of Arts and Letters | isu.edu/cal