Thursday, April 2, 2026

Current Connection: ISU Scientists Detail How Shifts in the Atlantic Ocean Impacted the Alaskan Climate 13,000 Years Ago

Bruce Finney (left) and Brad Baxter (right) measuring sediment retrieval.

Newly published findings from an Idaho State University professor and his colleagues are pointing out how changes to the currents an ocean away can impact climates on the other side of the globe. A new paper published in Nature Communications explains how Bruce Finney, professor in the departments of biological sciences and geosciences at ISU, and his collaborators, Lesleigh Anderson, research geologist with the United States Geological Survey, and W. Brad Baxter, Idaho State alumus, came to understand how shifts in currents in the Atlantic Ocean, led the climate of Alaska to cool especially in winter, roughly 13,000 years ago.

› Read More About the Research ‹

Reminder: Spending Restrictions Through June 30, 2026

As we prepare for implementation of several structural changes in FY2027, we must also carefully steward our current fiscal year (FY2026). Our initial budget planing strategy included a $500,000 operating holdback and salary savings generated through the OAR process. Additionally, we have been asked to plan for a further 1% reduction ($1 million) in the current fiscal year. To responsibly manage this shortfall and avoid more disruptive measures—such as year-end furloughs—we will work together by immediately curtailing discretionary spending in central university funds.

› Read About Spending Restrictions ‹

Return of Miss Native ISU at 2026 Roar of the Nations ISU Powwow

Idaho State University is proud to announce the return of Miss Native Idaho State University, a leadership and cultural ambassador role that has not been held since 2016–2017. The title will be reinstated during the 2026 ISU Powwow, taking place April 3–4 on the Pocatello campus. The Miss Native ISU title is also part of a broader tradition seen at many university powwows across the country, where Native student royalty serve as cultural ambassadors. These roles help promote cultural awareness, strengthen community connections, and provide leadership opportunities grounded in Indigenous values and traditions.

› Read More About the Powwow ‹

Important Announcements and Updates

ISU Hosts Southeastern Idaho Honor Band Concert April 2

Food for Fines Returns Through April 11

Volunteers Needed for Spring Commencement May 9

Office for Research to Host End of Semester Reception

IT Service Desk In-Person Support Moving to Library

ISUPP 4020: Promotion and Tenure on 30-Day Review

ISU Alumni and Friends Invited to Submit Nominations for 2026 Alumni Awards

Training and Resources

Center for Learning and Instructional Excellence Events April 6-10

Using DesignPLUS to Improve the Visual Design of Your Courses

Develop Feedback Literacy in Students to Understand, Use and Grow

Featured Events

Idaho State University’s Humanities Café Presents Looking Close: Photography and Design

Save the date: EMPWRing School Mental Health and Leadership Summer Institute

Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho State University and eCyclers of Idaho Unite for Public E-Waste Recycling Event

ISU Event Calendar

ISU Athletics Calendar

Idaho State Today

Idaho State Today is a twice-weekly employee newsletter that shares University successes, campus updates, and recognizes faculty and staff accomplishments. All past editions of the newsletter are archived online.

To submit a campus update or story for Idaho State Today, fill out the online form by Friday at noon for Monday's edition, and Wednesday at noon for Thursday's edition. A separate newsletter called ROAR Weekly is sent to students on Wednesdays.

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