APRIL 2019
Dear Friend,
We are near the end of our academic year at Idaho State University. Let me start by saying thank you. Every day, I see the passion and dedication of faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who truly care about our mission of serving students. Thank you for being a part of our successes this past year.

One of the leadership tips I often share is that small changes, done well over time, yield great results. And while I know that change is often difficult, uncertain, and uncomfortable; it is also transformational. Change does not always need to be grand in form. Sometimes changes that are almost imperceptible can, when consistently implemented over time, prove to be a major influence on who we are as an organization. This past year we have seen change happen within our University. Some of our changes are small and more immediate, like our outlooks, attitudes, paint colors, and open doors. And some are larger in scope, like budgets, reorganizations, and capital improvements. All of these changes are intended to ensure Idaho State University achieves our mission of improving the lives of our students.

I believe in the future of this University. I believe in each and every one of you who plays a role in supporting our mission. I believe that with our collective hard work and dedication each change we make will allow us to better serve our students. I am grateful for all of you, your continued commitment to our success, and for embracing the season of change as we work together towards our future.

Lastly, here's a short list of highlights and recent accomplishments: 
  • Three weeks ago, we launched the beginning of our statewide marketing campaign. The campaign can be seen and heard around the state on billboards, television commercials, radio spots, and social media and digital advertisements. This first phase of the campaign focuses on the special moment surrounding the decision to become a Bengal. You can view the first round of television spots here. This marketing campaign is an important step forward as we take a more active role in recruiting students, sharing our story and telling the state who we are.
  • With unanimous support earlier this week, the State Board of Education approved the construction to provide an important restoration to Davis Field. This campus landmark will once again serve the needs of our students, our community and our student-athletes. My hope is to see the “Spud Bowl” return to its deserved place as a lively and treasured part of our campus. Please join us for a news conference at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, to celebrate the start of this investment in our future.
  • Last week, Idaho State and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes signed a Memorandum of Agreement committing to work together to enhance educational and cultural opportunities in Southeast Idaho. The agreement includes a commitment to promoting cultural diversity, expanding governmental relations and communication, working together to offer educational opportunities, and providing support for Native American students.
  • Idaho State is teaming up with Boise State and the University of Idaho to provide scientists and engineers the opportunity to learn firsthand about policymaking through a yearlong fellowship. The Idaho Science and Technology Policy Fellowship will work on challenges such as water, energy, public health, and economic development. This cooperative arrangement among the three Universities represents how we can achieve more for our students and our state by working together toward our mutual goals.
  • Idaho State’s Corey Schou will join 33 previous honorees when he is inducted into the 2019 Cyber Security Hall of Fame by the Center for Education and Research Information Assurance and Security. Corey will be inducted at a formal ceremony next week.
  • Erin Rasmussen, a professor in the Department of Psychology, was elected president of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Erin will begin her term next month.
  • Bruce Blair, an ISU Doctor of Arts political science student, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to go to Finland and study a nuclear waste repository. Blair is a first-generation college student and will conduct research for nine months in Finland.
  • Congratulations to Sari Byerly, who was selected as one of the Idaho Business Review’s “Accomplished Under 40” honorees. Sari is the executive director of TRIO Access and Opportunity Programs at ISU, and she will be recognized at a ceremony in June.
Roar, Bengals, Roar!

––Kevin
Kevin Satterlee became Idaho State University’s 13th president in June 2018. Kevin is a native Idahoan from Priest River. He has served Idaho’s higher education system for more than 20 years. Kevin has a passion for watching students transform their lives through their educational experiences. His favorite day of work for the last 20 years has always been the first day of school. Watching students begin a new year, with fresh hopes and the excitement of new opportunities, has never ceased to move and motivate Kevin.

Idaho State University   is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, and was founded 1901. ISU attracts more than 12,500 students to its main campus in Pocatello, and at locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. ISU is the state's designated lead institution in health professions, and offers more than 250 programs ranging from career and technical education to professional degrees.
Send comments, feedback and questions to president@isu.edu .
An archive of President Satterlee's monthly letters is available online.