MARCH 2019
Dear Friend,
I recently finished Doris Kearns Goodwin’s new book “Leadership in Turbulent Times.” Her book studies the presidential leadership styles of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. For each of these presidents, she discusses how their leadership style developed, the key personal and professional crucibles they endured, and how they emerged through turbulent times to lead America through pivotal moments in history.

Theodore Roosevelt led through the 1902 coal mining strike that threatened the coal supply of the entire country at a time when coal was the primary heat source for most of the nation. Franklin D. Roosevelt steered the country out of the Great Depression and then through most of World War II. LBJ championed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And, in one of the truly defining moments in American history, Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation and was able to bring together a “Team of Rivals” that effectively led the nation through the Civil War. The Harvard Business Review published this excerpt on Lincoln that I strongly recommend reading.

While the stakes are not nearly as high, nor the conditions as turbulent, as I read these stories, I thought of the work being done at Idaho State University. What our faculty and staff face in defining and delivering on our collective vision requires all of them to understand and deeply consider what transformative leadership really means. It is leadership that truly and substantially can impact the University. ISU is at a crucial stage as an institution. We are looking to set a direction for the University that will increase access and opportunity for students in Southern and Eastern Idaho and beyond. We will deliver on this mission through a foundation of trust, compassion, stability, and hope that we extend to our students and communities. We must keep our word in the midst of change and ensure that trust is at the basis of all that we do. When we do this, Idaho State will start to realize a brighter future.

Lastly, here's a short list of highlights and recent accomplishments: 
  • Electrical Engineering Director Steve Chiu has received a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant to go to Iceland and collaborate with researchers on cyber-physical systems in that country.
  • Researchers from ISU and the Idaho Museum of Natural History are working to document and return the remains of a 500-year-old Incan mummy to Bolivia. The collaborative project focuses on microscopic details to learn more about diet and health.
  • ISU-Meridian professors Kristina Blaiser and Gabe Bargen received a nearly $300,000 grant to improve outcomes for children who are deaf/hard of hearing. Grant funding from the Oberkotter Foundation will help the parents of children who are deaf and hard of hearing in Idaho to better understand their child’s needs at a very early age.
  • Brenda Jacobsen, and Assistant Professor in the College of Education, was honored with the WBEA 2019 Outstanding University Business Educator of the year award during the annual WBEA Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Brenda was recognized for preparing teachers with innovative ideas, a collaborative spirit, and a clearly defined understanding of Career and Technical Education.
  • For the second year in a row, Idaho State defeated University of Idaho in the Battle of the Domes competition. The overall score was 60-30. Ten points are awarded to the winner of each matchup between the Bengals and Vandals. Idaho State Athletics will be awarded a traveling trophy and receive a donation from Idaho Central Credit Union to their athletic scholarship fund.
  • Former ISU Sports Information Director Glenn Alford has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Glen is being honored for his 31 years of covering Idaho State Athletics.
  • Department of History professor Justin Stover was awarded a Moore Institute Visiting Research Fellowship at the National University of Ireland, Galway. He will visit the University later this month to teach two courses as well as engage with faculty, university students, and regional centers.
  • Members of one of the most successful men's basketball teams in Idaho State history, the 1973-74 Big Sky championship squad, reunited on campus last weekend 45 years to the day after their NCAA Tournament appearance. The team was honored at a reception prior to Saturday night's game against the Idaho Vandals.
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.