3 days Ago
POCATELLO — Standing at the podium in the grand hall of the Stephens Performing Arts Center on Friday afternoon, ISU President Roger Wagner gave his inaugural address and spoke on the university's history and plans for the future. As the lights dimmed and quiet fell over the audience a cinematic montage began to play on the large projector screen that served as the backdrop for the president's address. A swooping birds eye view from an aerial drone showcased the white pillars at the apex of Red Hill, the historic buildings of Pocatello’s downtown and the 2024 class of students as they passed through the Swanson Arch.
As the score that accompanied the montage swelled, quick shots played out showing the ICCU Dome, rock climbers at Ross Park, other iconic locals of the community and a swelling sprawl of university students moving together in unity. The night opened with comments from Associated Students of ISU President Neelam Mishra who introduced vice chair of faculty the senate and professor of English Amanda Zink. Zink recognized the site of the university as the traditional and ancestral home of the Shoshone and Bannock people and expressed gratitude for the land itself and the original caretakers of it.
Zink then welcomed the Shoshone-Bannock high school dance troupe to the stage who were accompanied by the Ghost Canyon singers. Dr. Linda Clark, president of the Idaho State Board of Education, then formally welcomed and introduced ISU’s 14th president Dr.
Robert Wagner. Idaho State University President Robert Wagner gives opening remarks during his inaugural speech at the Stephens Performing Arts Center Friday evening. Wagner first thanked all in attendance starting with his family and recognized the esteemed members of the Idaho State legislature, Idaho State Board of Education President Linda Clark, Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield, leaders and members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, alumni board members, ISU faculty and staff along with local city officials and community members.
Wagner delved into the rich history of Idaho State University and its evolution throughout the decades. “When I began my tenure in January 2024, I witnessed an institution that had come a long way with a storied history of dedication and contribution by its institutional community, including our wonderful faculty, students and staff and great alumni,” Wagner said. “Through impactful successes and significant challenges, ISU now houses a new strategic plan with a focus on the values of integrity, inclusivity, shared responsibility, community, teamwork and learning.
Its institutional vision is to inspire passion for knowledge and discovery. Its mission is to engage students through learning and research opportunities that improve the intellectual vigor, cultural vitality and health of our communities.” Wagner continued, “ISU seeks to, No.
1, increase student success, student access, opportunity, retention and success. No. 2, strengthen programmatic excellence.
No. 3, cultivate external partnerships. No.
4, expand research, clinical and creative activities, and No. 5, energize the Bengal community.” Despite economic adversity and the COVID pandemic, Wagner explained how ISU is still meeting its mission and goals, working towards Wagner’s vision of a "bold path forward.
" “Let me outline a few,” Wagner said. “Three straight years of enrollment growth, including an increase of over 300 students this fall alone, a 10.9 percent increase in student retention, 12 percent increase in endowment funds, a 56 percent increase in Bengal Giving Day funds raised, $9.
7 million or 48.5 percent increase in research expenditures, a $9.2 million or 60 percent deficit reduction from fiscal year 2024 and new and expanded academic programs while repurposing programs with less impact.
” Wagner commended the institutional community during the budget optimization process, their sacrifices and extra dedicated effort. Wagner continued to use his analogy comparing the institution to a grand oak tree and his efforts to fortify the root system with principles of trust, transparency, inclusivity in budget, development and administration. “I would now like to announce that ISU will shift to operate under a new framework, opportunity aligned resourcing or ORR,” Wagner said.
“Opportunity aligned resourcing is a forward-thinking framework for strategic institutional growth and sustainability, much like the rudder of a ship. ORR is designed to steer ISU towards future goals by strategically aligning university resources with opportunities leading to mission accomplishment. ORR will be a collaborative process that integrates expertise throughout the university to plan for strategically optimized resource allocation.
As we implement opportunity aligned resourcing, we will stretch our roots in innovative ways, looking for opportunities that will supply us the rich nutrients we need to be resilient and thrive.” Utilizing the new framework, Wagner will focus on its implementation to align with his five strategic goals of a student first focus, strengthening program excellence, cultivation of external partnerships, expansion of research and to empower and energize ISU students and the local community. Wagner spent time detailing each of the five aspects, reaffirming his commitment to each one.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in the history of Idaho State University, our roots run deep and our commitment to each other and the communities we serve is unwavering,” Wagner said. “As we look to the future, I see not just a continuation of our proud past, but the promise of a new era — an era of growth, innovation and impact. This is our moment to strengthen the ties that bind us to one another and to the communities we call home.
It is our time to push boundaries, embrace opportunities, expand our reach and ensure that every student who walks through Swanson Arch or on any of our campuses, including virtual, has access to the best education, the most opportunities and the brightest future.” Wagner continued, “We are here to create a better future for everyone who comes to Idaho State University, a future where every student finds their path, every faculty and staff member feels empowered to innovate and lead and every community we serve feels the profound impact of our work. Now is our time to come together with purpose and determination.
Now is the time to leverage our collective strengths to build an even stronger Idaho State University, one that continues to grow, adapt and serve with excellence...
. Go boldly into our future, for our students, for our communities, for Idaho and beyond.”.
