Idaho State University’s roots run deep, preparing for a bold future
Dr. Robert Wagner
By Dr. Robert Wagner
During my college days, I had an early morning job at the campus laundry, driving a truck to make deliveries across campus. After a violent windstorm one night, I found myself among the first to see the damage it left behind. What struck me most weren’t just the fallen trees, but the surprisingly shallow root systems of these once-mighty giants. Despite their towering presence, their roots weren’t deep enough to withstand the storm.
This image of fallen trees is a powerful reminder of the importance of strong roots – and Idaho State University embodies that idea. Like a resilient tree, ISU’s roots have grown deep into the soil of Idaho over the past 123 years, providing the foundation to weather challenges and to thrive, even in adversity.
As we look boldly toward the future, ISU’s firmly planted roots provide the strength and stability needed in higher education now more than ever. We are the state’s leader in health care education, nuclear research and biological sciences, and we excel in business, teacher education, technical training, the arts and many other programs. But our real strength lies in our unwavering commitment to students. No matter how we grow or how the world changes around us, students are at the heart of everything we do.
The state of Idaho needs strong higher education institutions. That’s why ISU has embarked on a journey called “Bold Path Forward.” Through this initiative, we are focusing on intentional growth, student success and building pathways for first-generation, adult and rural students to thrive while serving an evolving state. We are seeing the fruits of this work already: Enrollment is up for a third straight year, student retention has increased by 10.9%, and our research enterprise is flourishing, with research expenditures up by nearly 50%. Even with budget challenges, we’ve reduced our deficit by 60% – and in the coming months, there will be no deficit at all.
To continue our trajectory in service to the state, we are introducing Opportunity-Aligned Resourcing (OAR), a new way of aligning our public resources with opportunities that will help us achieve our state-focused mission. Like a ship’s rudder guiding it through uncharted waters, OAR will keep us on course as we innovate, adapt and continue to serve the students and communities in Idaho that depend on us.
At ISU, our focus will always be on students and the state of Idaho first. We’re not just growing – we’re growing and reaching out with purpose. Whether it’s supporting different populations of students, expanding access to higher education through partnerships with industry and other institutions or advancing cutting-edge research, every step we take is rooted in excellence and the idea of creating opportunities for all.
Looking ahead, I am confident that Idaho State University’s roots will continue to deepen, ensuring we have a strong root system as we reach toward new heights. Historian B.H. Roberts once described an oak’s slow but steady growth, saying, “Every year adds something to its size; the winds which beat upon it only fix its mighty roots deeper in the earth … in spite of the howling tempest … the grand oak stands monarch of the forest.” Idaho State University is our grand oak – steadfast, deeply rooted in Idaho and growing stronger with each passing year.
Together with our sister institutions, we are contributing to a bold future for all of Idaho, one that ensures our students, our communities and our state will thrive for generations to come. The grand oak of Idaho State University will do its part, continue to stand tall, and inspire everyone who joins us to grow, adapt and seize the opportunities ahead.
Dr. Robert Wagner is the president of Idaho State University.