ISU President Wagner Delivers State of the University Address

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – Idaho State University President Robert Wagner delivered the State of the University address this afternoon at Frazier Hall. Students, faculty and staff from the university attended the speech.

Coming off of a stressful Fall semester, the president didn't shy away from mentioning the challenges ISU has been through in the last several months.

"We have faced budget reductions, restructuring, job loss and changes that touch nearly every corner of this university," Wagner said. "For some, this can feel like a shift in professional or institutional identity. Certainly, ISU is evolving, adapting and changing in this dynamic landscape."

Choosing to hold the State of the University Address in Frazier Hall was purposeful. It's the oldest building on the campus, standing as a pillar of resilience through the test of time. President Wagner said it's a reflection of the journey and ability to adapt that ISU has shown since 1901.

"This building has seen our institution face recessions, wars and conflicts, depressions, enrollment shifts, global pandemics, political change and a myriad of uncertainty," Wagner said. "In the midst of all these changes, however, departments and colleges were created, disbanded, reorganized, and restructed as the institutions in need of the state changed."

One thing is clear: ISU has endured changes before, and change does not equate crisis. While the administration endured the pain of letting employees go earlier this year and reworking the budget according to statewide cuts, the mission of the university remains a top priority.

Last semester, President Wagner revealed the Bold Path Foward initiative, a plan for keeping the university united through uncertainty with shared goals. Today, he explained a new framework for the future of ISU, "The Contract for Idaho."

"The contract is not a response to change. It's a declaration of purpose and impact. It's our public promise to the people we serve, and will continue to serve for another 125 years," Wagner said. "I hope that each of you here will see the valuable role you play in at least one of these areas."

The following are the ten promises included in the Contract for Idaho.

• We Will Train Idaho’s Workforce
• We Will Keep College Accessible and Affordable
• We Will Support Students for Success
• We Will Expand Medical Education in Idaho
• We Will Strengthen Rural Idaho
• We Will Power Idaho’s Energy Future
• We Will Partner, Not Compete
• We Will Strengthen Idaho’s Economy
• We Will Be Accountable and Transparent
• We Will Lead with Integrity, Service and Civic-Mindedness

President Wagner asserted that everything begins here, at ISU. The root of the university is its purpose in helping students obtain an education that transforms their lives and benefits many of Idaho's industries.

The president also shared statistics which reflect the success of Idaho State over the last year. Undergraduate enrollment is at its highest level since 2016.

"This enrollment growth supports Idaho's workforce needs. In 2025, Idaho State University awarded more than 2,000 degrees in certificates in high demand fields such as health professions, business, education, engineering, computer science and career and technical education," Wagner said.

ISU's administration is also proud to announce that undergraduate tuition and fees are 22% lower than peer Idaho institutions. At the same time, in 2025 alone, they awarded $52.8 million in scholarships, discounts and waivers for students.

"Our job is not simply to admit students," Wagner assured. "Our job is to walk with them across the finish line and learn of their impact within our growing family of Bengal alumni."

President Wagner said the final pillar of the Contract for Idaho underscores all the others. Integrity at the university means making difficult decisions when necessary, and remaining transparent about those choices. Service means remembering who the university exists to serve, and succeeding with civic-mindedness means to model respectful engagement during moments of disagreement.

"These traits are reflected in everything we do from teaching, research, creative works, to keeping our grounds and facilities clean, serving in our dining halls, advising and supporting our students and employees in many aspects of their busy lives, in times of change," he said. "Culture matters. We must continue fostering integriy and community inclusivity, teamwork, shared responsibility and learning."

The address today ensured the audience and community that ISU is focused on reinforcing alignment with their mission and the long-term strategic plan. The Contract for Idaho is not only rhetoric, but a reality the university and its affiliates aim to live by in the years to come.

"You all are making a difference in making this contract a reality for the state of Idaho, and I am so proud to do it with you," Wagner said.