Idaho State University renames health sciences division

Idaho State University is renaming its health sciences program.

The university held a naming ceremony Tuesday afternoon. All health related fields fall under one division at ISU. Tuesday, that division was officially renamed to become the Kasiska Division of Health Sciences.

The Kasiska Foundation has donated more than $17 million to ISU health programs since about 1987. Four thousand students have received scholarships thanks to Kasiska’s donations. Kasiska has also helped to bring notable speakers to ISU, such as Patch Adams and Elizabeth Smart.

Linda Hatzenbuehler, executive dean of the health sciences at ISU, said the health division has grown from eight programs into 22.

“The growth in the health profession since 1986 has been tremendous,” Hatzenbuehler said. “And I am indebted to the Kasiska Foundation for their underwriting of our students, our equipment, and our events. Because that growth is in large part due to their support.”

The Kasiska Foundation also announced at the ceremony it had donated another $3 million to ISU Health Sciences.

The health sciences division makes up about one-third of ISU’s student body.