University of Idaho President to serve one more year

In a mutual decision with the State Board of Education, University of Idaho President Chuck Staben has agreed to stay on the job until June 2019.

In the meantime, the State Board is developing a Request for Proposal for a firm to lead the search to find new presidents for both the University of Idaho and Boise State University.

“The Board and President Staben agree this is the proper course to take and his contract, which expires next spring will not be renewed,” State Board President Dr. Linda Clark said. “President Staben has led the University of Idaho since 2014 and on behalf of the Board, I thank him for his service and I wish him the best,” Clark said. “The Board will now focus on finding the next leaders for the University of Idaho and Boise State.”

Staben has led an effort to develop a nine-year strategic plan that guides the university vision through 2025. That includes increased enrollment, improved access for students, progress toward research goals, and moving employees toward market-based compensation.

A review of the university’s response to sexual assault allegations within the Athletics Department is underway but is unrelated to the decision to carry Staben’s contract over to next spring. A final report under that external review is expected soon.

Staben outlined the decision in a memo to faculty, staff, and students Friday. You can read that memo here.