Burnett talks presidential search, UI enrollment

At a time when universities need stability and leadership, Idaho’s land-grant university is searching for a new president.

University of Idaho President, Duane Nellis, stepped down earlier this summer.

A hiring committee is searching for his replacement.

The university has said good bye to two presidents in the last 8 years.

Interim President, Don Burnett, said the university is looking for someone who would like to call Idaho “home.”

“I’m very hopeful that the next president we get will see this job as a capstone and not as a stepping stone to somewhere else and have a real devotion to Idaho and higher education in Idaho,” said Burnett.

The finalists will most likely be chosen in October and the State Board of Education should make an offer by the end of the year.

And while tuition has increased at all four public universities in the gem state, Burnett said the hike doesn’t seem to be affecting enrollment.

Burnett said enrollment is increasing and the university is expecting a large freshman class this fall.

In an effort to help students with the price of higher education, the university started a capital campaign to raise $220 million, which will help fund scholarships.

So far, $187 million have been raised.