Idaho State University President speaks at business forum in Idaho Falls

Idaho State University President Arthur C. Vailas spoke at a forum in front of local business and community leaders. The event sponsored by the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce, gives leaders a chance to learn where the university is headed in the next couple of years.

“We want to build our innovation, intellectual capability as a university, and do so with partnerships with businesses, the federal, and state government,” said Vailas.

Vailas talked about making ISU a regional economic driver that meets the needs of business leaders and the community. “The intellectual capital is what’s going to put you on top of the game,” said Vailas. “And you need a university to do that.”

The ISU president talked about the success the university’s had with providing valuable medical services to rural Idaho. He also mentioned how a long term goal of his would be to expand learning and teaching capabilities in Idaho Falls focused on the STEM fields.

Business had the opportunity to ask Vailas questions near the end of the forum. Most revolved around the desire to see more opportunities for education at an affordable cost.