Making for a better ISU
During the annual State of the University Address, Idaho State University President Arthur Vailas highlighted the university’s recent successes and new developments to show how it’s being an academic leader for Idaho.
From campus improvements to new program successes, Vailas listed them all throughout his speech at ISU’s Stephens Performing Arts Center.
One success is the program, Bengal Bridge, which is designed to prepare high school students for college. Vailas said this program— along with initiatives like Bengal STEM Day and Liberal Arts High— is all part of ISU’s recruitment and retainment strategy.
“It’s the person-to-person communication that makes a difference. ISU has really embraced this and is going to do a lot more,” Vailas said.
Vailas also added the tuition lock program is likely to help with this effort.
One way ISU is setting itself apart is the soon-to-be College of Osteopathic Medicine. To be housed at the university’s Meridian campus, it will begin to accept students for the fall 2018 semester.
Vailas said this medical education is a big part of the future and will branch off to other benefits, saying, “Medicine in itself is a huge economic ecosystem. It is the second-largest in the world, other than energy.”
In light of the hate crimes toward Middle Eastern students in the spring semester this year, Vailas mentioned the importance of diversity in ISU’s future.
Highlighting efforts like the peace pole, he said students are doing their part to foster diversity, as is the greater Pocatello community.
“We are globalizing this university. We have been and we will continue to do so,” Vailas said. “The university exists for all people all over the world. We may live in Idaho, but we live as part of the world.”
There wasn’t much talk about enrollment numbers, with Vailas saying final numbers will come in October. He said he hopes to see an increase in Idaho students.
ISU’s space in Idaho Falls was mentioned while talking about university improvements. The building there recently had a 10,153 square-foot renovation for resident faculty and new classrooms.
