ISU holds inaugural ceremony for President Kevin Satterlee

“Why we roar.” That was the theme today in Bannock County. Idaho State University held an inauguration ceremony for President Kevin Satterlee. He is now the 13th president of the university since its founding more than 100 years ago.

Community leaders, students, faculty, and members of the State Board of Education gathered at L.E. and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center for the ceremony.

Governor Brad Little gave a speech at the ceremony and said he “believe(s) Kevin will serve the Bengal
nation proud.” Today’s theme, “Why We Roar,” focused on the accomplishments of ISU students and the university’s plans for the future.

“Our new strategic plan will begin this fall,” Satterlee said. “We will unveil a strategic plan for the entire university a new physical master plan for our campuses and facilities going forward, and both of those initiatives are coming out this fall.”

ISU also plans to increase tuition fees 6.1% in the fall. Satterlee said raising tuition is not ideal but called the move “necessary to get the resources to deliver quality education.”

“Even with that increase, Idaho State University is still the lowest price point public university in the state, and we’re the only university with a freshman tuition lock program,” meaning that first-year students pay the same rate all four years they attend college.

He said he hopes that policy appeals to students from small-town communities.

“Small communities, medium-sized communities, and those students should be going on to continue their education, and want to make sure we’re reaching out and showing them they have a path at Idaho State,” he said.”

Also on that path, the school recently signed a memorandum of agreement with Shoshone-Bannock Tribes. This will establish a collaboration with tribe members for educational opportunities.

“It’s a good relationship we have,” Nathan Small, chairman for the Fort Hall Business Council said. “As long as we have young people graduating from high school and others that want to come here, it’s great.”

“We want to make sure that tribal members goals are being met by ISU,”Satterlee said. “We are their hometown university and they’re important to us.”

ISU’s strategic plans will be developed this summer and implemented in the fall.