Sven Alskog

News Editor

For Alex Bolinger, teaching at Idaho State University goes beyond the mainstream method of lecturing, instead placing heavy emphasis on hands-on experiences in the methods discussed during all of his courses.

Hailing from nearby American Falls and having gone through both undergraduate and master’s courses at ISU, Bolinger, an assistant professor in the college of business, has made it a point to utilize his coursework to give back to the community.

One of the major projects he leads on campus takes place during his senior level classes.

During this course students are faced with an exciting opportunity to benefit the life of a child with a life-threatening illness through the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Bolinger has been organizing the project for several years, with money being raised to send beneficiaries to places such as Disney World to meet the princesses and a Denver Broncos game.

“One of my favorite experiences was when a child wanted to go to a Broncos game and meet Peyton Manning,” said Bolinger. “She ended up being able to tour the locker room and the field as well.”

“This child had a liver transplant and is doing well now,” he added.

After making the dream a reality for the child it is common for all involved to keep in close contact about how they are doing.

The experience for the students is educational as well as memorable.

“It is meant for the students as a teaching opportunity,” said Bolinger. “The broader issue is people want work that is going to make a difference.”

Students currently enrolled in Bolinger’s senior level course have been introduced to the representative from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and they will select a beneficiary in the next couple of weeks.

Come December, the class will have the opportunity to meet the child whether that be in-person or through Skype.

“The project has always exceeded my wildest expectations,” he stated. “We are always looking for new opportunities.”

Along with his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Bolinger is also heavily involved as the president of the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.

The society will be hosting a fall scholarly lecture on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at Portneuf Valley Brewing starting at 7 p.m.

Featured in this event will be Liz Cartwright who has done extensive medical humanitarian work in the Andes Mountains.

Admission is granted through donation of a children’s book and refreshments will be served.

Those interested in donating books who are not able to attend the event can do so by contacting Bolinger at ude.usinull@2elailob to set up a meeting time.

Last academic year Bolinger was honored by being nominated for outstanding faculty in the areas of public service and teaching. He was the only one of his peers to be nominated for more than one area.

“It was a huge honor,” he stated. “First off, I’d like to credit my colleagues who nominated me. They always do a great job recognizing those around them. Ever since I’ve come back to ISU it’s been great.”

He also credited multiple people who have impacted him heavily in shaping his teaching style.

“I’ve had some real great mentors,” said Bolinger. “My philosophy is learning needs to be an experience. To really be engaged you need to interact with the material.”

The interest in organizational behavior stems from within his family.

There are 12 ISU degrees within Bolinger’s family ranging from his parents to siblings. Bolinger’s parents actually met during their time on campus.

“My interest comes from my dad especially,” he noted. “He has been a manager in the truest sense in K-12 for many years. People are so messy at points but it is so rewarding when it all works out.”

The variety of tasks within his position allow for a great enjoyment of his work.

“The thing about my job I like so much is there is a lot of balance. It’s never the same thing twice.”

“I also like to write. Sometimes I’ll spend an afternoon writing to get my research out the door,” he added.

One of Bolinger’s articles on group dynamics was published recently in the Harvard Business Review.