Fallon Deatherage
News Editor
After the Idaho State Board of Education unanimously approved the motion on April 5, Kevin Satterlee will become Idaho State University’s 13th president at the end of June.
After the announcement, Satterlee addressed the university and the media in the PSUB to outline the future he sees at ISU.
“Open communication, open dialogue and transparency will be hallmarks of this administration,” Satterlee said.
Richard Westerberg of the State Board of Education described Satterlee as an “Idaho guy” who is a product of Idaho schools.
“He has a unique ability to see vision clearly and to be able to articulate that vision.” Westerberg said. “He is an exceptional listener.”
Although Satterlee has spent the last few years working at Boise State, ISU has held a place in his heart because it is the school his 88-year old mother-in-law attended for one semester before the death of her father prevented her from continuing her studies in zoology.
“I am humbled that I will get to work for the university my mother-in-law spent her whole life wishing she could attend,” Satterlee said.
This sentiment was mirrored by his wife Margaret sitting beside him who nodded her head as he spoke.
“Margaret and I couldn’t be prouder to join the Bengal family,” Satterlee said.
Many voiced their excitement about the Satterlee selection as president, including ASISU President Jessica Sargent.
“He seems to be very student-centered,” Sargent said. “And that makes me excited.”
Satterlee stated that he is eager to build relationships, which was met with many eager ISU students, faculty and staff that are equally eager to build their relationship with him. This included head football coach, Rob Phenicie.
“I attended all four of the forums and was impressed with how exceptional all of the candidates were,” Phenicie said. “I am very excited to work with Mr. Satterlee and give him some wins for our team.”
Unlike a few of the other presidential candidates, Satterlee was not pursuing any other positions at any other universities.
“I wanted to come here to Idaho State University,” Satterlee said. “I want to resolve and move forward from anything that would hold us back as an institution. I applied here because I want to be your partner.”
During the forums of his campus visit, some questioned his qualifications to be president given that he has never held a teaching role. But after being named president, Satterlee countered that his abilities as a negotiator would be more valuable.
“I have a great respect for what the faculty does,” Satterlee said. “I am going to fight to facilitate research. Our faculty will have everything they need to be successful.”
He plans to spend the first part of his time as president to learn about the university before making any changes in order to understand all the challenges the university faces.
“This university has known great times but its greatest times are yet to come,” Satterlee said.
