Austen Hunzeker
Staff Writer
Idaho State University President Robert Wagner presented a new presidential resolution on Feb. 21 in the lobby of the Physical Science Building, reaffirming the centrality of research to ISU’s mission.
The resolution highlights the impact of research at ISU and the university’s commitment to enhancing its proficiencies.
“Idaho State University is committed to growing as a recognized leader in addressing complex, real-world problems, and exploring opportunities that translate academic inquiry into tangible solutions,” the resolution states. “At its core, Idaho State University is a supportive community devoted to the betterment of our broader world.”
ISU’s research expenditures increased 25% from fiscal year 2023 to 2024, and research and extramural funding has increased 200% since 2018. Wagner’s “Bold Path Forward” initiative includes an academic and research focus as one of the university’s five key missions.
Wagner read and signed the new resolution before about 50 people on Friday afternoon at the ISU Physical Science Building. ISU Vice President of Research and Economic Development Martin E. Blair and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Adam Bradford also signed it.
“We’re all together making a tremendous impact in our communities, in our state, in our nation, and I’m very proud to say in the world,” Wagner said. “I say let’s roar into that future Bold Path Forward… I have confidence and know that as an institutional community that we can.”
To further commemorate the significance of the resolution, Wagner wore an orange tie created by an image made by ISU’s Molecular Research Core Facility.
“I am constantly impressed with the amazing research that is done around ISU,” Wagner said.
Wagner followed the signing by announcing the initiation of a public relations campaign, which would start immediately.
Posters highlighting faculty will be displayed in the Student Union Building once a month, and a new upcoming website will also display posters featuring the faculty of ISU.
This month, ISU professor Steve Byers is being highlighted for his impactful teaching, while faculty members Anna Grinath, Sarah Godsey, Cori Jenkins, and Devaleena Pradhan are being featured for their impactful research.
After Friday’s presentation, Wagner said he wants ISU students to know that they are part of this.
“Students at Idaho State University are a part of our research enterprise,” Wagner said. “They work side by side with our faculty and that provides them with real-world training and experiences…. At Idaho State, we’re going to continue to balance excellence in research, teaching, and creative works to really make an impact for our students and for our community.”