After Idaho State University conducted a national search, Laura Woodworth-Ney was named the new provost and vice president for academic affairs.
“I was just really honored to be selected,” said Woodworth-Ney. “I’ve been here since 1999. I’ve worked my way through the ranks as a faculty member.”
Woodworth-Ney has been the associate vice president for academic affairs for the past three years. She began her career at ISU as a history faculty member.
The Idaho native received her bachelor’s in English from the University of Idaho and a doctorate in history from Washington State University. It wasn’t long after she completed her doctorate before she felt Idaho pulling her back.
“I was living in Texas, teaching as an adjunct faculty member,” said Woodworth-Ney. “I really wanted to move back closer to home.”
When one of only three western historian positions state-wide opened up at ISU, she applied and was selected for the position.
As provost, Woodworth-Ney will oversee all of the academic functions of the various colleges and departments of ISU, particularly in matters of accreditation and quality. This includes the process of reviewing programs for relevancy in the field and job market.
Woodworth-Ney will also continue her advocacy for the school at the state and regional levels.
“I have worked in the provost office for three years and I have a lot of familiarity with the responsibilities of the department,” said Woodworth-Ney.
She added that she was also motivated to apply for the position by her desire to advocate for the school and its students at the state level and beyond.
“I’m still a scholar at heart, even though that’s not so much a part of my workload now,” said Woodworth-Ney. “I’m kind of a history nerd. I live in an old house and I collect antiques.”
Woodworth-Ney emphasized the value of higher education beyond working in particular industries for both society and students.
“I think higher education offers something bigger than [just job preparation],” she said. “Even if your job isn’t related to your undergraduate degree, [your degree] still shapes you into the future.”
Woodworth-Ney said that she doesn’t see the Idaho state post-secondary institutions as competitors due to their unique strengths.
“We root for the Bengals at my house, but we also root for University of Idaho since we’re alumni,” she said.
“I’m one of those people who went to college and never left,” said Woodworth-Ney. “Students arrive here and they can do anything and go anywhere, and I love that.”