Austen Hunzeker
News Editor
Idaho State University President Robert Wagner delivered the State of the University address on April 1, stating that ISU is still thriving despite the state mandated budget cuts that have resulted in layoffs and program restructuring university-wide.
Speaking from the oldest building still standing on Pocatello’s campus, Frazier Hall, Wagner was quick to speak on the recent difficult months for ISU.
“We have faced budget reductions, restructuring, job loss and changes that touch nearly every corner of this university,” Wagner said. “But through all this change, one thing remains constant. We, together, are still Idaho State. Our institution endures.”
Wagner recounted Frazier Hall’s history, including the myriad of challenges the university has faced in its 125 years of existence including wars and a global pandemic. The choice of location for the address was strategic as he emphasized change is not new to ISU.
“Today, as we navigate budget realities and structural shifts, we are not retreating,” he said. “We are reinforcing our foundation, strategically focusing our resources and continuing to move our mission forward.”
As a central part of his address, Wagner walked audience members through ISU’s Contract for Idaho, a public commitment to those ISU serves.
“The contract is not a response to change, it’s a declaration of purpose and impact,” Wagner said. “It’s our public promise to the people we serve and will continue to serve for another 125 years.”
The contract contains 10 promises:
1. ISU will train Idaho’s workforce.
2. ISU will keep college affordable and accessible.
3. ISU will support students for success.
4. ISU will expand medical education in Idaho.
5. ISU will strengthen rural Idaho.
6. ISU will power Idaho’s energy future.
7. ISU will partner, not compete.
8. ISU will strengthen Idaho’s economy.
9. ISU will be accountable and transparent.
10. ISU will lead with integrity, service and civicmindedness.
Wagner provided evidence of these commitments such as enrollment in the fall reaching a 6.64% increase with 13,933 students, with total undergraduate enrollment being the highest since 2016. Undergraduate resident tuition at ISU is 22% lower than state board of education designated peer institutions and fiscal year 2025 brought about $52.8 million in awarded scholarships, discounts and waivers.
Additionally, the 10th day retention rate for fall 2025 was the highest in the university’s history at 74.1%.
“The ten areas of our Contract for Idaho stand on the foundation of ISU’s strategic plan,” Wagner said. “This moment in our history is about reinforcing alignment with our mission and our long-term strategic plan. It’s about ensuring that our Contract for Idaho is not rhetoric, but reality.”
Despite the many changes occurring at ISU, Wagner’s message to students, faculty and the broader Bengal community was to keep moving forward.
“We, you, all of us are now charged with the responsibility of continuing the work forward with careful thought, intentional planning and inclusive processes that activate everyone in our Bengal community,” Wagner said. “As we honor ISU’s 125 year history, we embark on a bold path forward together to strengthen and secure Idaho State University’s next 125 years.”