Dr. Eugene Chaffee

University President, Boise State 1936-70

Inducted into the Boise State Hall of Fame in 1984

Eugene Chaffee is widely credited as the guiding force behind the founding and expansion of Boise Junior College and its evolution into Boise State University. Dr. Chaffee was the first full-time male member of the faculty of BJC formed in 1932. He assumed the responsibilities of president in 1936 and served in that capacity until 1967. He was then appointed Chancellor of BSC and performed those duties until his retirement in 1970. During his tenure, Boise State developed as an outstanding academic reputation as well as a powerful athletic tradition.