Call for Faculty Fellow Applications
The Institute for Advancing American Values is conducting an internal search for one faculty fellow to support the Institute’s mission and activities. The application deadline is September 19th, or until the position is filled. Faculty from any discipline may apply.
The position consists of a two-year commitment of six to eight hours per week in fall and spring semesters, and a summer commitment of no more than twenty hours. Successful candidates will receive a $5,000 stipend in each year of service. Interested faculty should consult with their department chair before applying.
IAAV faculty fellows will:
- Serve as ambassadors for the Institute on campus and in select community engagements
- Participate in the development of Institute programs and activities
- Provide oversight of the undergraduate fellows program
Preferred skills and experience include:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Facilitation skills adept at navigating complex and controversial topics
- Record of teaching and research that engages public life, including presentations or participation in the civic life of Boise
Apply by September 19
Applicants should email the following documents (in Word or PDF format) to americanvalues@boisestate.edu by September 19, 2025:
- A curriculum vitae
- A letter of interest (2 pages max) that speaks to how the applicant’s qualifications align with the mission and vision of the Institute for Advancing American Values
Institute for Advancing American Values encourages conversation between multiple viewpoints to spur engagement, understanding and human connection. Institute activities include public events to encourage dialogue about central issues facing Idaho and the nation, and research and projects that approach complex and contested issues through the prism of American values and evidenced-based research. Other activities involve education programming supporting the development of new courses across the disciplines that chart how the values of freedom, opportunity, democracy, free expression and other values have shaped the triumphs and challenges of universities and American life generally.
Current Fellows
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Allen Dalton
Faculty Fellow
I am retired from teaching, having taught for 37 1/2 years in Boise State’s Economics Department, but continue to organize the Brandt Foundation Lectures and Spriggs Family Lectures for the College of Business and Economics, and the Adam Smith Lectures for the Department of Economics. Through the work of the Institute, I hope to see open and respectful conversation restored on economic, political and social issues against the dark forces of liberalism coming from both the Left and Right. I have great hopes for the Institute on campus and within Idaho.
I am retired from teaching, having taught for 37 1/2 years in Boise State’s Economics Department, but continue to organize the Brandt Foundation Lectures and Spriggs Family Lectures for the College of Business and Economics, and the Adam Smith Lectures for the Department of Economics. Through the work of the Institute, I hope to see open and respectful conversation restored on economic, political and social issues against the dark forces of liberalism coming from both the Left and Right. I have great hopes for the Institute on campus and within Idaho.
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Christian Ouzounian
Undergraduate Fellow
I am from California and am majoring in Political Science and minoring in Business. I was drawn to become an undergraduate fellow for the Institute for Advancing American Values because I firmly believe that our nation is capable of achieving great things, but only when we put aside our differences and work together. The divisiveness and polarization this country has seen in recent years is concerning. However, it is important to remember that having different backgrounds and beliefs is one of our biggest strengths as a nation. After all, the United States is known as a melting pot for a reason. As a member of the Institute I am looking forward to creating spaces which foster productive discussions and help tear down the barriers that prevent us from seeing eye to eye with one another.
I am from California and am majoring in Political Science and minoring in Business. I was drawn to become an undergraduate fellow for the Institute for Advancing American Values because I firmly believe that our nation is capable of achieving great things, but only when we put aside our differences and work together. The divisiveness and polarization this country has seen in recent years is concerning. However, it is important to remember that having different backgrounds and beliefs is one of our biggest strengths as a nation. After all, the United States is known as a melting pot for a reason. As a member of the Institute I am looking forward to creating spaces which foster productive discussions and help tear down the barriers that prevent us from seeing eye to eye with one another.
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Parker Case
Undergraduate Fellow
I’m a junior from Twin Falls, Idaho majoring in Political Science with a minor in History and a Human Rights Certificate. I first learned about the Institute for Advancing American Values when I attended one of the Distinguished Lecture Series events, and I was thrilled to be invited to join as an undergraduate fellow. The Institute’s goal of fostering civil discourse is something that I strongly align with. Since I’ve been old enough to care about politics, civil conversations about our differences have ceased, and have been replaced with nasty, unproductive shouting matches. I’m excited to work with an organization that creates spaces for us to discuss issues and disagree politely. I believe that the strength of America lies in our ability to understand and respect one another, and I’m honored to be able to help achieve that goal. By providing safe spaces for people to speak their minds, we can foster understanding and empathy for one another, and help to build a kinder nation.
I’m a junior from Twin Falls, Idaho majoring in Political Science with a minor in History and a Human Rights Certificate. I first learned about the Institute for Advancing American Values when I attended one of the Distinguished Lecture Series events, and I was thrilled to be invited to join as an undergraduate fellow. The Institute’s goal of fostering civil discourse is something that I strongly align with. Since I’ve been old enough to care about politics, civil conversations about our differences have ceased, and have been replaced with nasty, unproductive shouting matches. I’m excited to work with an organization that creates spaces for us to discuss issues and disagree politely. I believe that the strength of America lies in our ability to understand and respect one another, and I’m honored to be able to help achieve that goal. By providing safe spaces for people to speak their minds, we can foster understanding and empathy for one another, and help to build a kinder nation.
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Trish Howley
Undergraduate Fellow
I am an Interdisciplinary Professional Studies Student with an emphasis in Conflict Management, Leadership, and Human Relations with a certificate in Spanish. I have lived across the United States and abroad as part of a military family. I applied to the Institute because it will allow students and communities from different backgrounds to participate in dialogue and learn how to engage in discourse effectively.
I am an Interdisciplinary Professional Studies Student with an emphasis in Conflict Management, Leadership, and Human Relations with a certificate in Spanish. I have lived across the United States and abroad as part of a military family. I applied to the Institute because it will allow students and communities from different backgrounds to participate in dialogue and learn how to engage in discourse effectively.
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Victoria Zunich
Undergraduate Fellow
I was born in California, but I have grown up in Boise and I’m happy to call it my home. I have seen how Boise has and continues to change and I look forward to being a part of that process. I am studying Social Sciences at Boise State with emphasis in Political Science and Gender Studies. I am also interested in local politics. With this, I hope to engage in conversations that challenge my ideas, as I believe we all should. This is one of the key reasons I wanted to join the fellowship. I believe that the best thing we can do to express our political concerns or fears is to engage in a conversation about that subject. We all form our opinions based on our own experiences and we all wish for our experiences to be heard and valued.
I was born in California, but I have grown up in Boise and I’m happy to call it my home. I have seen how Boise has and continues to change and I look forward to being a part of that process. I am studying Social Sciences at Boise State with emphasis in Political Science and Gender Studies. I am also interested in local politics. With this, I hope to engage in conversations that challenge my ideas, as I believe we all should. This is one of the key reasons I wanted to join the fellowship. I believe that the best thing we can do to express our political concerns or fears is to engage in a conversation about that subject. We all form our opinions based on our own experiences and we all wish for our experiences to be heard and valued.