Shawn Benner is the Dean of the College of Innovation and Design. After a distinguished career as an environmental researcher and educator, Dean Benner has spent the last decade promoting positive change in higher education through developing new programming, promoting an innovative culture, and leading collaborative strategic initiatives.

Jen Schneider is Associate Dean of the College of Innovation and Design and Director of the Digital Innovation and Design Degree. She has worked extensively in the areas of public communication of science and technology controversies, stakeholder engagement, and public engagement. Jen received her BA from the College of Idaho and her PhD from Claremont Graduate University.

Amanda Ryan is Assistant Dean of the College of Innovation and Design, where she leads operations and special CI+D initiatives related to continuous improvement and student success and manages sponsorships for the Boise State Esports team. Amanda holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, and earned both her Master of Arts in Technical Communication and Bachelor of General Studies from Boise State University.

Melissa Fennemore is the Senior Business Manager for the College of Innovation and Design. She has worked in both the private and public sectors. Melissa triple majored in Accounting, Finance, and Information Management at the University of Texas at Dallas, obtained an MBA from Westminster College, and has a CPA license in the State of Idaho.

Anna Ralph (she/her) is Operations Manager of The SPACE in the College of Innovation + Design, where she manages CI+D’s event spaces. She joined the college in 2023 after working for Boise State Public Health. Anna graduated from Boise State with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. She grew up in Hood River, Oregon, and has lived in Boise since 2016.

Veronica Roper (she/her/ella) is Project Director for the Esports team and in the College of Innovation and Design, where she has been part of the Dean’s Office team since 2018. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, and a Graduate Certificate in Conflict Management and a Masters in Public Administration from Boise State University.

Lana Grover is Director of Programming in the College of Innovation + Design, where she also serves as the Director of the User Experience Design (UXD) program and design lead for CI+D’s Space. Her expertise in visual and user-centered design, coupled with her innovative approach to educational programming, led to her being the first individual in Idaho higher education to be selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator.