James Satterfield
As Dean there are many responsibilities, but none bigger than serving our students. It is our job to prepare the next wave of educational professionals who are ready to not only serve Idaho, but serve the world. In the College of Education we have world-class faculty and staff prepared to meet the needs of all of our students in a 21st century way. As educational professionals, we evolve with the environment and retool our skills to provide the best learning opportunities possible. Students and families can be confident that when interacting with the College of Education, you are interacting with highly-trained faculty, staff and administrators who can meet all of your educational needs.
Focus and Responsibilities
It is an honor to serve as the Dean of the College of Education at Boise State University. People often ask me, “Why Idaho, why Boise, why Boise State University?” and I ask them, “Why not?” Our state, local, and university communities are full of vibrant people with attitudes rooted in hard work – it is this perspective that resonates with me. I chose to be here, I want to be here, and my commitment is to be one of the people who make Idaho an even better place and I choose to do it through education. I choose to do it through bold initiatives that connect our College of Education with our rural partners. I choose to do it through working with our state, local, and regional employers to encourage them to look no further than Boise State’s College of Education to meet all of their educational staffing needs. I choose to do it by connecting with parents, extended families, and caregivers by listening to their concerns and reassuring them that sending their students to Boise State’s College of Education is the best educational decision they can make. I chose Boise State and the College of Education, and I hope you choose us too.
Research Interests
My research agenda focuses on the social and political context of intercollegiate athletics as well as the social, metaphorical, symbolic, and institutional features within p-20 educational systems.
Currently my research is focused on social activism among college athletes. I currently serve as Lead Editor for the Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletics in Education.