Honorary doctoral degrees recognize individuals of outstanding accomplishment in scholarship, creativity, public service, education or contributions to human welfare. At the spring commencement in 2026, Boise State will recognize Bruce Newcomb with an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
Newcomb is a distinguished statesman, rancher and advocate whose decades of service have left an indelible mark on the state of Idaho and on Boise State. A resident of Declo, Idaho, Newcomb has been a rancher for more than 60 years, embodying the work ethic of the state’s agricultural heritage.
Newcomb spent nearly two decades in the Idaho House of Representatives, rising through leadership ranks to serve as speaker of the House from 1998 to 2006. In that role, he earned a reputation for principled leadership. He championed bipartisan collaboration and civil discourse while prioritizing the public interest.
Following his legislative career, Newcomb brought his experience in state government to Boise State, where he became director of government relations and special advisor to President Bob Kustra. He secured resources that helped Boise State expand its academic programs and statewide reach. Most recently, Newcomb was the founder and treasurer of the Idaho Open Primaries Initiative, a nonpartisan effort to promote collaboration, civil discourse, and democratic principles in state government.
Jeremiah Shinn, Boise State interim president, and AnnMarie Johnson, assistant to the athletic director for special projects, wrote a letter nominating Newcomb for the honor.
“Mr. Newcomb’s reasons for dedicating time to the effort were simple and aligned with the kind of leader he has been for decades,” they wrote. “Despite polarization and political turmoil, Mr. Newcomb has remained optimistic about what’s possible when we can engage in consequential conversations with civility, humanity, and a sincere desire to do right by our state and its citizens.”
Newcomb is married to Bronco alum Celia Gould. Boise State recognized Gould with a Commitment to Idaho Award in 2023. She is the former director of the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, the first woman to hold that office.