Mari Rice, Patrick Lowenthal and the Zena Creek Ranch Field School team have received Foundation Excellence Awards, accepted at a ceremony on May 8, 2026.
Presented annually since 1993, the Foundation Excellence Awards recognize Boise State University faculty and collaborative teams whose teaching, research, creative activity and service significantly advance the goals of their departments, colleges and the university. The awards are made possible by the Boise State University Foundation’s board of directors, whose members are committed to supporting the dedication and innovation of faculty and staff. Because of their generosity, each honoree and team receives a $5,000 award to support their university-related projects.
“It is always humbling to present Foundation Excellence Awards to the winners each year, and this year was no exception,” said Bruce Mohr, executive chair of the Foundation board. “Their research, scholarship, mentorship and overall contributions to the university are so deserving of this recognition.”
In her remarks, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Zeynep Hansen highlighted the honorees’ impact on the university. “They truly elevate not only what Boise State University accomplishes today, but also the promise of what it might accomplish tomorrow,” she said.
Mari Rice
Mari Rice, a clinical assistant professor and internship coordinator in the School of Public Service, received the Excellence Award for Clinical/Lecturer/Research Faculty. This award recognizes lecturers and specialized faculty who demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following areas: teaching, research, creative activities and service, including administration and leadership.
Recognized for her commitment to experiential learning and community engagement, Rice connects students with hands-on environmental projects that address real-world challenges across the Treasure Valley. Through partnerships with local organizations and agencies, she has helped students complete more than 25,000 hours of community service, develop professional skills through internships and field experiences and contribute to sustainability initiatives ranging from ecological restoration to urban tree planning.
“What distinguishes Dr. Rice most is the coherence of her work,” said Andrew Giacomazzi, senior associate dean and professor in the School of Public Service. “Teaching, service, research and community engagement are not separate domains for her; they are integrated parts of a single mission: preparing students to address complex environmental and social challenges with knowledge, skills and a sense of agency. She models the public service values our school and university espouse.”
Patrick Lowenthal
Patrick Lowenthal, professor of educational leadership, research and technology in the College of Education, received the Excellence Award for Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty. This award honors faculty who demonstrate excellence in at least two of their primary areas of responsibility: teaching, research, creative activity and professionally related service, including leadership.
Recognized for his influential scholarship in online learning, commitment to faculty development and exceptional doctoral mentorship, Lowenthal has helped shape online teaching practices at Boise State and universities nationwide. His research on social presence, accessible course design and online engagement has earned national recognition, while his collaborative approach to mentoring has supported doctoral students in publishing award-winning research and launching successful academic careers.
“Lowenthal is an exceptional mentor who actively supports students’ scholarly development,” said Brett Shelton, department head of educational leadership, research and technology in the College of Education. “He regularly co-authors publications with doctoral students and helps them publish their dissertation research in top-tier journals, providing a strong foundation for their academic careers. Former students consistently credit his mentorship with shaping their research skills, professional confidence and long-term success.”
Zena Creek Ranch Field School
The Zena Creek Ranch Field School team received the Excellence Award for Team Collaboration, which honors teams of staff, faculty and students whose collaborative efforts advance Boise State’s strategic goals or make a significant impact on students, the community and professional organizations. Recipients model open communication, trust, cooperation and respect while building effective partnerships to achieve shared goals.
The Zena Creek Ranch Field School is an interdisciplinary, credit-bearing field program that brings undergraduate and graduate students into a remote, off-grid learning environment. There, students engage with complex challenges at the intersection of water, energy, ecology, governance and community resilience.
“The impacts of this initiative are significant and enduring,” said Boyd Bouwes, community partner and co-owner of Zena Creek Ranch. “Students leave the program with applied technical skills, professional confidence and real-world experience that directly supports their career development. At the same time, our ranch and the surrounding watershed benefit from high-quality field data, restoration planning insights and stewardship actions that contribute to long-term ecological resilience.”
The program’s core leadership team represents three colleges across campus:
- Stephanie Lenhart, associate professor in the School of Public Service, serves as a faculty lead, providing intellectual vision, curricular integration and sustained coordination across colleges, administrative units and community partners.
- Todd Otanicar, associate dean for research affairs in the College of Engineering, has been a co-instructor and key collaborator since the pilot year. He has helped shape the engineering, energy systems and applied design components of the program while modeling interdisciplinary teaching in a field-based environment.
- Jen Pierce, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, contributes critical expertise in geoscience and watershed processes, strengthening the scientific foundation and interdisciplinary approach of the program.
Contributions from faculty and staff across campus also support the program’s success and sustainability. Additional faculty contributors include Mojtaba Sadegh, Amy Moll, Anna Bergstrom, Jen Forbey and Libby Lunstrum. Staff contributors include Mike Stefancic, Davena Vance, Naysa Shepherd, Lainey Reykemper and Linda Easley from the School of Public Service, as well as Scott Jurgens, Keri Davidson, Crystal Sinclair and Melanie Bannister from the Boise State University Foundation.
Supporting the future of research and learning
Through Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University, the Boise State University Foundation is investing in the people and programs that shape the future. By supporting endowed faculty positions, interdisciplinary research and student-centered experiential learning opportunities, the campaign empowers faculty and students to push the boundaries of discovery while preparing graduates to become adaptable, future-ready leaders.
From immersive field programs and faculty-led research to hands-on internships and collaborative learning experiences, these investments expand opportunities for students, strengthen innovation across campus and broaden Boise State’s impact in Idaho and beyond.