Melissa Keith, Bhaskar Chittoori and the Communities for Youth team have received Foundation Excellence Awards, accepted at a ceremony on May 9, 2025.
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, their colleges and the university.
In his remarks, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter 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,” he said.
These awards are made possible by the Boise State University Foundation’s board of directors, whose members are committed to supporting and celebrating the dedication and innovation of faculty and staff.
Melissa Keith
Lecturer and director of the Writing Center
Melissa Keith received the Excellence Award for Clinical/Lecturer/Research Faculty, which recognizes the work of clinical faculty, lecturers and research faculty who demonstrate excellence in one or more of the areas of teaching, research and creative activities, and/or service, including administration and leadership.
Recognized for her leadership of the Writing Center and role in building the Department of Writing Studies, Keith is also a strong advocate for students and an active collaborator on and off campus, including supporting the development of writing centers across the Treasure Valley.
“Keith’s impact on her students, on her colleagues, on this campus and on the national writing community is worth celebrating,” said Elizabeth Lester Barnes, lecturer in the Department of Writing Studies. “We couldn’t honor a more innovative and deserving leader.”
Bhaskar Chittoori
Professor and chair of the Department of Civil Engineering in the College of Engineering
Bhaskar Chittoori received the Excellence Award for Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty, which specifically honors individuals who demonstrate excellence in at least two of their primary areas of responsibility: teaching, research or creative activity, and professionally related service, including leadership.
This award reflects Chittoori’s outstanding scientific contributions to safeguarding civil infrastructure, his innovations in engineering education and his strong commitment to inclusive student mentoring.
“Chittoori exemplifies exceptional professionalism and integrity, inspiring his colleagues and students to excel with the same ethical foundation,” said Jennifer Pierce, professor in the Department of Geosciences. “I am honored to serve at our university with a colleague like Bhaskar. He makes Boise State a better place and deserves this recognition.”
Communities for Youth
School of Public and Population Health
The Excellence Award for Team Collaboration was presented to Communities for Youth, a multidisciplinary team working to address the youth mental health crisis in Idaho through a data-driven, community-engaged approach.
Team members include:
- Anne Abbott, assistant professor in the School of Public and Population Health
- Andrea Hill, assistant teaching professor in the School of Public and Population Health
- Matt Isbell, professor in the Department of Communication
- Taylor Neher, assistant professor in the School of Public and Population Health
- Megan L. Smith, associate professor in the School of Public and Population Health
- Sydney Nickel, graduate research assistant
- Meredith Spivak, doctoral candidate and project manager
- Heather Terrall, doctoral candidate and graduate research assistant
This award honors teams or collaborative groups of staff, faculty and students who have played a key role in completing a major project or a significant effort that either advances Boise State’s strategic goals or significantly impacts students, the larger community and professional organizations. Members of these high-performing teams model open communication, trust, cooperation and respect for differences by building effective, collaborative relationships to accomplish their goals.
Supporting faculty innovation and excellence
Boise State is a hub of innovation, where faculty and students work together to push the boundaries of research and forge a path for progress.
Through Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University, the Boise State University Foundation aims to unlock new frontiers of innovation by prioritizing endowed faculty positions and investing in student-centered learning experiences. These efforts will continue to fuel discovery, inspire excellence and expand what’s possible — for Boise State and beyond.