Dear Boise State Community,
Leadership transitions are important moments for any university community, and we know many members of the Boise State community are eager for updates on the search for the next president. We know that you have been living with extended uncertainty with multiple interim leaders, shifting timelines for the presidential search process, and now, new organizational changes. You have all carried that uncertainty while still teaching, advising, mentoring, conducting research, and holding departments together. Thank you. We see the steadiness it takes to keep the work moving when leadership is in flux.
We want to share where the process stands and how it will move forward.
As you know, the presidential search was paused in October. Since then, the Idaho Legislature adopted new requirements governing presidential searches at Idaho’s public institutions. These updates add steps to the process, including 1) codifying the core membership of the search committee and 2) requiring the State Board publicly identify a sole finalist at least ten business days before a final decision is made.
In light of these changes, the search will be restarted within the updated framework established by state law. That means the search is being reopened, and so the remainder of this memo explains that process.
Reopening the search allows the Board to maintain momentum from the work already completed. New candidates will be able to apply, and previous applicants will be invited to renew their interest. The work already completed during the earlier phase of the search, including campus engagement, will continue to inform the process moving forward.
As part of reopening the search, the leadership profile and search materials have also been updated to reflect increased emphasis on financial and strategic leadership, long-term sustainability and aligning institutional investments with Boise State’s mission and growth.
We are mindful of how long this search process has taken, and while the timing of this renewed search creates pressures for faculty engagement while you are still on contract, we have envisioned ways to engage students and faculty again, although in a different format. We will continue to draw on your valuable insights from the initial search process.
Time is of the essence. The Board’s goal is to identify and appoint Boise State’s next president in time for the start of the fall semester. Achieving that goal requires moving forward on a very compressed timeline while maintaining a thoughtful and thorough search process and meaningful opportunities for campus engagement.
Search committee and process update
As part of advancing the search, the search committee will be reconstituted consistent with state law. The committee will continue to be responsible for reviewing applicants, conducting interviews, and providing recommendations to the Board. The search committee will include the following members required by state law:
- Board Member 1: David Turnbull
- Board Member 2: Kurt Liebich
- Faculty Representative: Lisa Bostaph, Ph.D.
- Boise State Employee: Stacy Pearson, Interim CFO
- Alumni 1: Lisa Grow, CEO, Idaho Power
- Alumni 2: Mike Reynoldson, Vice President of Public Affairs, Blue Cross of Idaho
- Foundation: Bruce Mohr, Foundation Board Chair
- At-Large Community Member: Bobbi Jo Meuleman, Boise Chamber of Commerce
In addition, the Board has asked Scott Gatzemeier to join as a local industry representative and university partner. Gatzemeier is the Corporate Vice President of Front End US Expansion at Micron.
Because the timeline has extended beyond what was originally anticipated, Interim President Dr. Jeremiah Shinn will no longer serve on the search committee. When the search began, it was not expected that he would be carrying full presidential responsibilities for this duration while also participating in the search process. The Board extends its sincere gratitude to Interim President Shinn for his continued leadership and service to Boise State.
What to expect next
The search will continue this spring through several phases:
- Application and recruitment period through late March
- Search committee review and first-round interviews in early April
- Second-round conversations with semifinalists in later April or early May
During the semifinalist stage, representatives of faculty, staff, students, and university leadership will participate in small-group conversations with candidates and share feedback with the search committee. Participants in those sessions will be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement applicable to the interview process only in order to support a candid exchange of ideas and protect the privacy of candidates who may currently hold leadership positions at other institutions. This structure allows for meaningful campus engagement while also maintaining the level of professional confidentiality that helps attract strong candidates to the process. In this way, the Board hopes to balance important transparency with the professional considerations necessary to recruit outstanding national candidates. The process is designed to ensure meaningful opportunities for campus input while also protecting the integrity of the search.
As required by state law, the Board anticipates considering recommended finalists in May and publicly announcing the sole finalist in mid-June, followed by the required public review period before a final decision is made. The Board is exploring ways to engage the campus community, including off-contract faculty, to ensure finalist accessibility during the 10-day period.
While this timeline provides a general structure for the process, it is important that the Board retain flexibility as interviews progress and as candidate evaluation continues.
Looking ahead
Boise State continues to build strong momentum in enrollment, student success, research, and community impact. The purpose of this search is to identify a leader who can build on that progress and guide the university into its next chapter.
The Board is seeking a president who combines visionary leadership with strong financial stewardship, including the ability to align institutional investments with mission-critical priorities, strengthen long-term sustainability, and continue advancing student access and affordability while supporting Boise State’s continued growth. Just as importantly, we are seeking a leader who understands shared governance and respects the central role faculty and staff play in the life and direction of the university.
We appreciate the continued engagement, patience, and commitment of the Boise State community as this process moves forward. Additional updates will be shared as the search progresses.