Celebrating incredible leaders
The School of Public Service’s annual Commitment to Idaho Awards Ceremony honors exemplary members of the community who have made significant impacts in our state. Each year, SPS staff, faculty, alumni and community partners gather together to celebrate those individuals who make a difference at the School of Public Service, across the Boise State campus and all throughout Idaho.
2025 Award Recipients
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Lauren McLean
Mayor of Boise, Idaho
2025 Commitment to Idaho Award
Lauren McLean is the 56th mayor of Boise, Idaho. Her public service began as a volunteer in 2001, when she led the successful Boise Foothills Open Space Levy campaign, protecting thousands of acres for future generations. She served on the Boise City Council from 2011-2019, including as Council President from 2017-2019, where she spearheaded the passage of Boise’s 100% Clean Energy Plan. As mayor, McLean launched the Modern Zoning Code, a groundbreaking initiative that balances housing growth, economic opportunity and climate goals. McLean serves as Second Vice Chair for Climate Mayors. She also chairs the US Council of Mayors CHIPS Implementation Task Force. McLean is on the Board of Governors at the Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise State University.
The School of Public Service is proud to honor Lauren McLean with the 2025 Commitment to Idaho Award, for her dedication and contributions toward continually improving the state of Idaho.
2025 Commitment to Idaho Award
Lauren McLean is the 56th mayor of Boise, Idaho. Her public service began as a volunteer in 2001, when she led the successful Boise Foothills Open Space Levy campaign, protecting thousands of acres for future generations. She served on the Boise City Council from 2011-2019, including as Council President from 2017-2019, where she spearheaded the passage of Boise’s 100% Clean Energy Plan. As mayor, McLean launched the Modern Zoning Code, a groundbreaking initiative that balances housing growth, economic opportunity and climate goals. McLean serves as Second Vice Chair for Climate Mayors. She also chairs the US Council of Mayors CHIPS Implementation Task Force. McLean is on the Board of Governors at the Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise State University.
The School of Public Service is proud to honor Lauren McLean with the 2025 Commitment to Idaho Award, for her dedication and contributions toward continually improving the state of Idaho.
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Jeff Tucker
General Manager, Idaho Public Television
2025 Enhancing Public Discourse Award
Jeff Tucker was named general manager of Idaho Public Television in August 2021. Before that, he served 8 years as IdahoPTV’s director of content, overseeing programming, education services, digital media and strategy for local productions. Tucker started with IdahoPTV as a volunteer in high school and has served the organization for almost 30 years. Over time, he has held multiple positions, including managing Idaho in Session, IdahoPTV’s gavel to gavel service for legislative coverage, for over 15 years. The work enabled him to form strong relationships with political leaders, state agencies and other private and public organizations. Tucker is active in the public media world, serving on several national public media organization boards and the advisory board of the University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research.
The School of Public Service is proud to honor Jeff Tucker with the 2025 Enhancing Public Discourse Award, in recognition of his dedication to providing educational and informative media programming for Idahoans.
2025 Enhancing Public Discourse Award
Jeff Tucker was named general manager of Idaho Public Television in August 2021. Before that, he served 8 years as IdahoPTV’s director of content, overseeing programming, education services, digital media and strategy for local productions. Tucker started with IdahoPTV as a volunteer in high school and has served the organization for almost 30 years. Over time, he has held multiple positions, including managing Idaho in Session, IdahoPTV’s gavel to gavel service for legislative coverage, for over 15 years. The work enabled him to form strong relationships with political leaders, state agencies and other private and public organizations. Tucker is active in the public media world, serving on several national public media organization boards and the advisory board of the University of Idaho McClure Center for Public Policy Research.
The School of Public Service is proud to honor Jeff Tucker with the 2025 Enhancing Public Discourse Award, in recognition of his dedication to providing educational and informative media programming for Idahoans.
2024 Internal Commitment Awards
The 2025 Internal Commitment Award Recipients will be announced at the Commitment to Idaho Awards Ceremony on May 13, 2025.
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Dr. Lane Gillespie
Commitment to Teaching
Criminal Justice -
Christian Lindke
Adjunct Commitment to Teaching
Political Science -
Dr. Chris Birdsall
Commitment to Service
Public Policy and Administration -
Dr. Jared Talley
Commitment to Research
Environmental Studies -
Britney Whiting-Looze
Commitment to Support
Research Administrator -
Dr. Jeffrey Lyons
Commitment to Leadership
Political Science