Dr. Wagner shared his vision for "Creating Access and Impact Through Opportunity and Collaboration," emphasizing the importance of partnerships, adaptability, and innovation in higher education.
He highlighted ISU's commitment to serving diverse student populations, fostering community impact, and addressing workforce needs through strategic initiatives like enrollment growth, academic excellence, and health science leadership. Dr. Wagner also celebrated ISU's recent achievements, including a 5.3% enrollment increase, improved retention rates, and expanded partnerships across the state.
Key Highlights:
•Vision for Higher Education: Emphasized the importance ofcollaboration, adaptability, and innovation to create access and impact.
•ISU's Strategic Focus Areas:
Enrollment growth and student success.
Academic and research excellence.Enhancing physical infrastructure.
Building external partnerships.
Investing in people and leadership development.
•Recent Achievements:
5.3% enrollment increase—the largest incoming class since2011.
Improved retention rates, reaching a record 74%.
Expanded partnerships with institutions like INL, CEI, andICOM.
•Health Science Leadership: Reinforced ISU's role as Idaho'sleader in health sciences with 50+ programs and statewide clinics.
•Nuclear Workforce Development: Highlighted ISU's uniquenuclear-related programs, from associate degrees to Ph.D.'s, preparing Idaho for future workforce needs.
•Commitment to Nontraditional Students: Advocated forflexible pathways like certificates, stackable credentials, and streamlined 90-credit BAS degrees.
•Focus on Community Impact: Stressed accountability,transparency, and the importance of demonstrating value to taxpayers and the state.
Listen to the full speech on Spotify to hear Dr. Wagner'sinspiring vision for Idaho State University and its role in shaping Idaho's future!