The University of Idaho is an important economic engine for the state. Vandals have an impact wherever they operate. Our graduates command the highest starting salaries because they are prepared to immediately contribute and add value to the Gem State economy. And, the U of Iâs research activities drive investments that help agriculture, industry and Idahoâs communities thrive. I delivered that message this week to state lawmakers, highlighting the successes weâve had as a university in addressing our budget situation while fulfilling our research mission and providing access to the in-person education students need to be successful. Idahoâs higher education leaders also appealed to the Legislature as a group. In addition to University of Idaho administrators, State Board of Education President Debbie Critchfield and the presidents of Boise State University, Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College made a collective pitch for the impact a college education can have on our young people and our communities. Iâve said it before: A college education makes us all healthier, wealthier and wiser. The University of Idaho has stayed true to that mission â weâve provided a well-rounded education to Idahoâs graduates for 132 years. Our students â 72% who are from Idaho â work hard, think for themselves and engage with their communities. Gov. Brad Littleâs budget will allow us to continue that investment while providing a return to the sectors that rely on our support. Thatâs why the U of I has joined with the stateâs other public universities to freeze in-state tuition for the second year in a row. While weâre already ranked the Best Value of any public university in the West, we recognize finances can still be an issue and want to ensure all of the stateâs hard-working young adults have the opportunity to elevate themselves through a college education. Also in the governorâs budget is $3 million to create the Idaho Center for Plant and Soil Health at Parma. That funding is being matched with $3 million in private donations from eight different commodity groups to further benefit monitoring of airborne plant pathogens and responses to nematode infestations so farmers can react before damage is done to their crops. In addition, state money for industry-requested greenhouses will expand tree seedling production at the Pitkin Forest Nursery and bring a portion of that production back to Idaho from Canada. These projects will allow U of I to further align our research enterprise with the needs of industry, government partners and our sister institutions. As good stewards of taxpayer and tuition dollars, weâve done the hard work to right-size our budget over the past year, emerging stronger and leaner in the process. It will help us as we continue to educate Idahoâs future leaders, strengthen our research and support residents in each of the stateâs counties. Thatâs our mission, a mission weâve taken to heart for 132 years. We are a university on the rise, and we look forward to helping the Gem State thrive for the next 132. |