On Thursday, outgoing Boise State University President Marlene Tromp reflected on milestones — and challenges — during her six years at the state’s largest university.

Tromp, who is taking the president’s job at the University of Vermont, described her time at Boise State as “an inspiring, complex, challenging and joyful journey.” And in a farewell email Thursday, Tromp thanked Boise State students and staff.

“Together, we have set records all across this campus, and I am confident that there are so many new achievements on the horizon for Boise State,” Tromp wrote.

Tromp’s email didn’t elaborate on Boise State’s recent milestones: fall student headcount of 27,198, up 4% from 2019; improved graduation rates; a growing research portfolio; and a record $61.3 million in fundraising in 2023-24. The email also made no mention of the political turbulence that also marked Tromp’s time presiding over a university in Idaho’s capital city.

Tromp’s farewell message — and her departure from Boise State — coincides with commencement. Saturday, commencement day, will be Tromp’s final day at Boise State.

“Commencement is my favorite time of year,” Tromp wrote. “Since arriving at Boise State, I’ve had the honor of awarding more than 36,000 degrees to 30,000 happy graduates. What a privilege to change people’s lives, so they can bring their talents to the world! What an incredible mission.”

Boise State will award 4,025 degrees Saturday, to 3,229 students.

Jeremiah Shinn, Boise State’s vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, will step in as interim president starting Sunday. Shinn is not seeking the job on a permanent basis, and will serve as president while the State Board of Education searches for a successor.

On Tuesday, the State Board announced that it is accepting applications, and said an international firm will help in the search. Russell Reynolds Associates will recruit candidates and work with the State Board’s presidential search committee. The search firm “has extensive experience in business and education sectors, working both with public and private higher education institutions,” the State Board said in a news release Tuesday.

The search committee will send a list of finalists to the State Board, which will conduct interviews and hire the next president.