Boise State University’s stakeholders want many of the same things in a new president.

They want someone who can handle the complicated politics of the job — the quagmire that defined Marlene Tromp’s six years at the helm. But they don’t want someone to tear the place apart; instead, they say the next president should build on Tromp’s successes heading the state’s largest university.

The president’s search is going on largely behind the scenes — with an undisclosed number of applicants privately kicking the tires, and a State Board of Education search committee doing its work under the veil of nondisclosure agreements. But now we know what the search committee has heard from faculty, students, alumni and administrators.

Through a public records request, Idaho Education News obtained the five subcommittee reports that went to the search committee earlier this spring. Here’s what the stakeholders had to say:

Students

Through a feedback form, distributed through student clubs and groups, student leaders heard a recurring theme from campus.

“Rather than seeking dramatic change, many students articulated their hope that the next president will embrace the current trajectory of the university and continue building upon it. ‘What we are doing now is great, but we can do better.’”

Students said they recognized the need for the president to build relationships with lawmakers — but with care. “Political navigation should not come at the expense of student interests, and students hope for a leader who can bridge that gap effectively.”

Students also listed some specific needs. They want an emphasis on financial aid, and more transparency about the aid students can expect their final two years on campus. They want the university to break down stigmas about student mental health. And they want their next president to be a fixture at Bronco games and campus events.

But showing up isn’t enough. “Visibility is important, but so is authenticity. The next president must be someone students trust.”

Administration and staff

“R1” research status is a big piece of unfinished business from Tromp’s tenure. Administrators and staff want the next president to help Boise State secure the Carnegie Foundation’s highest research ranking, which could open a new range of grant possibilities. (And keep Boise State on pace with the University of Idaho, which achieved R1 status in February.)

“Participants overwhelmingly stressed the importance of maintaining the university’s momentum toward R1 status, while prioritizing student access, academic freedom, and fiscal responsibility,” the subcommittee report said.

There’s considerable common ground between the students and administrators. The administration and staff want a president who will build on Boise State’s strengths, “rather than attempt to overhaul the institution.” Administration and staff also say Boise State needs a president who can navigate choppy political waters.

The final, blunt bullet point in this report stresses the “importance of managing fear and change.” Administration and staff say the next president needs to acknowledge “campus anxiety due to political shifts and leadership transitions.”

Faculty

At 63 pages, including 32 pages of survey responses, faculty turned in by far the wordiest of the subcommittee reports (the others were no more than nine pages). Read into that what you will.

The faculty report is also long on strong opinions.

Faculty members generally said they want one of their own: a president with an academic background as opposed to an administrative background. And not a political hire: One faculty member “expressed a concern that the university might ‘get DOGE-ed.’”

Like the students, faculty members recognized the need to build relationships with lawmakers and the State Board of Education, without compromising Boise State’s principles. But faculty said burnout and turnover is taking its toll, and one commenter had no qualms about assigning blame. “State government is creating a hostile work environment that makes it hard to stay motivated and engaged.”

The faculty report hints at tension with administrative staff. “Senior leaders do not support faculty,” one faculty member wrote. Faculty members also urged the next president to add instructional positions and increase faculty pay, scaling back non-instructional staff.

Faculty also disagreed with other stakeholders, somewhat, on R1. Some faculty members support pursuing R1 status. But the report also suggested the R1 push could be “misaligned,” coming at the expense of undergraduate programs.

And faculty members said they are worried about a rushed and politically driven search — especially during the summer, when many instructors aren’t under contract. (The State Board has said it has no firm timetable to make a hire.) “Faculty want to trust the process but are struggling to do so.”

Alumni

Without saying it in so many words, this report suggests the next president shouldn’t just view Boise State alums as an ATM.

“Alumni want to be recognized not only as supporters but as strategic partners in advancing the university’s mission,” the alumni subcommittee said.

But Bronco grads also worked up a fairly standard wish list:

• They want the next president to stay the course, “especially around student-centered success and inclusive leadership.”
• They want a politically savvy president who can advocate for Boise State “without alienating legislators, donors or partners.”
• They list R1 status as a top priority, saying it would help in fundraising and staff recruitment, “and make alumni degrees more valuable.”

Foundation and athletics

Maintaining momentum — on the field and on the courts, and in the fundraising arena — was a recurring theme.

This subcommittee noted the early success of Boise State’s unprecedented $500 million Unbridled fundraising campaign. The next president needs to send a message to the entire Boise State community: “Fundraising is seen as mission-critical and value-aligned to the university, not a necessary burden.”

As Boise State heads into a new athletic conference — and as all colleges and universities move closer to paying student-athletes — the next five years will be critical for the university’s national brand. And this subcommittee, co-chaired by Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey, is urging the president to take a bit of a hands-off approach.

“We need a leader who will trust and empower the athletics department, relying on our expertise to make decisions, create additional assets and opportunities to monetize our operation, and engage with the business community, alumni and donors.”

Where it goes from here

The subcommittees won’t choose the next president. Nor will the eight-member search committee that received the subcommittee reports. The search committee will name a list of finalists. The State Board will then conduct final interviews and pick a new president.

As the search committee wades through the applications and resumes, it’s now more apparent what the Boise State community wants. Taken as a whole, the subcommittee reports deliver a clear checklist.

Kevin Richert writes a weekly analysis on education policy and education politics. Look for his stories each Thursday.