The State Board of Education filled a longstanding vacancy, bringing in a Boise State University administrator to head career-technical education.
Peter Risse was named Idaho Division of Career Technical Education administrator Wednesday. The division oversees CTE programs at high schools, colleges and universities, and works on developing industry partnerships to expand job-training programs.
“Idaho’s continued success depends on a workforce that is ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow,” Risse said in a State Board news release. “Career technical education equips our students with the hands-on skills and experiences they need to succeed, and I am eager to work alongside our industry and education partners to strengthen that pipeline.”
Most recently, Risse has worked in the Boise State president’s office, serving as director for government and industry relations. He previously served as associate dean at Boise State’s Division of Extended Studies.
Before arriving at Boise State, Risse worked for the University of Alaska, serving as director of the university’s Chugiak-Eagle River Campus. As an assistant professor of technology education for the university, Risse led community and technical training programs in fisheries, marine safety, oil and gas and adult basic education.
“Peter’s experience building partnerships between education, government and industry makes him uniquely suited to lead Idaho’s Career Technical Education division,” State Board Executive Director Jennifer White said in a news release.
Risse’s hire, subject to formal board approval in October, fills a State Board post that has been vacant for nearly a year. Clay Long stepped down as administrator in November. Since then, White and previous State Board executive director Joshua Whitworth had held the CTE job on an interim basis.
Risse’s departure also means Boise State’s presence at the Statehouse will change for the 2026 legislative session.
Risse and White both lobbied on Boise State’s behalf last session. White left Boise State in April for the head position at the State Board.
