This article was first published in the Idaho Capital Sun

I continue to be inspired by a special kind of optimism in Idaho. You see it in young families building lives close to home. You hear it in conversations with business owners, farmers, healthcare workers, tradespeople and entrepreneurs who believe the future can be better than the past. We love this state, with all of its grit, passion and deeply ingrained sense of responsibility to do more to address an ever-changing landscape.

Idaho is growing because Idahoans believe in hard work, personal responsibility, strong communities and opportunity. That belief leads to an important principle: Idaho’s future will depend on whether we are willing to invest in and prepare the next generation to build, treat, teach, innovate and lead.

For 125 years, as Idaho’s state university, ISU has served the people of Idaho. We were founded to meet practical needs, expand opportunity and help Idahoans build better lives. The institution has always been what Idaho needs it to be, an academy, an institute, a college and a university. All the while, our mission has never changed, but our impact has grown.

That’s why, in our 125th year, we launched ISU’s Contract for Idaho. It’s our public commitment to the people of our state, and with hard work and commitment, we are building the future of Idaho together.

We will train Idaho’s workforce

Idaho employers depend on skilled workers, problem-solvers, innovators and leaders. ISU will continue preparing students for a wide variety of high-demand careers that strengthen Idaho’s economy and keep expertise and talent in our state.

We will keep education accessible and affordable

No Idahoan should have to choose between pursuing an education and staying connected to the people and communities they love. ISU is creating pathways that allow every Idahoan to learn and advance right here, close to family, community and opportunity while pursuing their education. Whether they start at ISU or they begin their education journey somewhere else, they can come to ISU to complete a well-valued certificate or degree.

We will expand health care across Idaho

Too many Idahoans struggle to find the providers they need.  As Idaho’s Health Sciences University, ISU is addressing the challenge by training more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, mental health professionals and other health care professionals who will serve communities across our state.

We will strengthen rural Idaho

Rural Idaho is vital to who we are as a state. Small towns should not be forced to fall behind in education, health care access or workforce opportunity simply because of geography. ISU will expand outreach, partnerships, telehealth, workforce programs and educational access that supports rural communities and helps them thrive.

We will power Idaho’s energy future

Idaho has a responsibility to help lead the next generation of American energy innovation. As Idaho’s Nuclear University, ISU is uniquely positioned to support workforce training, research and partnerships tied to nuclear energy, national security, advanced manufacturing and critical material technologies that matter to Idaho and the nation. The jobs of the future are being developed from research in Idaho and through our curriculum to train this essential workforce.

We will partner, not duplicate

Idaho succeeds when its institutions work together. ISU will continue to collaborate with community colleges, employers and fellow universities to create seamless pathways for students and avoid unnecessary duplication and bureaucracy. Our focus is outcomes, and we will partner to capitalize on the strengths of institutions and industry.  When we partner, Idaho wins.

We will support students for success

College should meet the needs of every student. Whether it’s a high school student taking dual enrollment courses, a young adult exploring their future through education, or an adult-learner looking to upskill and transform their lives, we guide every Bengal through their educational journey and into a thriving career or wherever their post-graduation goals take them. When students succeed, Idaho succeeds.

We will strengthen Idaho’s economy

A strong economy starts with skilled people. Programs at ISU align with Idaho’s workforce needs and help to grow industries that create prosperity in our communities across the state. Through dedicated research and academic programming, we can direct the future of the economy, including energy, health care, advanced manufacturing, robotics and cybersecurity.  Additionally, ISU contributes to the state’s economy through creative arts and athletic events that enrich and entertain those in our communities.

We will remain accountable and transparent

We have a responsibility to the taxpayers and families who place their trust in us. We’ll measure progress, publish outcomes and demonstrate the value Idaho receives from its investment in higher education.

We will lead with integrity and service

Public institutions should reflect the values of the people they serve. We’ll continue leading with accountability, civility and a spirit of service. We’ll do what’s right, even when it’s difficult, and remain focused on our mission to serve Idaho and its people.

These commitments are ambitious because Idaho’s future is worth being ambitious about. Idaho succeeds because its people step forward, work together and build things that last. That spirit of Idaho abounds from Boundary County to Bear Lake to the Pocatello, Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls campuses of Idaho State University. As we begin our next 125 years, we remain committed to standing alongside the people of Idaho as we build a stronger future together. Let’s roar together, Idaho.

Idaho Capital Sun is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@idahocapitalsun.com.