JANUARY 2019
Dear Friend,
I spent much of my time over the last two weeks with the Legislature in Boise. I was excited to hear how much of a buzz we are creating in the Capitol. As I visited with state leaders, they often pointed out how much they are hearing about the good things we have going on at Idaho State University. Our visits were productive, and I promised them that they would be hearing and seeing more such news in the future.

Which leads me to another rule of leadership that I would like to share with you. Leaders have an unshakable belief that things can get better. This concept is so fundamental to the work we do here at Idaho State University. Fortunately, I have been so impressed as I have met with faculty, staff, students and Bengals far and wide that there is a shared hope for future of ISU. But this concept goes beyond hope for the future, it is a belief that we can actually make things get better. We have so much working for us, and it is these strengths that we will leverage to continue to make things better.

When we are faced, sometimes daily, with an internal struggle between negativity and positivity, or between dwelling on what is wrong and broken or a belief in what is right and good, which mindset wins that struggle? The answer: the one that wins is whichever mindset you choose to feed. To achieve this future, we must believe that things can and will get better and refuse to be overcome by challenges or negativity. Whether it be the enrollment challenges we are facing, budget challenges, or whatever other experience you are faced with everyday, we must be steadfast in our resolve that we can make things better. And remember, it is the one you choose to feed. Each day you have a choice. At Idaho State University, we choose to make things better for our campus. We choose to make things better for our community. And most important, we choose to make things better in the lives of our students.

Initiatives and Campus Updates:
  • Last week, Idaho Governor Brad Little proclaimed January 15 Idaho State University Day in Idaho to celebrate our University’s positive and enduring impact on the Gem State. Governor Little applauded our commitment to advancing knowledge, promoting community service, fostering innovation, and shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
  • On Monday, January 21, I was privileged to attend the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, which included a march and a rally. I would like to commend the students, staff, and faculty who helped make this event happen. It was a poignant reminder that we all must strive to ensure our community is safe, equitable, and fosters a truly inclusive environment.

  • You may have seen recent news coverage about two of our faculty from the Department of Biological Sciences, Ernest Keeley and Janet Loxterman, whose research has identified some of the last remaining native, genetically pure populations of Cutthroat Trout in areas around Pocatello.

Roar, Bengals, Roar!

––Kevin
Kevin Satterlee became Idaho State University’s 13th president in June 2018. Kevin is a native Idahoan from Priest River. He has served Idaho’s higher education system for more than 20 years. Kevin has a passion for watching students transform their lives through their educational experiences. His favorite day of work for the last 20 years has always been the first day of school. Watching students begin a new year, with fresh hopes and the excitement of new opportunities, has never ceased to move and motivate Kevin.

Idaho State University   is a Carnegie-classified doctoral research and teaching institution, and was founded 1901. ISU attracts more than 12,500 students to its main campus in Pocatello, and at locations in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls. ISU is the state's designated lead institution in health professions, and offers more than 250 programs ranging from career and technical education to professional degrees.
Send comments, feedback and questions to president@isu.edu .
An archive of President Satterlee's monthly letters is available online.