Welcome to the Idaho State University College of Arts and Letters Legacy Endowment page. Here we recognize those who have been honored with a legacy endowment in their name. Endowments at ISU are used to fund student scholarships and fellowships, campus programs, and help attract and recruit outstanding students and faculty to the campus community.
Dr. James Aho
Dr. James Aho came to Idaho State to teach sociology in 1969, and became a full professor in 1982. During his time at ISU he taught nearly 240 classes, primarily teaching in the areas of religion, violence, social phenomenology, and the body. He was named an Idaho State University Master Teacher in 2006 and a Distinguished Teacher in 2009.
Dr. Randy Earles
Randy Earles, an emeritus faculty member, former department chair, and associate dean for the College of Arts and Letters, held the position of professor of music during his tenure at Idaho State. Joining the ISU faculty in 1991 until his retirement in the summer of 2019, Earles contributed significantly to the University's musical culture.
Dr. Ronald Hatzenbuehler
Dr. Hatzenbuehler taught early North American history at ISU from 1972 to 2013. He served on advisory boards for the Idaho State University Press, ISU’s magazine Rendezvous, and the Idaho State Historical Society's Idaho Yesterdays. He also served as chair of the history department and as associate dean for the College of Arts and Letters.
Dr. Ann Hunter
Dr. Hunter joined ISU in 1991 as an Assistant Professor of Sociology and quickly became a role model through her dedication to teaching and students. Over her 22-year tenure, she earned numerous honors, including the 1996 Outstanding Researcher of the Year award for her impactful work in child welfare, energy, and health, supported by major grants and contracts.
Dr. William King
Dr. William L. King taught at Idaho State University for 34 years. He earned a master’s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D. from Stanford, where he studied with renowned philosopher Donald Davidson. Arriving at ISU in 1960, he taught humanities and English courses and introduced the first philosophy course ever offered at the university.
Dr. Victor Joe
The Victor C. Joe Scholarship Endowment in Experimental Psychology honors Dr. Joe’s 34 years of full-time teaching and 12 additional years part-time at ISU. Of those full-time years, he served as chair of the Department of Psychology for 25, leaving a lasting impact on students and the field.
Dr. Carl Levenson
Dr. Carl Levenson, a retired philosophy professor, began at ISU in 1981 after earning his Ph.D. in social thought from the University of Chicago. He was named Master Teacher in 1985 and Distinguished Teacher in 1993. Active in local faith communities, he received the Francis Cole Award for promoting interfaith dialogue in 1999.
Dr. Mark McBeth
Dr. McBeth began his career at ISU in 1992 and joined the Department of Political Science in 1995. Throughout his tenure, he has taught courses in political science and public administration, served as department chair, and currently directs the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, shaping future public service leaders.
Dr. Craig Nickisch
Retired ISU professor and veteran Dr. Craig Nickisch was honored with a legacy endowment celebrating his significant impact on language education and the campus community. Nickisch earned multiple Most Influential Professor awards and was recognized as a Master Teacher, Outstanding Researcher, and for Outstanding Service.
Dr. Mark Roberts
During his career, Dr. Mark Roberts was recognized for his teaching, research, and leadership. He received several ISU awards, including Master Teacher in 1987 and Outstanding Researcher in 1989, 1993, and 2004. In 2001, he earned the John Cabareri Award for Excellence from the Idaho Psychological Association.
Dr. Kandi Turley-Ames
Dr. Kandi Turley-Ames has been integral to ISU since earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1990. She joined the Psychology Department in 1997 and has held leadership roles including Chairperson, Interim Assistant Dean, and Associate Vice President. She currently serves as Founding Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Vice Provost for Advanced Opportunities, and Professor of Psychology.
Dr. Scott Anderson
Dr. Anderson’s tenure at ISU is marked by his dedication to music education and choral arts. As conductor of the Chamber and Concert Choir and Camerata Singers, and educator in choral conducting, methods, and voice, his impact has been far-reaching. His work has been showcased locally, nationally, and internationally through concerts and tours.
Tara Young
Tara Young joined ISU in 2002 and has been a key figure in the Department of Theatre and Dance. In honor of her 20+ years of mentorship, leadership, and artistic excellence, ISU established the Tara Young Faculty Legacy Theatre Fund, the first faculty endowment in the department, recognizing her lasting impact through teaching, costume design, and dedication to the arts.