Welcoming Two Distinguished Alumni to College of Arts and Letters Dean’s Advisory Board

The College of Arts and Letters at Idaho State University (ISU) is proud to welcome two accomplished alumni, Tom Neel (’87, English-Philosophy, French minor) and Stan Bissey (’87, Political Science), as the newest members of the Dean’s Advisory Board.

Both bring decades of leadership experience, professional expertise, and deep personal connections to ISU that will help strengthen the college’s mission and student opportunities.

Tom Neel
A fifth-generation Idahoan, Neel earned his bachelor’s degree in English with minors in Philosophy and French at ISU before completing a Master of Arts in Comparative Literature at the University of South Carolina. He went on to serve more than three decades in U.S. national security working in intelligence, counterintelligence, cybersecurity, electronic warfare, aerospace systems, and emerging technologies. His distinguished career included roles as a briefer to the U.S. Vice President and Secretary of Defense, combined with multiple overseas deployments to Afghanistan, other Middle Eastern countries, Europe, and the Far East.  

Beyond his professional service, Neel has been a steadfast supporter of ISU programs. He established the Levenson Scholarship in Philosophy in honor of Professor Emeritus Carl Levenson and the Dolsen Visiting Writer Event Endowment in recognition of Professor Arthur Dolsen, ensuring future generations of students benefit from the same transformative experiences he had.

“Tom’s unwavering commitment to supporting the programs and people who shaped his life at ISU reflects his vision for creating new opportunities for the next generation,” said Dean Kandi Turley Ames.

Neel, who lives on his farm in Amissville, Virginia, continues to consult in his field while enjoying his love of literature, equestrian activities, ranching traditions, and his enduring ties to ISU.

Stan Bissey
Bissey graduated in 1987 with his BA in political science. While at ISU his involvement in the political science honor fraternity Pi Sigma Alpha, Student Government, the International Affairs Council and the Frank Church Symposium helped lay the foundation for a career dedicated to leadership and public service.

Today, Bissey serves as the Executive Director and CEO of the Los Angeles County Bar Association (LACBA), one of the nation’s largest voluntary metropolitan bar associations with more than 16,000 members. He previously led the California Judges Association and California Judges Foundation for 14 years. With more than 25 years of leadership in legal associations and policy advocacy, Bissey has earned a reputation for transforming ideas into action and strengthening opportunities for legal professionals nationwide. He has also championed diversity and inclusion, serving as past chair of ASAE’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

“Stan’s career is a testament to how ISU experiences can inspire leadership and create opportunities that reach far beyond campus,” Dean Turley-Ames said. “His insight and expertise will be invaluable as we work to strengthen programs and student experiences in the College of Arts and Letters.”

Reflecting on his appointment, Bissey shared: “I’m excited for the opportunity to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Board for my alma mater, Idaho State University. Higher education had such a positive impact on my personal and professional life, and I look forward to giving back. Go Bengals!”

With the addition of Neel and Bissey, the Dean’s Advisory Board gains two distinguished leaders whose careers embody the values of Idaho State: service, intellectual engagement, and commitment to community. Their expertise will help guide the College of Arts and Letters as it continues to expand opportunities for students and foster transformative educational experiences.