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Josh Govan’s road to a degree wasn’t simple. Like many, he struggled with mental health, which caused him to struggle academically, which caused him to lose crucial financial aid. And his difficulties extended beyond the classroom as well.
“My dad went to prison and I had to help my mom. My brother has autism so there was a struggle with that,” Govan said. “I failed two of the classes I needed to graduate. I had to pay out-of-pocket. I couldn’t keep my student job at the library. I had to get a full-time job.”
His full-time job helped him get back on his feet, but it was a call from Advising Coordinator Tate Christensen that completely changed his trajectory. Christensen offered him a Resiliency Scholarship, funding from the College of Arts and Letters designed to help students who left the University when they were close to a degree. This spring, Govan was able to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, and is now hoping to eventually pursue a master’s degree. His brother, inspired by his success, will be starting at ISU in the fall.
“This scholarship helped me get motivated,” Govan said. “I’ve finally got all my ducks in a row so I was able to complete this,” he said. “I think this shows that ISU cares. ISU is willing to help those who struggle.”
Govan’s story is one of many, and part of one of Idaho State University’s core ideals—helping students find their pathway to success, wherever they begin, and whatever their goals are.
In today’s climate, it is vital to provide all students with the tools they need to meet their goals and workforce needs, and ISU President Robert W. Wagner, Ph.D. says institutions like Idaho State University must adapt to the needs of a diverse student population. To meet those needs, the University has kept a strong emphasis on programs like the Resiliency Scholarship, and Bengal Bridge, a program designed to help students ease into the college experience with a summer program, personalized advising and mentoring, and an increased emphasis on important tools like tutoring and mental health counseling.
Supporting our Students
Resiliency Scholarships Help Guide Students to Graduation
Through ISU’s Resiliency Scholarship, students with very different challenges are finally reaching their goals. Their stories are a testament to persistence and the power of support when it matters most.
Bridging the Distance: How a Robot Is Helping Build Connection Across Campuses
A telepresence robot named the “Dean Machine” bridges the gap across land and sea and helps create an experience for pharmacy students where distance doesn’t dilute relationships, and where technology helps build community.
Start Program Successful in Encouraging Students to Pursue College
With the support of the College of Technology’s Successful Transitions and Retention Track program, ISU student Zoe Helms, is crafting a promising path for her college career and beyond.
“Ultimately, the work we do for student success is vital to our core mission [...] to supporting students, making meaningful impacts and serving our communities.”
Robert W. Wagner, Ph.D.
Idaho State University President
“I know the saying ‘be everything to everyone’ usually has a negative connotation, but we need to be that in higher ed,” Wagner said.
One of the tools in Idaho State’s toolbox has been Navigate, a platform where advisors, administrators, faculty, and students can communicate to keep students from falling behind. Through the platform, faculty can inform advisors and administrators when a student is struggling, allowing them to proactively refer them to available resources. Faculty can report student wellness concerns, low test scores, declining student engagement, and more.
The results, through Navigate and a campuswide continued focus on student success, have been evident — more students are choosing to stay at Idaho State University and meet their goals.
By the numbers
217 Students started their higher education journey this spring
New first-time undergrad enrollement is up 2.3%
Overall spring enrollment of 11,058 students
Increase of 2.9%
over spring 2024
In fall of 2024 73.4% of new first-time students earned over a 2.0 GPA in their first semester