The University House, once known as the Servel House, is evolving as a symbol of Idaho State University’s reinvigoration. The stately home built on 7th Avenue in 1917 has a rich history beginning long before becoming an icon of the University. The home housed the Servel family, was a group home for young women, and was owned by several other families before becoming the official home for ISU presidents 70 years ago. While the notable glazed white brick exterior has remained timeless for more than 100 years, the interior has morphed along with the home’s purpose.
The University House is now a true symbol of resilience, and Tracy and I are proud stewards of its contributions to our community. Its recent revival mirrors the excitement and innovative momentum found at ISU. Let me share a few examples of Idaho State University’s ever-expanding and roaring vitality.
TRANSFORMING OUR ENROLLMENT
ISU is steadily advancing on the path of growing enrollment. ISU’s total enrollment grew to 13,078 students after Fall 2024 enrollment increased 3.5 percent compared to Fall 2023. Undergraduate enrollment is the highest since Fall 2016, increasing by 4.1 percent. And, we are serving more effectively with the opening of the Bengal Success Center, where comprehensive student and faculty support exemplifies the University’s commitment to the success of our institutional community.
TRANSFORMING OUR CAMPUSES
ISU is embarking on a new era of intentional campus planning. Recognizing significant physical infrastructure needs on our Pocatello, Idaho Falls, and Meridian campuses, a new comprehensive Campus Master Plan will serve as a guide for the University. Recently completed projects include the swimming pool in Reed Gym and the Leonard Hall renovation. ISU’s near future will include a groundbreaking for a new space for the physician assistant program along with planning to improve: campus housing, expand/improve all three campuses, including a greater presence in Twin Falls, and construct a new life sciences building in the center of the Pocatello campus. These investments will be mission-driven with fiscal responsibility and an eye on strategic importance and impact.
TRANSFORMING PARTNERSHIPS
Tracy and I have had the pleasure of welcoming many external partners and friends of ISU to the University House over the last year. Along with strengthening our friendships, much effort is being invested into building lasting partnerships with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, sister institutions in Idaho and surrounding states, and local and statewide industry leaders. This year, we signed seven new agreements with external partners and the list continues to grow.
TRANSFORMING THROUGH RESEARCH, CLINICAL, AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES
We assertively affirm our commitment to research and scholarly endeavors and celebrate ISU’s national designation as an R2 institution, thereby solidifying our contributions among hundreds of institutions. We launched a new initiative highlighting ISU’s impactful teaching and research honoring the impressive accomplishments of our exceptional faculty. And, ISU’s creative works continue to enrich our community in countless ways.
TRANSFORMING THE BENGAL COMMUNITY
We are fiercely dedicated to protecting ISU’s greatest asset - the people who make our Bengal Nation strong. Last year, ISU launched the Bold Path Forward tour to build meaningful connections among faculty and staff at all campus locations. We also visited alumni in Boise, D.C., Denver, Phoenix, Coeur d’Alene, and several other cities across the U.S. We’ll be on the road again this fall and we hope you’ll join us!
Just as Tracy and I would welcome you to the University House, we invite you to browse this edition of the ISU Magazine to see ISU’s continuing transformation. As you read, you’ll see that the story of ISU begins and ends with amazing people doing extraordinary things. I’m proud to join fellow Bengals in propelling ISU forward!
Go Bengals!