Idaho State University

Idaho State University (ISU) is a public university operated by the State of Idaho. Its main campus is in Pocatello with outreach programs in Idaho Falls, Boise and Twin Falls.

Enrollment for fall semester 2003 was 13,802 students, including 10,552 undergraduates. ISU enrolls a large number of older, non-traditional students who live and work off-campus.

Notable programs at ISU include liberal arts, business and health care. Its College of Pharmacy is regarded as one of the best in the western United States.

History

On March 11, 1901, Governor Frank W. Hunt signed Senate Bill 53 establishing the Academy of Idaho contingent upon private land donations being made for its site. By 1910 enrollment had reached nearly 300 students. The academy purchased three city blocks in Pocatello to help meet its needs.

In 1915 it became Idaho Technical Institute. The end of World War I brought an influx of students to the school; enrollment surged to over 1,000 students. The early 1920s saw the beginning of intercollegiate competition; at this time the Bengal was adopted as the school mascot.

In 1927 the school was renamed the University of Idaho - Southern Branch. Twenty years later it was renamed Idaho State College and became a four-year school for the first time. The following year, in 1948, enrollment reached 2,000.

In 1963, the school was renamed for a fourth time to Idaho State University, reflecting its new status as a full four-year public university. In the ensuing years ISU continuously expanded in both enrollment and programs offered. The presidency of Dr. Richard L. Bowen from 1985 to 2005 is regarded as an era of particular growth. As of 2006 ISU had colleges in arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, health professions, pharmacy and technology.

On July 1, 2006 former University of Houston vice chancellor Dr. Arthur C. Vailas became university president. Vailas replaced Michael Gallagher, who had served as president on an interim basis since Bowen's 2005 retirement ^*.

Student life

Given its large non-traditional and off-campus enrollment, ISU doesn't feature some on-campus activities one might expect at larger public universities. For example, ISU hasn't had a significant Greek fraternity and sorority presence since the late 1960s. However, this doesn't mean the campus is lacking in student activities.

Reed Gym is full of recreational facilities for students to use, including a climbing wall, swimming pool, tennis courts and more. The Pond Student Union operates a movie theater, billiard room and bowling alley and hosts many student club activities. Fine arts events are regularly featured at the L.E. & Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center.

Student government is administered by the Associated Students of Idaho State University (ASISU). Each year a president, vice president and student senate are elected by the student body to oversee a variety of activities either partially or fully funded by tuition-based fees.

Off-campus, many Pocatello businesses are geared towards the university community. Many ISU students take advantage of Pocatello's proximity to outdoor activities in eastern Idaho and northern Utah. ISU is approximately 150 miles from the urban center of Salt Lake City.

Athletics

The Idaho State University Bengals compete in the NCAA Division I (I-AA for football) Big Sky Conference. ISU won the NCAA Division I-AA national championship in football in 1981. It also won NCAA national championships in boxing as Idaho State College in 1953 and 1957. In more recent years ISU has been competitive in track and field.

Home football games are played at the 12,000-seat Holt Arena, the oldest domed stadium on a college campus in the United States. Holt Arena also hosts indoor track and field events. Home basketball games are played at either Holt Arena or Reed Gym.

In past years the Bengals enjoyed athletic rivalries with the Boise State University Broncos and the University of Idaho Vandals. However, these rivalries diminished somewhat after both Boise State and Idaho left the Big Sky Conference in the 1990s. By 2000 the Weber State University Wildcats were considered ISU's main rival.

Notable alumni

Stacy Dragila — 2000 Olympic gold medalist, women's pole vault
Merril Hoge — ESPN commentator and former Pittsburgh Steelers running back
Marvin Lewis — Cincinnati Bengals head coach
James A. McClure — former U.S. Senator
William Petersen — actor, star of Crime Scene Investigation
Jake Putnam — journalist
Antonio Taguba — U.S. Army general
Roger Williams — pianist