Boise, Idaho – David Hahn officially assumed the presidency of Boise State University Thursday afternoon, using his investiture ceremony to unveil a bold vision for the campus and the broader community. Speaking to faculty, staff, students and state leaders, Hahn emphasized a “one Boise State” mindset that ties academic excellence to Idaho’s future.
Five Strategic Priorities
Hahn laid out five core goals for his tenure:
- Student success – ensuring every student has the support needed to graduate and thrive.
- Workforce preparation – expanding hands‑on learning, internships and partnerships with Idaho employers from high‑tech to healthcare.
- University research – pursuing R1 status in the Carnegie Classification to attract more research funding and apply discoveries to “power and protect” Idaho.
- Philanthropy – building on the recent $500 million Unbridled campaign by setting a new $700 million target focused on student opportunities, research initiatives and endowed dean positions.
- Athletics – reinforcing sports as a central part of campus life, even as the athletics department operates with an $18 million deficit approved by the State Board of Education.
“We can do that, together,” Hahn said, urging the university community to rally around the fundraising effort, which has already raised $565 million toward the $500 million goal reached in 2025.
Research and Economic Impact
Hahn, who previously served as dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, reiterated his commitment to elevating Boise State’s research profile. Achieving R1 status would position the university to secure additional federal and private research dollars, creating jobs and fostering innovation that benefits Idaho’s economy.
Strengthening Ties with Idaho Business
In line with his workforce preparation priority, Hahn highlighted the need for deeper collaboration with local businesses. He called for expanded internship programs and curriculum alignment that equips graduates with the skills Idaho employers need, from advanced manufacturing to health‑care services.
Athletics as a Community Pillar
Despite the athletics department’s recent budget shortfall, Hahn defended the importance of sports, describing them as essential to the university’s mission and community identity. He pledged to develop Boise State into one of the nation’s premier athletic programs, emphasizing that the university will not “sit on the sidelines” while others shape its future.
Student Spotlight
The ceremony featured Ramiro Mendoza, a junior marketing major and first‑generation student from Homedale. Mendoza shared his journey from uncertainty about college to becoming a peer mentor, saying, “I’m standing here as proof of what happens when opportunity meets community.” Hahn praised Mendoza’s story as a reminder of why the university exists.
Community Reception
University leaders and faculty expressed strong support for Hahn’s agenda. Football coach Spencer Danielson, who made an unannounced appearance, said he was “fired up that President Hahn is our president.” Faculty Senate president Amy Ulappa called Hahn “exactly the kind of president the faculty wanted,” while Health Sciences dean Joelle Powers noted the campus had been “waiting for you for a long time.”
Hahn’s investiture, steeped in Boise State tradition with performances by the university choral ensemble and the Blue Thunder Marching Band, marked the culmination of a 16‑month search that ended when the State Board of Education appointed him on July 1. The new president’s first public address set a clear, optimistic tone for the university’s next chapter.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
