Boise State University President David Hahn has reorganized the university’s senior leadership team by establishing a new top‑level post and filling it with a trusted former colleague. In an email to faculty, staff and students, Hahn explained that the role was created by repurposing a vacant leadership position to better align communications, external engagement and government relations across the campus.
New role aims to strengthen university mission
“The purpose of this role is to strengthen alignment across communications, external engagement and government relations so our colleges, divisions and administrative units are best positioned to advance their work and the university’s mission,” Hahn wrote. The position, titled chief public and external affairs officer, will serve as a central hub for messaging and liaison work with state and local officials, donors and community partners.
Mitch Zak brings three decades of experience
The inaugural chief public and external affairs officer is Mitch Zak, who most recently served as the primary spokesman for the University of Arizona. Hahn and Zak share a professional history; Hahn was dean of the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering before being hired as Boise State’s president on July 1. “Having worked with Mitch previously, I know firsthand his thoughtful, collaborative, servant‑leadership style, as well as his ability to build trusted relationships across complex organizations,” Hahn said.
According to Zak’s biography on the University of Arizona website, he has more than 30 years of experience in the public and private sectors and nonprofit arena. He has counseled two governors, numerous chief executives and helped shape engagement programs for a wide range of organizations.
Start date and compensation
Zak’s first day at Boise State is scheduled for Sept. 2. The university has not disclosed the salary for the newly created position, and a Boise State spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Implications for the campus community
University officials say the addition of a dedicated chief public and external affairs officer will provide clearer, more coordinated communication with students, faculty, alumni and the broader Idaho community. By centralizing these functions, Boise State hopes to enhance its ability to advocate for the institution’s interests at the state capitol and in regional partnerships.
The move reflects a broader trend among higher‑education institutions to consolidate outreach and government‑relations functions under a single senior leader, a strategy intended to improve efficiency and amplify the university’s voice on policy matters that affect funding, research opportunities and student services.
Boise State’s Board of Trustees has not yet released a formal statement on the appointment, but the university’s leadership team indicated that the new role will report directly to President Hahn and work closely with the provost and chief financial officer.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
