The Idaho State Board of Education took its first public step toward replacing University of Idaho President C. Scott Green by appointing a nine‑member search committee on Friday. Green, who announced his retirement on Sept. 9, will remain at the university until June 30, giving the board time to conduct a thorough, closed‑door search.
Committee leadership and members
State Board members Shawn Keough of Sandpoint and Pete Koehler of Caldwell will lead the effort, serving as chair and vice‑chair respectively. Koehler is an alumnus of the University of Idaho, adding a personal connection to the process. The full roster includes eight additional community leaders and Vandals who have agreed to serve, a fact highlighted by State Board President Kurt Liebich in a news release.
“We are grateful to these Vandals and community leaders for agreeing to serve,” Liebich said. “President Green has put the university in a strong position, and we are committed to a thorough search that finds a leader who can build on that momentum.”
Search timeline and new state law
While the exact timetable remains flexible, the board hopes to have a new president in place by spring, before Green steps down. A new Idaho law passed this year reshapes the presidential search process, making it largely a closed‑door procedure. After private meetings and interviews, the committee will present a single finalist’s name to the State Board. If the board approves the recommendation, it can publicly announce the finalist and finalize the hire within ten business days.
The law also dictates the composition of search committees, requiring at least eight members. With nine members, the University of Idaho’s committee exceeds the minimum, ensuring a broader range of perspectives while still complying with the statutory framework.
Implications for the university and community
University of Idaho stakeholders see this as an opportunity to continue the institution’s recent progress. President Green’s tenure has been praised for strengthening academic programs and fostering community partnerships. The upcoming search aims to find a leader who will sustain that growth, support the university’s research mission, and uphold the values of the Idaho community.
Local businesses, alumni, and civic groups are expected to watch the process closely, as the university plays a significant role in the state’s economy and cultural life. The closed‑door nature of the search has drawn some criticism for limiting public input, but supporters argue it allows for a focused, efficient selection of a qualified candidate.
Next steps
The committee will begin private deliberations and interviews in the coming weeks. As the process unfolds, the State Board of Education will provide updates, and the university community will await the announcement of the sole finalist, which could come as early as the spring semester.
Original reporting: Idaho Education News — read the source article.
