Idaho State University names finalists in search for new president

Idaho State University has named five finalists, including two from Idaho, in its search for a new president.

The finalists were selected from a list of 10 semifinalists that were interviewed the week of Feb. 5 by a search committee at the Pocatello university, university officials said. ISU President Arthur Vailas announced in August that he planned to retire June 17 after 10 years at the university.

The finalists are:

·       Ricardo Azziz, MD – Chief officer academic health and hospital affairs, The State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration

·       Robert Marley, PhD – Provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, Missouri University of Science and Technology

·       Kevin Satterlee, JD – Chief operating officer, vice president and special counsel, Boise State University

·       Charles “Chuck” Wight, PhD – President, Weber State University in Ogden, Utah

·       Laura Woodworth-Ney, PhD – Executive Vice President and Provost, Idaho State University

The candidates will visit Idaho State University between February 18 and March 5, university officials said. They will meet with students, faculty and staff and attend a public reception for community members.

ISU is a public university with enrollment of more than 15,000. The state Board of Education, which governs all of Idaho’s public universities, is also searching for a president for Boise State University, the largest university in the state system. Boise State President Bob Kustra announced in November that he would retire June 30.

Lewis Clark State College in Lewiston is also searching for a president after President J. Anthony Fernandez announced in August he would step down after this academic year after eight years of leadership.