Powerlist – Jerry Alan Fails – Boise State University

Dr. Jerry Alan Fails, recently appointed chair and professor of the Computer Science Department at Boise State University, is at the forefront of STEM education in Idaho. With a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland and nearly a decade of experience at Boise State, Fails brings a wealth of expertise to his new role.

As department chair, Fails is focused on fostering innovation and collaboration while bridging gaps between academia and industry. His vision aligns closely with Boise State’s new School of Computing, aiming to synchronize computing expertise across the university and serve as a valuable resource for the broader community.

Under Fails’ leadership, the department has grown to become the largest in the College of Engineering, boasting more than 800 students. The department’s success is evident in its graduates’ achievements, with a high percentage securing internships and performing well on national assessments.

“STEM impacts all industries,” he said. “The common refrain that ‘all companies are tech companies’ rings true. Technology innovation, scientific exploration, engineering solutions, founded on a firm understanding of mathematical principles, pervades industry in a broad spectrum of careers.”

Fails is optimistic about Idaho’s preparation for STEM careers. He points to innovative programs like Fast Forward and Idaho LAUNCH, which provide financial support for students pursuing in-demand fields such as computer science.

“Continued investment by government and industry in higher education STEM fields will catapult the technology industries in the state of Idaho providing employment and economic benefits to Idahoans,” he said.