University of Arizona engineering dean named as Boise State presidential finalist

The Idaho State Board of Education has named Dr. David W. Hahn, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, as the sole finalist to become Boise State University‘s eighth president.

Hahn was selected following a national search conducted by the board with support from a committee representing faculty, staff, alumni, university foundation and key members of Idaho’s business and civic community.

“After a rigorous and thorough national search, I am confident the State Board has identified the right leader for this moment at Boise State,” said David Turnbull, chair of the presidential search committee and a State Board of Education member. “Dr. Hahn brings exceptional credentials as someone who has consistently built institutions that are stronger and more innovative than when he arrived.”

Hahn has spent more than three decades in American engineering education as a researcher, faculty member, department chair and college dean. Before moving into academic administration, he worked at Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He has authored more than 130 journal publications, holds 12 U.S. patents and is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Optica and the Society for Applied Spectroscopy.

At Arizona, he has led initiatives in semiconductor workforce development, national security, hypersonics, cancer engineering, quantum networks and interdisciplinary education.

“Boise State University has exceptional momentum and my pledge is to continue guiding our contributions in all aspects, from a strong commitment to delivering a high-value and affordable education to our students, innovating in support of state, regional and national research needs, partnering with the communities and industries of Idaho, fostering the winning culture of Bronco Athletics, while successfully navigating the changing landscape of higher education,” Hahn said.

Hahn and his wife also cited personal reasons for pursuing the role.

“The ‘where’ was always important to my wife and I as we have grown to love the spirit of the west, so the beauty and spirit of Idaho and the Mountain West, the city of Boise, and the overall positive trajectory of Idaho were all factors beyond the University itself,” he said.

University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella praised Hahn’s tenure, saying he had fostered “a mindset of innovation that will leave a lasting impact on our faculty and students.”

Under Idaho state law, Hahn has been named sole finalist, beginning a mandatory 10-business-day period before a formal vote by the State Board of Education. Feedback on the finalist may be submitted to the board at [email protected].

This story was written using artificial intelligence with human oversight.