Despite being in a time of great transition, Interim President Jeremiah Shinn says Boise State is “not standing still’ amidst changes in university leadership.
“The state of our university is strong and growing stronger with each passing semester. We want our students to find a community here. We want them to be successful here,” Shinn said in his speech at the Morrison Center on August 20.
Shinn emphasized Boise State’s ongoing commitment to “becoming” in all facets.
“More than anything, we want them to become who they’re trying to become — to become scholars, to become leaders, to become what they didn’t know was possible when they first applied to Boise State. As they are becoming, so are we. So is our university,” he continued.
Last fall, Boise State welcomed 500 more first-year students than the previous year, received “unprecedented” philanthropic support towards the ongoing Unbridled Campaign and increased online enrollment by seven percent. Notably, 30 percent of degrees and certificates awarded last academic year were earned by students enrolled in online programs.
“Our retention and graduation rates continue trending upward, and we are fulfilling our promise as a public university [by] building a life changing experience that’s more affordable, easier to navigate and more student centered than ever before.” Shinn said.
A major focus of Shinn’s speech was highlighting Boise State’s diverse student body and the university’s efforts to cultivate an environment where students can grow into their potential and shape the future of Idaho’s workforce.
“Students from rural Idaho are coming here and staying here. Veterans and transfer students are charting new paths here. First generation students are showing us what it looks like to change the course of their family’s future. Thousands of them are not only attending classes on our campus, but they’re also living with us too.”
Shinn noted students who live on campus are more likely to return for their second year and graduate within four to six years compared to those living off campus. He emphasized this as a part of the university’s rationale for investing $50 million in Syringa Hall, Boise State’s newest residence hall for first-year students.
He also celebrated Boise State Athletics’ success on and off the field in 2025.
“We’re so proud of our student athletes, we’re proud of our sports programs, we’re proud of our scoring history.” Shinn said. “Just as our academic growth has benefited from our athletic success, our athletic success benefits from athletic growth.”
The university achieved a record-high 3.42 average GPA for student-athletes — the highest cumulative GPA in Boise State’s athletics history. Meanwhile, the eSports program was named the most successful NCAA Division I collegiate eSports program in the country, following its recent move from the College of Innovation and Design to the Department of Athletics.
In addition, running back Ashton Jeanty, who quickly became a household name, was nominated for the Heisman Trophy as only the second Boise State student to be nominated and the first to place as runner-up.
Earlier this month, Boise State and the Basque Country celebrated 50 years of partnership centering on the expansion of research opportunities and academic exchanges.
“Just like athletics is part of our foundation, so is our community’s special relationship with the Basque Country,” Shinn said.
Throughout the speech, Shinn acknowledged the ongoing presidential search and the uncertainty it may bring for students, faculty and staff.
“The political, economic and cultural realities around us are changing, but despite that change, or perhaps because of it, our commitment to our mission, to our shared purpose, remains constant. It’s our foundation.” Shinn said. “We know you have questions and thoughts about how all these changes will affect your programs and the university.”
He added that university leadership is planning a “fall road show”, during which members of the executive team will visit each individual college to hear directly from them. Shinn encouraged faculty to watch their inboxes for more information regarding these meetings.
“There are so many reasons that even in the midst of transition, we can rely on a strong foundation we’ve built as a campus community. In the coming weeks, candidates for [the role of president] will be visiting campus.” Shinn said of the presidential search as he closed his speech. “I am confident in the diligence of the search process and I can tell you — people want to join this team. I believe that the strength of this team, combined with great leadership, will continue to propel us forward. At the end of the day, our strength is built on something more lasting than whomever is in this role or what’s in the news on any given day.”
