BOISE, Idaho — The presidents from Idaho's four public universities address concerns and issues facing higher education in the state during a legislative forum.
The Boise Metro Chamber hosted the event Thursday. This year's theme is "Higher Education Priorities of the New Presidents." The forum brings together the business community and State Legislature, giving the Chamber a chance to present its 2020 Legislative Agenda to address issues needed to grow the state's economy.
Taking part this year: Boise State University's Dr. Marlene Tromp, University of Idaho's C. Scott Green, Idaho State University's Kevin Satterlee, and Dr. Cynthia Pemberton of Lewis-Clark State College.
Each president took turns talking about the cost of education which the presidents are tackling together by freezing tuition for the coming school year. They also discussed issues facing higher education, including how to attract students from rural Idaho and getting them to take their education back to their communities after earning a degree.
"How can we get our rural students and internships back in their hometowns, so they don't feel like they either have to stay in Boise or migrate out of the community in order to use their degree meaningfully? How do we get them back home?," said Dr. Tromp.
"Get those students who want to better their life through higher education, and let's find a way to do it and get them that better life and affordability is what we decided to go with," added Satterlee.
University presidents will make their case to lawmakers in the near future as they seek funding and other policy changes related to higher education in Idaho.
