Historic Endowed Scholarship Honors Renowned Professor Ann Hunter's Impactful Career at Idaho State University
Elisabeth Curtis
July 10, 2023
Idaho State University proudly announces the establishment of the Dr. Ann S. Hunter Legacy Scholarship Endowment, a prestigious honor celebrating the remarkable contributions and influential career of Dr. Ann Hunter, Professor Emerita of Sociology at Idaho State University.
The Ann S. Hunter Legacy Scholarship Endowment is a historic tribute to Dr. Hunter, the first woman in the College of Arts and Letters to be named for such an endowment. It honors her unwavering dedication to teaching, research, and service. The endowment eternalizes Dr. Hunter's legacy by providing scholarships to students who aim to make a positive impact in their communities.
A surprise celebration took place on June 15, 2023, at The Yellowstone restaurant in Historic Old Town Pocatello, where friends, family, and colleagues of Dr. Hunter gathered to honor her.
Dr. Gesina Hearn, BA in Sociology Program Director and Professor of Sociology, spoke about Dr. Hunter's role as a mentor. Dr. Hearn, who joined Dr. Hunter's research team as a student, then eventually became a professor in the department, expressed her admiration and gratitude to Dr. Hunter, saying, "This endowment will endure forever for students, and it is because of your dedication and great work."
Dr. Joe, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at ISU, played a crucial role in establishing the endowment. During the celebration, he emphasized Dr. Hunter's advocacy for justice and her kind, empathetic, fair, merciful, and forgiving nature when interacting with students, faculty, and others. Dr. Joe remarked, "Ann is educated and aware, discovering situations of injustice and overcoming them."
Suzanne Bentley, Ann's daughter, described her mother as having "a servant's heart" and finding immense joy in her work at ISU.
Reflecting on her sister's accomplishments, Sandy Weber shared her pride and the profound influence Dr. Hunter had on her as a role model from a young age. She highlighted their parents' emphasis on education. “Our parents went to college in the 30’s, Weber said, “They came from a coal mining community and always emphasized the importance of education.”
Dr. Hunter joined ISU in 1991 as an Assistant Professor of Sociology and quickly became a role model within the academic community due to her passion for education and unwavering commitment to her students. Over her distinguished 22-year tenure, her impact extended beyond the classroom, earning her numerous accolades. In 1996, Dr. Hunter received the esteemed Outstanding Researcher of the Year award for her substantial scholarly contributions and success in securing significant grants and contracts in critical research areas such as child welfare, energy, and health.
Known for her innovative approaches to course design and instruction, Dr. Hunter demonstrated a profound dedication to student success through mentorship and guidance. Her passion for her field of expertise resonated not only with her students but also within the broader academic community. Dr. Hunter served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice, as well as positions within the College of Arts and Letters Executive Committee and the University Budget Committee.
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Ann Hunter shared, "I am astounded and speechless. This endowment will impact students' lives, and I am deeply honored to be recognized alongside so many outstanding faculty members who equally deserve this distinction."
For further information, please contact Beth Curtis, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the College of Arts and Letters at 208-282-1080, elisabethcurtis@isu.edu.