ISU Distinguished Alumnus Award

Jared Allen is one of Idaho State University’s most accomplished football alumni and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025. After winning the Buck Buchanan Award and being named Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year at Idaho State, Allen was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft.

During his 12-year NFL career with the Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers, Allen established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends. He led the NFL in sacks twice, including a career-high 22 sacks in 2011, recorded double-digit sack totals in eight seasons, and finished his career with 136 sacks. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors.

Allen was named the 2007 Kansas City Chiefs Team MVP and NFL Alumni Player of the Year in 2009. He concluded his career with the Carolina Panthers, helping the team win the 2015 NFC Championship and advance to Super Bowl 50.

In 2025, Allen’s extraordinary career was recognized with his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy among the greatest defensive players of his generation.

William J. Bartz Award 

Dr. Marcia L. Lloyd is Professor Emerita of Dance in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Idaho State University, where she dedicated 25 years to teaching before retiring in 2001. Throughout her distinguished career, she taught dance to students of all ages and abilities and became especially known for her work in creative dance. Her commitment to dance education helped shape the development of dance at ISU, where she established a dance minor and founded the student dance company DANSON.

Dr. Lloyd’s influence extends well beyond Idaho State University. Together with her husband, Dr. Arthur P. Lloyd, former Chair of Counselor Education at ISU, she served as a Visiting Professor of Dance and Counseling at universities throughout Malaysia from 1984 through 2018. Both Marcia and Arthur were Fulbright Professors in Malaysia—Arthur in 1984–85 and 1987, and Marcia in 1999. Their international work helped foster lasting connections between American and Malaysian higher education and brought their expertise in dance, counseling, and education to students and colleagues abroad. When Marcia received her doctorate, colleagues at ISU affectionately referred to the couple as the “Paradocs,” a playful recognition of their shared academic accomplishments.

A prolific educator and author, Dr. Lloyd has published numerous articles on dance education in American and Malaysian journals. Her book, Creative Dance for All Ages: A Manual for Teaching, published in 2014, has been used by educators both in the United States and internationally. Her work reflects her belief that creative dance should be accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

Dr. Lloyd has also played important leadership roles in professional dance education. She served as President of the National Dance Association from 1989 to 1993 and was a founding member and the first secretary of the National Dance Education Organization, serving from 1998 to 2001. Her contributions to the field have been recognized by professional organizations, universities, and other institutions.

Among her most recent honors are the 2019 Alum of the Year Award from the Division of Kinesiology and Health at the University of Wyoming, the 2017 National Dance Education Organization Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2015 Idaho Dance Education Organization Lifetime Achievement Award. Her many other honors include the 2004 Arts Professor for Spring Award from Phi Kappa Phi at ISU, serving with Arthur as Grand Marshal of the 2002 ISU Homecoming, designation as Professor Emerita in 2001, the 1995 Dance Professional of the Year Award from the Idaho Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Association, the 1991 Distinguished Service Award from that organization, the 1987 Professor of the Year Award from the ISU Mortar Board Honorary Society, and the 1985 ISU Teacher of the Year Award.

The Lloyds’ connection to Idaho State University is also deeply personal. Their two children, Lisa and Arthur “AJ” P. Lloyd, Jr., were ISU alumni. Lisa became a homeopathic veterinarian, while AJ was a member of the first graduating class in Occupational Therapy at ISU in 2001. Following AJ’s death in 2004, the family established the Arthur “AJ” P. Lloyd, Jr. Endowment at Idaho State University. The endowment has provided scholarships to numerous Occupational Therapy students and continues to honor AJ’s life and his connection to ISU.

Arthur Sr. passed away in 2024 and requested that donations in his memory support AJ’s endowment, further strengthening the family’s enduring commitment to Idaho State University. Marcia continues to support the endowment as well as the growth and development of dance at ISU.

Dr. Marcia L. Lloyd’s legacy is one of passionate teaching, creative innovation, international collaboration, professional leadership, and devoted service. From establishing dance programs and mentoring generations of students to advancing creative dance nationally and internationally, she has made a lasting contribution to Idaho State University and to the broader field of dance education. Her continued support of dance at ISU and the Arthur “AJ” P. Lloyd, Jr. Endowment ensures that her family’s connection to the university—and her commitment to its students—will continue for generations to come.

Young Alumna Award

ISU Achievement Award

ISU Distinguished Service Award

Parade Grand Marshal

Glenn Alford dedicated four decades to Idaho State University, serving as sports information director from 1967 to 1998 before continuing as a staff writer in University Relations until his retirement in 2007. A 1963 graduate of Stanford University, he began his career in athletics communications before serving in the United States Army, including a 30-month tour in Germany. During his distinguished tenure at ISU, Alford became a respected voice for Bengal Athletics and the university, earning the Distinguished Friend of the Idaho State University Alumni Association Award in 1986 and being named an honorary member of the ISU Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. He later chaired the Hall of Fame Selection Committee for a decade.

Alford's contributions to collegiate athletics communications were recognized nationally with the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Lifetime Achievement Award. His commitment to service extends beyond the university through his work with the Pocatello Branch of the NAACP, which honored him with the Rosa Parks Award for Courage of Conscience in 2020. His legacy reflects a lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to Idaho State University and the broader community.

President's Medallion: College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences 

Bonnie and Alan Frantz are proud Idaho State University alumni whose personal and professional lives have been deeply intertwined with the university and the Pocatello community. Together, they represent more than six decades of service to ISU—as a student affairs professional, faculty member, administrator, mentor, musician, and longtime supporter of students and the arts.

Alan earned his B.S. in Secondary Education, with majors in German and Music, from Idaho State University in 1980 and later earned an M.A.T. in German from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Denver. A graduate of Teton High School, he first came to ISU as a music major before deciding to become a German teacher. In 1974, he joined the U.S. Army so he could be stationed in Germany, immerse himself in the German language, and broaden his cultural understanding. As a member of the 33rd Army Band in Heidelberg, he performed on clarinet, bassoon, tenor saxophone, and flute while also taking evening German courses through the University of Maryland's European Division. Following his military service, he remained in Germany and studied at the University of Freiburg and the University of Kiel before returning to ISU to complete his degree.

Alan's love of music has remained a lifelong part of his connection to ISU and the community. As a freshman in May 1974, he performed Carl Maria von Weber's Concerto in F Minor for Clarinet with the Idaho State Civic Symphony at its Young Artists Competition. He later performed with the ISU Symphonic Band, Jazz Lab Band, and Idaho State-Civic Symphony from 1978 to 1981 and with the Indiana University Symphonic Band in 1983. For many summers from 1974 through 2022, he played clarinet and served as the "Voice of the Pocatello Municipal Band." He and Bonnie remain longtime supporters of the Idaho State-Civic Symphony, and Alan served two years on its Board of Directors.

Alan began his ISU faculty career in 1987 as an instructor of German in the Foreign Language Department. Over the course of his career, he taught 19 different undergraduate and graduate courses, served as an advisor, co-advisor, or committee member for 42 doctoral and master's students, and was Graduate Faculty Representative for 65 master's and doctoral students. His scholarship resulted in several publications that have received more than 100 scholarly citations.

His leadership at ISU included serving five years as Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, followed by becoming Director of Teacher Education in the College of Education in 1999. He also taught in the Ed.D. program in Educational Leadership and Higher Education Administration. In 2002, he was selected as an American Council on Education Fellow and spent the 2002–2003 academic year working in the Office of the Provost at Portland State University. Upon returning to ISU, he served as Director of the Honors Program, First Year Seminar, and C.L.A.S.S. program, as well as part-time Associate Dean of the Office of Graduate Studies. He initiated the name "University Honors Program," proposed the Honors Bachelor's Degrees, and led the approval process in 2005. Those remain the only Honors Degrees in Idaho.

Alan subsequently served as Interim Director of Registration & Records and held numerous university leadership positions, including extensive service on university councils and the Faculty Senate. He served as Faculty Senate Vice-Chair in 2008–09, Chair in 2009–10, and Past-Chair in 2010–11, followed by service on the Provisional Faculty Senate from 2011 to 2012. He concluded his ISU career in Academic Affairs as Interim Associate Vice President, retiring in August 2020.

Bonnie's path to ISU began in Minnesota, where she earned a B.S. in Education with an emphasis in Art from Bemidji State University. She began graduate work at the University of Minnesota, where she became involved in Student Union activities. She subsequently worked at Texas Tech University and Lamar University before joining Idaho State University in 1987 as Assistant Director of the Pond Student Union. She earned her M.Ed. in Occupational Training Management from ISU in 1996.

Throughout her ISU career, Bonnie was active in virtually every aspect of student union and student activities work. She collaborated with architects on ISU union renovations and played key roles in projects including the development of the Early Learning Center and the Bennion Student Union in Idaho Falls. She served as interim director in Idaho Falls and twice as interim director of the Pond Student Union in Pocatello. Along with Alan, she helped establish ISU Recycling and contributed to the creation of the Student Community Service Center, the ISU Reading Project, and the ISU Human Rights Celebration.

Bonnie concluded her ISU career as Assistant to the Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs and later as Project Director and Grant Writer for the Janet C. Anderson Gender Resource Center. Her commitment to human rights, diversity, and inclusion was recognized in 2011 when she received the Outstanding Service in Human Relations Award from the City of Pocatello Human Relations Committee. She has also served on the Pocatello Arts Council and the Marshall Public Library Board.

Bonnie and Alan met at ISU when Alan became the faculty representative on the Student Organization Committee, which Bonnie chaired. They married in July 1990 and have two sons. Isaac is a musician in Tucson, while Nathaniel is an ISU alumnus and mechanical engineer in Hailey, Idaho.

The Frantzes' commitment to Idaho State University extends across generations. Alan's family has a four-generation history with the university and its predecessor institutions, beginning with his grandfather Harold T. Stoy and grandmother Edith Chandler Stoy. Their family legacy continued through Alan's mother Rosemary Stoy Frantz, other relatives, Bonnie, and their son Nathaniel. Numerous members of the extended family have attended ISU, and the family hopes a fifth generation will continue the tradition.

Their commitment to students is also reflected in their philanthropy. Bonnie and Alan recently established the Bonnie & Alan Frantz Scholarship at Idaho State University, which is expected to be fully funded in 2029. The scholarship will support undergraduate students with sophomore standing or above in the College of Humanities, Education & Social Science who serve as ASISU officers or participate in the University Honors Program through the Honors Distinction, Honors Degree, or Civic Scholars Program. Preference may be given to students studying Art, Art Education, Foreign Language, or Foreign Language Education, reflecting Bonnie's and Alan's own undergraduate fields of study.

Alan also helped create a lasting legacy for ISU music students. Following the 1987 retirement of longtime ISU Band Director R. David Missal, Alan suggested to fellow band supporters Gary and Scotti Brownley and Jean Thomas that a scholarship be established in Missal's honor. Together, they launched a fundraising effort and created a scholarship and recognition plaque. The first scholarship was awarded in 1988. As of June 2026, 53 of the 61 recipients had graduated, with four additional students still pursuing their degrees.

Outside of their professional and philanthropic commitments, Bonnie and Alan share a love of reading, travel, hiking, snow skiing, and live music. Alan continues to play racquetball and has an impressive history of mountaineering. He has climbed all nine of Idaho's peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, as well as numerous other Idaho peaks and the Grand, Middle, and South Tetons, Teewinot, Buck Mountain, and others with fellow climbers.

For Bonnie and Alan Frantz, Idaho State University is more than an alma mater. It has been the setting for their education, careers, friendships, family connections, service, and philanthropy. Their enduring commitment to students, the arts, academic excellence, and the university community has created a legacy that will continue through the scholarships, programs, and students they have supported for generations to come.

President's Medallion: College of Business

Marc McDonald, CPA, MBA, is Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of St. Luke’s Health Plan, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of St. Luke’s Health System based in Boise, Idaho. A pragmatic and results-oriented executive, Marc has built a career leading complex organizations, particularly within the insurance industry, to achieve measurable financial and operational results. He is known for combining disciplined analysis, sound judgment, and collaborative leadership to strengthen organizational performance and support effective decision-making.

Marc earned both his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Business Administration from Idaho State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. His ISU education provided a strong foundation for his professional career, but he considers the lessons he learned from his professors to be equally valuable. He especially remembers the influence of Dr. Ken Smith, Dr. Frank Plewa, Dr. Robert Picard, and other ISU faculty members who prepared him and countless other students for successful careers.

For Marc, one of the most important lessons from his time at ISU was to look beyond simply understanding the facts. His professors encouraged him to be inquisitive—to ask questions, seek understanding, and focus on the "why" behind the information. That approach has remained instrumental throughout both his professional career and personal life and is one of the reasons he considers Idaho State University such a special place.

Prior to joining St. Luke’s Health Plan in 2022, Marc served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at United Heritage Insurance. Earlier in his career, he was a Managing Director at Deloitte, where he held leadership roles across multiple locations. Throughout his career, he has focused on building high-performing teams, navigating complex business and regulatory environments, and creating sustainable improvement through thoughtful execution and engagement.

Marc is deeply committed to Idaho and actively contributes to the state's business, professional, and educational communities. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Idaho State University Foundation and has held board and leadership roles with organizations including the Idaho Technology Council, Idaho Life and Health Guaranty Association, Eastwind Community Church Futures Committee, and the Idaho State University Accounting Program.

Marc and his wife, Colleen McDonald, are proud to call Idaho home. They are raising their two children, Lydia and Reid, and Marc considers time with his family his greatest priority. He enjoys being actively involved in their lives, particularly through youth sports and outdoor activities.

A proud Bengal, Marc remains connected to Idaho State University through service, mentorship, and support of the university's students and programs. His career reflects the lasting impact of an ISU education—and the importance of asking not only what the facts are, but why they matter.

President's Medallion: College of Nursing, Rehabilitation, and Human Health

Dr. Jess Stich-Hennen is a highly respected pediatric audiologist based in Boise, Idaho, recognized for her clinical expertise and contributions to advancing pediatric hearing healthcare. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Dakota State University in 2002 and her Doctorate in Audiology from Idaho State University in 2008.

Since December 2006, Dr. Stich-Hennen has worked at St. Luke’s Idaho Elks Hearing & Balance Center, where she has close to twenty years of experience as a Pediatric Clinical Audiologist.  In this role, she specializes in pediatric diagnostics, managing traditional and bone conduction amplification for children and performing central auditory processing evaluations.

In 2011, Dr. Stich-Hennen became one of the first audiologists in the United States to earn Specialty Certification in Pediatric Audiology (PASC) from the American Board of Audiology (ABA). She continues to influence the field of pediatric audiology at a national level through her service on the ABA PASC Oversight Committee, helping to guide and uphold rigorous standards for pediatric audiology certification. 

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Stich-Hennen joined Idaho State University’s Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders as an Adjunct Professor in January 2025. In this role, she teaches within the Pediatric Audiology course, focusing on pediatric diagnostics, hearing loss management, and intervention strategies, helping to educate and mentor the next generation of audiologists. 

President's Medallion: L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy and Health Professions

Dr. Haviland began her distinguished career as an active-duty Navy psychologist, where she served in a variety of clinical and operational roles. Among her assignments was a deployment to Antarctica, where she provided psychological assessments and support to winter-over personnel at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. She also served as Clinical Director of the U.S. Navy’s largest inpatient program for substance use and weight management.

In a pioneering achievement, Dr. Haviland became the first psychologist to earn dual designation and flight status—earning her wings—for the Navy’s P-3 aircraft platform. This experience broadened her expertise in the psychological and human factors associated with high-performance, demanding operational environments.

Dr. Haviland left active-duty military service in 1998 and joined an international consulting firm specializing in corporate psychology. Over the next seven years, she traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally, advising organizations on executive development, succession planning, and human factors related to mergers and acquisitions.

Following the birth of her daughter, Emma, Dr. Haviland transitioned to a career that allowed her to travel less while continuing to serve others. She moved to Idaho and established a private practice in Meridian, where she focused on treating veterans and patients living with chronic pain. She became deeply involved in the Idaho Psychological Association (IPA), serving as Secretary, President-Elect, President, and Past President. She also contributed to the association’s continuing education, prescription privileges (RxP), ethics and advocacy, and disaster relief committees.

In 2017, while serving as IPA President, Dr. Haviland played an important role in a historic development for psychology in Idaho. Idaho became the fifth state in the nation to authorize appropriately trained psychologists to prescribe medication. Working with Dr. Chris Owens, she helped establish Idaho State University’s clinical psychopharmacology program and was honored to be a member of the program’s inaugural graduating class, earning an M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology.

After completing her training, Dr. Haviland passed the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP) and became the first prescribing psychologist hired at St. Alphonsus Regional Hospital. In that role, she worked in the Comprehensive Pain and Spine Clinic, bringing together her expertise in psychology, psychopharmacology, and the treatment of chronic pain.

Dr. Haviland’s contributions to psychology and her commitment to advocacy have earned significant recognition. She received the Heiser Presidential Award from the American Psychological Association for her advocacy efforts. In 2026, the Idaho Psychological Association honored her with the John Cambareri Award for her contributions to the field of psychology in Idaho.

Throughout her career, Dr. Haviland has distinguished herself through service, innovation, and advocacy. From the South Pole and the skies aboard Navy aircraft to clinical practice, corporate consulting, and the advancement of prescribing psychology in Idaho, her career reflects a commitment to expanding the role of psychology and improving care for the people and communities she serves.

President's Medallion: College of Science and Engineering 

Judith Carter Damewood is an educator, advocate, and federal civil servant whose distinguished career has spanned science education, military training, international security assistance, and public service. A lifelong Bengal, she grew up in Pocatello, graduated from Pocatello High School, and earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Idaho State College. She later earned an M.Ed. and Ed.D. in Science Education from Auburn University.

Judith was a trailblazer at Idaho State College, where she was the only female chemistry major—and possibly the first. She was selected for Chimes, the junior-year women’s honorary society, and Silver Tassel, the senior women’s honorary society that later became associated with Phi Beta Kappa. One of her most memorable ISU experiences was participating in the first Birch Creek archaeological excavation in 1960 under a National Science Foundation grant to Dr. Earl Swanson, Director of the Idaho State College Museum. Working with a diverse team to discover, document, and classify artifacts sparked her appreciation for teamwork and exploration.

Judith credits her education at Idaho State with providing the foundation for her successful career. Her science and education coursework prepared her to teach, while her German studies proved invaluable when she and her family later spent four years in Germany. She went on to teach chemistry, physics, biology, earth science, and physical science at schools in the United States and Germany, as well as science education courses at Auburn University, where she also supervised student teachers.

Her career expanded into advocacy in the early 1980s. Working with the Women’s Equity Action League in Washington, D.C., Judith advocated before Congress for women in the military and for pension and other benefits for former military spouses. She continued this work in Georgia through leadership roles with Common Cause, the League of Women Voters, the Georgia Women’s Political Caucus, and other organizations focused on women’s rights, minorities, and civic engagement.

In 1984, Judith began a 33-year career in federal civil service. She held increasingly senior positions at Fort Benning, Fort Monroe, and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Defense Exports and Cooperation. Her work included developing Army training programs and policies, improving training for International Military Students, developing instructional materials, and coordinating international security assistance training. She participated in conferences and training initiatives across Europe and internationally, working with counterparts throughout the U.S. military.

Judith and her husband, John H. “Jack” Damewood, share a long connection to Idaho State. Jack is also an Idaho State graduate and served 23 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Their son, Edward, graduated from Auburn University in Aerospace Engineering and works at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters.

Judith’s career reflects the breadth and lasting impact of an Idaho State education. From being a pioneering chemistry student and archaeological field researcher to becoming an educator, advocate, and senior federal training specialist, she has built a life defined by curiosity, service, leadership, and a commitment to creating opportunities for others.

President's Medallion: College of Technology 

Brandalin Barnes is a nationally recognized leader in nuclear operations and infrastructure, currently serving as Infrastructure Engineering and Operations Department Head at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). An Idaho State University alumna, she was a member of the university’s first graduating class in Nuclear Operations, earning an Associate degree in Nuclear Operations, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nuclear Operations, and a Master of Science in Organizational Learning and Performance.

Barnes has built an accomplished career supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s nuclear enterprise, beginning at Idaho National Laboratory and advancing to leadership roles at LLNL. At Idaho National Laboratory, she worked in operations and training at the Integrated Waste Treatment Unit and Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center, ultimately managing training programs and facilities. At LLNL, she progressed from Nuclear Facility Manager to leadership of the Superblock complex before becoming Acting Associate Deputy Director of Plutonium Operations and, in 2026, Infrastructure Engineering and Operations Department Head.

Throughout her career, Barnes has led complex nuclear facility operations, startup and restart activities, infrastructure development, safety integration, and organizational improvement. Her work has supported major national programs, including the W80-4 Life Extension Program and W87-1 Modification Program. She has also led initiatives that streamlined business practices and generated significant operational efficiencies.

Her leadership and technical contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the DOE Secretary of Energy Achievement Award, Defense Program Award of Excellence, LLNL Director’s Award, and multiple LLNL and Department of Energy awards for operational excellence and waste-shipping initiatives.

Barnes remains closely connected to Idaho State University through service on the Nuclear Operations Technical Advisory Committee and mentorship of students and professionals pursuing careers in the energy sector. She was named 2013 Student of the Year for the ISU College of Technology, an honor that reflects the determination and commitment that have defined her career.

Passionate about lifelong learning, Barnes enjoys reading, traveling, exploring nature, and learning the history and character of the places she visits. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their three adult children and their growing family. Her career exemplifies the impact of an ISU education and the opportunities that can emerge from combining technical expertise, leadership, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

President's Medallion: School of Arts 

For nearly six decades, Brent Lowman has devoted his life to art, education, and building community through creativity. A 1968 graduate of Idaho State University with a degree in art, Lowman has spent his career showing students that art is more than something to study—it is a way to live.

Born in Pocatello, Lowman moved to the Magic Valley at age 11 and graduated from Jerome High School in 1963. He chose Idaho State University because of its proximity to home, allowing him to live with his grandparents while earning his degree. At ISU, he broadened his perspective as both an artist and an individual. Painting and drawing professor Ray Otermeyer was an especially influential mentor, encouraging Lowman’s development as a painter. His classmates also taught him the importance of listening, embracing different perspectives, and remaining open to learning.

After graduation, Lowman initially planned to pursue a Master of Fine Arts, but he and his wife ultimately built their lives in Pocatello. Teaching became his calling. Over a 34-year career, he spent 22 years teaching eighth- and ninth-grade art at Alameda Middle School and 12 years at Pocatello High School. He taught drawing, painting, and pottery, becoming known for both his technical instruction and the encouragement and stories he shared with students.

Lowman believed that if he expected students to pursue meaningful lives in the arts, he needed to demonstrate that commitment himself. Throughout his teaching career, he exhibited his own work in galleries, festivals, and competitions throughout Idaho and the Intermountain West. He participated in art shows for more than 15 years, exhibited in Boise and Salt Lake City, and spent a decade at Boise’s Art in the Park. His work was also accepted into prestigious national exhibitions through competitive jury processes.

Beyond the classroom, Lowman has remained active in the Pocatello arts community through the Pocatello Arts Center and Idaho State University Craft Shop. Today, pottery—particularly bowls and lidded containers—is a favorite part of his creative practice, and he often gives his work away. His commitment to mentoring has extended to fellow artists, students, and family members, including his nephew, artist Jason Walker.

Outside the studio, Lowman has enjoyed an active life, playing tennis for more than 40 years and pursuing cycling, hiking, and backpacking in Idaho’s mountains. He has shared many of these adventures with his daughter, Angela, who lives in Portland, Oregon.

Even in retirement, Lowman continues to encounter former students who stop to share memories of his classroom. Their stories reflect the lasting impact of his teaching—lessons that went beyond technique to encourage creativity, curiosity, humility, and confidence.

Lowman approaches life with optimism and gratitude and remains connected to the artistic community because he believes art is one of humanity’s most meaningful forms of expression and communication. Through nearly six decades as an artist, educator, and mentor, he has left a lasting mark on generations of students and the creative community of southeastern Idaho.

President's Medallion: Graduate School

Dr. Henry T. Evans is a native of Pocatello, Idaho. He graduated from Idaho State University in 1989 with a major in Mass Communication and minors in Political Science and French. From 1990 to 1993, he attended Arizona State University, where he studied international relations and examined the influence of African Americans on U.S. foreign policy toward Africa. In 1995, he returned to ISU to pursue doctoral studies in Political Science. As a recipient of a WICHE Fellowship through the Compact for Faculty Diversity program, he conducted research in minority politics, international relations, comparative politics, and political theory.

From 2002 to 2007, Dr. Evans worked for Partners for Prosperity, first as a Field Supervisor overseeing community-based research and later as a Programming and Assessment Specialist. In these roles, he helped the organization better understand the nature of poverty in eastern Idaho and develop evidence-based policies and programs aimed at reducing its impact.

In 2007, Dr. Evans returned to Idaho State University to work with the TRIO programs while completing his doctoral dissertation. There, he assisted first-generation, low-income, and non-traditional students in accessing higher education opportunities. As a first-generation and low-income student, himself, he found this work especially meaningful. He completed his doctorate in 2011. His dissertation drew heavily upon his experiences with poverty-reduction initiatives at Partners for Prosperity and emphasized the importance of grounding organizational policies and practices in the lived experiences of the people they are intended to serve.

Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Evans joined ISU's Office of Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Diversity as a Management Assistant. He was promoted to Assistant Director in 2012 and later became Associate Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion in 2016, a position he held until 2023. During his tenure, he worked to advance the university's commitment to inclusive excellence and equitable treatment, partnering with academic and administrative units on hiring practices, policy development, and educational programming. 

Working alongside dedicated colleagues, he helped create and deliver diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that served faculty, staff, and students across the university.

In addition to his administrative responsibilities, Dr. Evans maintained a strong commitment to teaching. From 2011 to 2023, he taught courses in both the Political Science and Sociology departments at Idaho State University. His graduate teaching included courses such as Bureaucracy and American Political Behavior, while his undergraduate instruction encompassed American Government, International Relations, Minority Politics, Social Diversity, and First-Year Seminar. Through his teaching, he encouraged critical thinking, civic engagement, and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, drawing upon both his academic scholarship and professional experience.

In 2023, Dr. Evans accepted the inaugural position of Associate Dean for Equity and Outreach in the College of Arts and Sciences at Washington State University. As the college's organizational structure evolved, his role expanded to Associate Dean for Outreach, Access, and Strategic Initiatives. In this capacity, he works closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the college's mission of academic excellence, educational access, and public engagement.

His portfolio includes leadership of initiatives designed to expand educational opportunity, strengthen student success, and foster a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the university community. He oversees outreach and access programs, develops strategic partnerships with K–12 schools, community colleges, tribal nations, and community organizations, and works to broaden pathways into higher education, particularly for students who have historically faced barriers to access and opportunity.

Throughout his career, Dr. Evans has been guided by the belief that many of society's most persistent challenges can be addressed through intentional relationships, meaningful dialogue, and thoughtful public policy. Whether as a researcher, educator, administrator, or community partner, he has sought to create environments in which individuals can define themselves on their own terms and fully realize their potential, free from externally imposed limitations that constrain personal and collective autonomy.

Dr. Evans has been married to his wife, Kelly Green, for more than 20 years. Together, they have two children, Kaya and Amari.