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Board Member Steve Rice

Steve Rice

Chair

A Pocatello native, Steve graduated from ISU in 1980 with degrees in Business Marketing and Business Management followed a decade later with an Accounting Emphasis MBA from Westminster University in Salt Lake City, UT.   After working for several national hospitality concerns Steve and his wife Cinthia purchased their first hotel in 1998.  They now own and operate a dozen hospitality and housing entities in Idaho and Montana along with a share of the FairBridge International lodging membership organization. 

Having served as Board Chairman for the State of Idaho Governor's Travel and Tourism Board, Idaho Lodging Association and Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Steve now spends his time directing his company while enjoying his ranch in north Idaho and winter retreat in Key Largo.  He oversees ISU's Rice Family Scholarship Endowment, was the major contributor for the renovation of the "I" in 2020 and sponsored the Board Room of ISU's new Alumni Building. Steve began his term on the board in 2021 and currently serves as Board Chair.

Marc McDonald, ISUF Board of Directors

Marc McDonald

Vice Chair, Finance Committee Chair

Marc McDonald currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the St. Luke’s Health Plan, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of St. Luke’s Health System, based in Boise, Idaho. Marc is an action-oriented and pragmatic leader with a strong track record of performance in serving complex organizations in various industries, including the insurance industry. He thoughtfully and practically deploys situation-appropriate analysis, insights, and team approach to drive measurable results, organizational improvement, client service satisfaction, engagement, and enhanced decision-making. Leading teams in resolving multiple and complex issues and motivating team members to peak performance has and continues to be a focus of Marc’s career.

Prior to joining St. Luke’s Health Plan in 2022, he was the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at United Heritage Insurance in Meridian, Idaho and a Managing Director at Deloitte in various locations. Marc earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Master of Business Administration from Idaho State University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Marc is passionate about his involvement in the communities and state he lives in, including recent or past Board or Executive Committee membership at organizations such as the Idaho Technology Council, the Idaho Life and Health Guaranty Association, the Idaho State University Foundation Board, and the Idaho State University Accounting Program.

headshot of Board Member Beena Mannan

Beena Mannan

Governance Committee Chair, Past Chair

Beena Mannan graduated from Idaho State University with a degree in Political Science and then went on to receive her Masters of Public Administration in 2021. Beena has been a board member since 2015. 

Arlo Luke

Treasurer - Ex Officio Emeritus Director

Arlo Luke grew up in Twin Falls, Idaho. He and his wife, Jackie, were married when Arlo came to then Idaho State College to major in Pharmacy. As a student, Luke worked afternoons and at night cleaning residences and businesses to support his family. He and Don Aslett formed Varsity Contractors and, by the time they graduated, they had many other students working for their facilities maintenance company.

Following Luke's graduation, he practiced Pharmacy while maintaining part time the small college-built business.  The business continued to grow and Arlo decided to go full time with the facility maintenance business and part-time Pharmacy.

 The company expanded dramatically over the years and had contracts throughout the United States and Canada. In addition, they have organized other companies in diverse industries. Arlo served for years as the CEO and then Chairman. He is now retired but continues to serve in the community. He golfs his age frequently.

He served on the Idaho State Foundation Board for three terms and Past Chairman. He is active in Rotary, Idaho State Civic Symphony, Camerata Singers, and serves on several boards, like the Idaho State University Foundation, Idaho State Civic Symphony, Portneuf Valley Partners, and his church. In addition, Luke is Past Chairman of the Idaho International Choir Festival and the annual Messiah Sing-in that existed for the last 30 years. Luke's generous gift to ISU established the Arlo and Jackie Luke Promenade at the L.E. & Thelma E. Stephens Performing Center.

Board Member Crystal Allen

Crystal Allen

Secretary

Crystal Allen received a bachelor's degree in communicative disorders from the University of Rhode Island and a master's degree in school counseling from ISU. Allen, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, is a licensed counselor in the state of Idaho. Allen previously served as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board in the College of Health Professions and as Chair of the Foundation Development and Governance Committees. Allen created Idaho Cold Cases to highlight unsolved homicides and missing persons cases. Strong ISU supporters, the Allen family has established a generous endowed scholarship in their name. 

Directors

Art Berry, ISUF Board of Directors

Art Beery

Director

In 2015, after a 37 year career and 29 household moves, Art Beery retired as the US Central Region’s executive director of General Motor’s financial services division, GMAC, later known as Ally Bank. 

He started a second career in 2016 and is currently the General Manager and Managing Partner of Cole Chevrolet, Cole Nissan and Cole Kia in Pocatello, fulfilling his desire to return to Idaho after leaving the Boise area in 1996.  He holds a BA in Communications Regis University in Denver, Colorado. 

His work experiences so far have been incredibly rewarding, with opportunities to lead teams in sales, marketing, customer service, human resources, business development and retail and commercial underwriting. 

He admits the change from being responsible for corporate staffs of over 250 employees and managing $8 Billion in assets, to managing a small business staff of 85 employees and $25 Million in assets has been interesting, if not thrilling. He now understands the term “head bottle washer” much better and has really enjoyed rolling up his sleeves more often to help the businesses successfully operate. 

He has enjoyed the transition from corporate life to private business and has been impressed with the exemplary efforts of many local civic, business and educational leaders who are working hard to improve the way of life for so many residents of East Idaho. In the spirit of these strong leadership examples, he too has joined various organizations to contribute to the dynamic growth of this area.

He currently serves on the board of directors of the Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce, Bannock Development Corporation, 6th Judicial District Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Mountain View Events Center (MEC). He has also been elected as a Pocatello Chief, serves in the Gate City Rotary Club and is the current president of the East Idaho Chevrolet Dealer Association.

He has been married to his beautiful bride for 42 years, has 4 children and 10 grandchildren, all who reside in all four time zones. He enjoys traveling, spending time with family and making new friends. He lists his hobbies as being a sports fan (especially the Chicago Cubs and the Idaho State University Bengals), refereeing high school basketball and getting lost on winding country roads with his wife while riding their Italian made Vespas. 

Ron Bolinger

Ron Bolinger

Director

Ron is a graduate of the ISU College of Education. Ron earned a Master of Education in Elementary Education in 1972 from ISU and completed his post-doctoral work in Montana. He recently retired from a long career as Superintendent of the American Falls School District. Ron and his wife Patty give generously to support the College of Business where their son, Alex Bolinger, works as the Interim Dean, and also to the College of Education. Ron had served as an instructor for the College of Education. Ron joined the Foundation Board in Fall 2024.

Gina M. Briggs

Gina M. Briggs

Director

Gina served 37 years with the U.S. Air Force in a variety of capacities; Active Duty, Reserve, Air National Guard, and then Civilian Service. Gina grew up in Lackawanna, New York, a suburb of Buffalo.

From 1978-86 – She served active duty enlisted as a Telecommunication Specialist at Osan AB, Korea, Luke AFB, Arizona, Carswell AFB, Texas, the Allied Tactical Operations Center Sembach AFB, Germany, and the 1st Information Systems Group, Pentagon Arlington, Virginia.

In 1986 – she separated from active duty and joined the Air Force Reserve serving at the National Security Agency, Fort Meade, MD.  She worked in the private sector as a Technical Recruiter and then continued her education.  She earned her B.A. in English from San Diego State University.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the California Air National Guard in 1991, she served in a few capacities: as an Intelligence Officer, Personnel Officer, and Education Technology Officer, at March AFB, CA, 926th Tactical Fighter Wing, JB Belle Chase, LA, and Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict, Forces and Resources, Pentagon, Arlington, VA.

She completed a Master of Arts Degree in Education Technology Leadership from George Washington University in 1996. Concurrently she had a federal civilian career as a Program Integration Specialist / Chief of Education Technology with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Andrews, AFB overseeing the development of distance learning programs and video production. 

In 2004, she retired from the Air Force Reserve as a Major (13 years enlisted and 13 years officer). Continuing her civilian career as a Contract Officer Representative with AFOSI, she oversaw over $100 million in contracts primarily for counter-intelligence analysis and psychology, warfighting, budget, graphics, and other support.

She retired from Civilian Service with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in 2014. She worked as a volunteer Tour Guide for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Gina’s husband of over three decades is F. Paul Briggs, Colonel, USMC retired. In September 2018 they relocated from the Mount Vernon area of Alexandria, VA to Pocatello, ID (Paul’s hometown). Paul is the former ISU Alumni Board President and now a member of the College of Arts and Letters Advisory Board. Together, Paul and Gina established a Military Affiliated Scholarship. 

They both enjoy skiing, reading, hiking, working out, family activities, Bible studies, entertaining friends, and the symphony.  Gina volunteers as the Grace Lutheran Lunch Coordinator scheduling teams to provide and serve lunches at the Salvation Army.  She enjoys cooking and piano lessons.

Mike Byrne

Lifetime Director

Mike Byrne grew up in Rigby and was a member of the Rigby High School graduating class of 1969. He earned his BBA in accounting and MBA degrees at Idaho State University and, in 2012, ISU awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters.  Byrne retired as a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers.  He stays active in support of several charitable and service organizations including Rotary, and the Jefferson County Schools Foundation.  He is a Chair emeritus and a lifetime member of the ISU Foundation Board of Directors.

His tireless service to ISU earned him the President's Medallion in 2002.  In 1990, he received the College of Business Professional Achievement Award, in 2007, the Distinguished Alumnus Award and, in 2019, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame.  Byrne has endowed several scholarships in honor of his parents, professors, and others whom he admired.  Through the years, he generously supported - and still supports - Bengal Athletics, the College of Business, and many other programs and scholarships.

Susan Campbell, ISUF Board of Directors

Susan Campbell

Investment Committee Chair, Director

Susan joined the Foundation board in January 2022 and currently chairs the Investment Committee; she also is a member of the Finance and Executive Committees. She is a graduate of Pocatello High School and earned her BBA in Finance at Idaho State University. In June 2022, she retired from a successful 40-year career in community banking with U.S. Bank and Bank of Marin, focusing on lending and providing other banking services to non-profit organizations as well as for-profit retail, wholesale, manufacturing, agri-business and investors in commercial and multi-family real estate. During her career she served on the boards of many community organizations including the ISU Alumni Association, the ISU College of Business Advisory Council, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Boise Racquet & Swim Club and the Mount Baker Theatre. Just prior to her retirement she served as Treasurer of the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art and as President, and later Treasurer, of her local Kiwanis Club.

Susan’s husband Gary also graduated with a degree in Finance from ISU. Together they established the Dr. Bill Phillips Memorial Endowed Professorship in Finance, as well as the Dr. Bill Phillips Endowment for Professional Development which has assisted hundreds of students throughout the University with career etiquette, development and placement. They also endowed several scholarships in the College of Business and ISU Athletics in the names of family members and others they have admired over their many years of involvement with ISU.

photo of Doug Chambers

Doug Chambers

Director

Doug Chambers was named as Lookout Credit Union's next president and CEO. Chambers, born and raised in Pocatello, has over 13 years of credit union experience and has been with ISU Credit Union for five years. Previously Lookout Credit Union's senior vice president and chief operations officer, Chambers has been the organization's interim CEO since early December 2018. A graduate of the Center for Creative Leadership, a nationally certified business lender and a graduate of Idaho State University's College of Business (MBA), Chambers has both the credentials and passion for leadership that enables others to succeed. Recently, Lookout Credit Union was named one of the best credit unions to work for in the nation. Chambers believes firmly in the difference Lookout Credit Union can make in the community, with members and partners like Idaho State University.

photo of Trisa Clemons

Trisa Clemons

Audit Committee Chair, Director

Trisa Clemons, Audit Committee Chair

Trisa J. Clemons, a first-generation college student, decided to pursue her accounting degree after taking Accounting 201 with Dr. Frank Plewa. "Dr. Plewa spoke to me after class one day and suggested that it would be a good fit, encouraging me to pursue it," said Clemons, who took his advice, declaring her major after successfully completing a few more accounting courses. Clemons completed her accounting degree at Idaho State in 1993, later finishing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an accounting emphasis in 1995.

Today, accounting has proven to remain a good fit for her as she was recently promoted to Pacific Northwest (PNW) Professional Practice Partner in auditing for the Big Four accounting firm KPMG. In this role, Clemons oversees risk management and audit quality for five offices in the PNW region, including their offices in Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, Anchorage and Boise. "Being one of 36 leaders across KPMG's U.S. Audit Practice is my proudest career accomplishment to date," said Clemons.

In addition to her new role, Clemons reached another impressive landmark in 2020 as she was named the Professional Achievement Award (PAA) recipient for the Idaho State University College of Business. The PAA is the highest college-level award given at the University, recognizing one outstanding alumnus per college each spring. "Being a 2020 [PAA] recipient for the College of Business was a great honor for me," said Clemons, who has maintained a connection with the College for many years as a member of the Leadership Advisory Board. "Through that board, I've had the opportunity to meet and get to know many of the College's great alumni. It is quite special to be honored in this way, given the other alumni I have met and knowing the high achievements of so many others."

Clemons, a Shelley, Idaho native, credits much of her success in her career to her time at Idaho State. "It is difficult to summarize in a few sentences everything that my education at the Idaho State College of Business did for me," said Clemons, noting that it was the advice of a caring professor that led her to choose accounting as her career path. "My accounting professors, in particular, Dr. Ken Smith, encouraged me to see my own potential and pursue a public accounting career with one of the Big Eight (now Four) firms. Without that encouragement, I don't know that I would be where I am today." Clemons said her education also made it possible for her to pass the Certified Public Accountant exam, which has been an invaluable asset to her career. "Ultimately, I was well-prepared to interview, land my first position and perform successfully throughout my career to get to where I am today."

Clemons has also served on the Board of the Northwest Children's Foundation and the Leadership Committee for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Man and Woman of the Year Campaign. She was named "Woman of the Year" for this organization in 2018. She is also a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants. Clemons resides in Seattle with her husband, Chris, and two children, Connor and Chloe.

Jake Erickson

Director

Jake Erickson has been the Chief Executive Officer of Bingham Healthcare since 2017. Prior to taking the reigns as CEO, Mr. Erickson had been with Bingham in various executive level roles for nearly 11 years, serving as assistant administrator and chief operating officer prior to becoming CEO.

During his tenure at Bingham, he has been responsible for strategic facility planning, service line expansion, construction and new clinic acquisition, and project management. Mr. Erickson has been instrumental in recruiting and building what is now Eastern Idaho’s largest employed physician group. What was once, Bingham County based Bingham Memorial Hospital, Bingham Healthcare has grown into a regional health system. Under his direction and leadership, Bingham Healthcare now operates two eastern Idaho hospitals, an ambulatory surgery center, six urgent care facilities and over 20 physician offices located throughout easter Idaho that provide medical services in over 30 different modalities.

Mr. Erickson is a servant leader who engages with his employees by regularly rounding in patient care departments, making him assessable and approachable to employees and patients alike. His leadership engenders a company culture of teamwork, comradery, and trust. Mr. Erickson is a graduate of Weber State University, where he competed at the collegiate level in the sport of Rodeo in the Team Roping and Tie Down Roping events. He earned an MBA with an emphasis in Health Care Management from the University of Phoenix. On weekends Jake spends time with his wife and five children. He coaches youth and junior high school football and basketball.  He continues to enjoy team roping and participates in many local rodeo events in the region. 

Charis Lau, PharmD, OD, MBA

Charis Lau, PharmD, OD, MBA

Development Committee Chair

Dr. Charis Lau is a healthcare executive with over 20 years of global experience spanning clinical practice, pharmaceutical product development, and business strategy. She brings a unique perspective as woman leader in life sciences, with a strong commitment to innovation, diversity, and mentorship. Currently Chief Medical Officer at Pleryon Therapeutics, Dr. Lau leads clinical development, medical affairs, and patient access strategies for the company's novel therapeutic programs. Previously, she held leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson and Novartis, where she led high-performing global teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia to deliver critical products and franchise strategies. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Lau has worked at the forefront of innovation—from partnering with big tech to develop a diagnostic model for eye disease, to launch a telehealth eye clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes inclusion, collaboration, and a methodical approach to organizational growth and innovation.

Dr. Lau began her academic journey at Idaho State University. She later earned a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Washington, a Doctor of Optometry from UC Berkeley, and an MBA in Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Management from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an advocate for higher education, serving as a member of both the Benjamin Franklin Society and the Charter Hill Society.

A dedicated volunteer, Dr. Lau provides vision care through local and international outreach efforts and has served on nonprofit and corporate boards, including the King County Optometric Physicians Board, Johnson & Johnson’s Women Leadership Initiative, and the Asia Society for Innovation Achievement.

Returning to Idaho State University as a Foundation Board Member holds special significance for Dr. Lau.  She is excited to give back to the institution where her journey began and to contribute her healthcare expertise, global leadership experience, and passion for educational advancement to the university's continued success.

Joel Phillips

Director

Joel Phillips is a graduate from Idaho State University ISU alumnus and received his MBA in 2010. He joined the ISU Foundation Board in 2024.Joel Phillips, an Idaho State University alumnus, earned his MBA in 2010. He became a member of the ISU Foundation Board in 2024.

Travis Quast

Director

Travis Quast was appointed Regional President and Publisher of the East Idaho Group for Adams Publishing in April 2018. Prior to his appointment, he served as the publisher of the Twin Falls Times-News and The Voice in Idaho and the Elko Daily Free Press in Nevada for five years. He also served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the (Boise) Idaho Statesman for nine years. He has held management positions at the Bellingham (Wash.) Herald and Newspaper Agency Corp. - agents for the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Quast currently serves on the board of directors for the Newspaper Association of Idaho. He is a member of the University of Idaho Journalism and Mass Media Advisory committee. He is involved in economic development and has held a seat on the executive committee for the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization. He served on the executive committee for Business Plus, a private investors group supporting local economic development. He is active in Rotary and has served as club president.

Quast has been recognized for his efforts to protect First Amendment rights and advocacy for transparency in local and state government. He won a landmark case against the University of Idaho for access to teacher evaluations. He led efforts to shape local government public records and opening meeting policies.

 

Born in Burley, Idaho, Quast is married to LaNae Empey Quast and has two children, Maddy and Ian. Quast is a 1996 graduate of the University of Idaho where he received his BA in Public Communication.

Jayson Ronk

Jayson Ronk

Director

Jayson serves as the Vice President of Public Affairs for Blue Cross of Idaho where he leads government and regulatory affairs activities. Prior to joining Blue Cross in 2021, Jayson has enjoyed a long career in public policy and politics including former roles as Director of State Government Affairs for Micron Technology, campaign manager for Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter, Vice President of the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry, and as a staff member to former Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne.  

Jayson holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Boise State University and a B.S. in political science from Idaho State University. 

Shelly Sayer

Shelly Sayer

Director

Shelly and her husband Douglas Sayer co-founded Premier Technology, Inc. in 1996. Shelly Sayer has been Premier Technology's Chief Executive Officer since 2013. Shelly is a determined CEO who leads through action. She is logical and strategic in her approach to business. She has a strong background in finance and has successfully cash-flowed Premier's rapid growth in the last 15 years. Shelly oversees the daily financial and business operations within the company. During her tenure at Premier, she has accomplished many things, including: orchestrating the company's first Quality Assurance stamp, developing a DCAA compliant accounting program, managing the finances behind a 90-million-dollar energy contract, and built a team of technical managers with strong work ethics and dedicated staff. Shelly has an Associate's degree in chemistry from Eastern Idaho Technical College and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Finance from Idaho State University. Outside of work, Shelly enjoys spending time with her family, her husband Doug, their two daughters Christi and Ashleigh, and her five grandchildren. She is an avid hunter, passionate about wildlife conservation, and enjoys traveling the world.

Board Member Steve Skaggs

Steve Skaggs

Director

Steve Skaggs grew up in Pocatello and graduated from ISU in 1982, having earned a BBA in Accounting. He began his professional career with Deloitte & Touche, retiring in 2006 as the Managing Partner of the firm’s Boise office. In 2025, Mr. Skaggs retired as the Chief Audit Officer for St. Luke’s Health System.

Skaggs is a member of the American Institute of CPA’s, the Idaho Society of CPA’s, and the Institute of Internal Auditors. An active member of the community, he has served on the board of directors of the Treasure Valley YMCA, Boise School District Education Foundation, FUNDSY, Idaho Chapter of Healthcare Financial Management, and Hillcrest Country Club. He currently serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the ISU College of Business, the YMCA’s Endowment Committee, and the Audit Committee of the State Board of Education.

Skaggs' wife, Pam, also graduated from ISU. Given the outstanding education both of them received, they have endowed a scholarship in the ISU College of Business.

Zakery Warren, ISUF Board of Directors

Zakery Warren

Chair Nominating Committee, Director

Zak has worked in the mental health field for 20 years upon completing his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2001. He went on to complete his Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Idaho State University in 2007 and has been Licensed in the State of Idaho since.

Zak has extensive leadership experience in the mental health field; having been involved with developing Case Management, Credentialing for Medicaid and insurance companies, development of CBRS programs, and various advocacy groups in Idaho in the past.

He currently operates as Executive Director for Pearl Health Clinic and Pearl Supportive Living, overseeing the delivery of all Mental Health Services. Additionally, he is a Level 2 Gottman Therapist and enjoys particularly working with couples. He has provided mental health training and service in multiple international settings. 

He incorporates Christian beliefs into his practice when clients are seeking this perspective and values helping all families restore broken relationships. Zak has been married for 20 years to his lovely wife Sarah. They have 2 children together and enjoy traveling, outdoor activities, cooking together, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Michael Watson

Director

Michael Watson is the Chief Marketing Officer at Idaho Central Credit Union, one of the fastest growing credit unions in the nation. He oversees the overall marketing operations of the Credit Union including planning, budget administration, team management, media, community development, public relations, sponsorships, facilities, wealth management, and building the ICCU brand.

Michael began his career with ICCU in 2000 to work in the Business Development department. In 2004 he became Marketing Manager, and then VP of Marketing in 2016. In 2019 he was promoted to CMO. When he started with Idaho Central the credit union had $150 million in assets. Today ICCU has over $14 billion in assets. Michael earned a bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University with a double major in Marketing and Business Management. In addition to serving on the ISU Foundation Board, Michael also serves on boards for the Idaho Governor’s Cup, Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI), and the Pocatello D.A.R.E. He is a long-time resident of Pocatello. He and his wife, Lisa, have four children. Michael enjoys spending time with his family, especially outdoors.

Ex Officio Members of the Board of Directors

president Wagner headshot

Robert Wagner

President, Idaho State University

Dr. Robert W. Wagner became Idaho State University’s fourteenth president in January, 2024.  Dr. Wagner joins ISU after nearly 17 years at Utah State University, serving most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and previously as the Vice President for Academic and Instructional Services, Assistant Vice Provost, Vice Provost, Executive Vice Provost, Executive Director for Distance Education and Dean. Before his time at USU, Dr.  Dr. Wagner served as a Special Assistant to the President for the State University of New York at Albany, focusing on government relations and special projects.

Dr. Wagner’s administrative experience includes institutional strategic planning, enrollment management, many aspects of the student life cycle including recruiting, admissions, financial aid, student orientation, retention, and completion, academic programming and faculty development, cross-institutional collaboration, community engagement, innovation in higher education, fundraising, student achievement, and government, industry and community partnerships. He has served on several national boards, including industry advisory panels, higher education associations and served as chair of the Utah Education and Telehealth Network Governing Board. Dr. Wagner's dedication to education originated from applying personalized learning models for students with disabilities within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s educational system. 

Dr. Wagner has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brigham Young University, a Master’s of Public Administration from the University of Utah and a Ph.D. in political science (public policy and public law) from the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the State University of New York-Albany with an emphasis in university, industry, and government relations.  He also earned higher education leadership certificates from Harvard University and Arizona State University-Georgetown University.

Dr. Wagner and his wife, Tracy, are the parents of five adult children and three grandchildren.

Stephanie Smith

Stephanie Smith

Vice President of University Advancement / ISUF Executive Vice President

Smith is a three-time graduate of Northern Arizona University (NAU), holding bachelor's degrees in political science and geography, as well as a master's in public administration. She most recently served as the Associate Vice President for Advancement at NAU, leading NAU's alumni association, alumni and donor engagement, board administration, and fundraising for the university's strategic initiatives. Before returning to her alma mater, Smith worked in local government and non-profit management. 

Smith has expertise in strategic planning, program administration, board governance, organizational leadership, team development, fundraising, and community engagement. She is passionate about transforming lives and communities through the power of public higher education and public service.

When not at work, Smith enjoys volunteering in her community and exploring canyons, mountains, and rivers.  

David Gates

David Gates

President - ISU Alumni Board President- Bengal Athletic Boosters (ex-officio, non voting)

Nate Cuoio

Nate Cuoio

Legal Counsel

photo of Gene Hoge

Gene Hoge

Assistant Treasurer Emeritus Director

Bengal head placeholder

Vacant

ISU Faculty Representative