Shaping the Future of Healthcare Education: Dr. Sonali Salunkhe Receives Portneuf Medical Center Endowed Professorship in Healthcare Administration

Undergraduate Healthcare Administration Program Director and Assistant Professor of Healthcare Administration Dr. Sonali Salunkhe has become the first recipient of the Portneuf Medical Center (PMC) Endowed Professorship in Healthcare Administration, a position made possible through PMC’s generous support to ISU College of Business. Kept as a surprise, Salunkhe arrived at PMC for a “research team photo,” and was instead greeted by Idaho State University (ISU) and PMC colleagues with a special announcement.

“I am very thankful to PMC, whose vision created this endowed professorship within the ISU College of Business,” said Salunkhe. “Receiving the PMC endowed professorship, in PMC, from leadership teams from both PMC and ISU College of Business, was a pleasant surprise. It fills me with deep gratitude. [This professorship] is an extraordinary honor, which will strengthen and elevate our healthcare administration program.”

"PMC is honored to support ISU through this endowed professorship for Dr. Sonali Sulunkhe,” said PMC Chief Financial Officer John Abreu, who had the privilege of announcing the professorship and also works with Salunkhe on research. “This investment reflects our shared vision of advancing healthcare leadership and education in Southeast Idaho. By fostering research, innovation, and collaboration, we are building a stronger pipeline of healthcare professionals and improving the quality of care for our community. We congratulate Dr. Sulunkhe on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the meaningful impact her work will bring."

This professorship adds to Salunkhe’s growing list of achievements, including the 2025 American Public Health Administration ‘Rising Star Award’ and her work with an interdisciplinary ISU team to secure a multi-million-dollar Behavioral Health Workforce and Education Training Program grant aimed at addressing mental health needs in Idaho.

"We are so grateful to John Abreu and PMC’s entire leadership team for this generous gift,” said Interim College of Business Dean and ICCU Endowed Professor of Management Dr. Alex Bolinger. “Professorships are essential resources that benefit our students by allowing us to attract and support top-quality, community-oriented faculty such as Dr. Salunkhe. The College of Business is excited about our continued partnership with PMC and are grateful for their service to our community."

This endowed professorship represents not just a recognition of faculty excellence, but a long-term philanthropic commitment that will benefit students, faculty and the broader community. In addition to attracting top-talent to ISU, professorships strengthen ISU programs by supporting research and conference opportunities for both the professor and students within the program. It also provides internship opportunities for students at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

To learn more about professorships and other giving opportunities at ISU, visit isu.edu/give.