Senior Reporter Kevin Richert has been chosen as this year’s winner of the Enhancing Public Discourse award, which honors community members who have made significant impacts in Idaho. 

“Kevin’s work to increase coverage of important educational topics in Idaho is vital to our community,” the award announcement reads. 

Boise State University’s School of Public Service awards the honor each year; past recipients include the late Jim Weatherby and retired reporter Betsy Russell. 

Richert has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism, including at newspapers in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and Boise. Richert has covered education politics and policy at Idaho Education News since its founding 12 years ago. 

In that time, Richert has won 11 first-place awards in the Idaho Press Club competition, and he’s been selected Idaho’s print Reporter of the Year. 

Richert covers events at the Statehouse, the State Board of Education and higher education. He writes breaking and investigative news and analysis. He has his own blog and podcast, and is a regular guest on local TV and radio.

Educators statewide have especially come to depend on Richert’s annual coverage of the Legislature and policy creation, and he is widely recognized as an authority on matters of Idaho education.  

“He’s the most experienced and talented reporter in Idaho,” said Jennifer Swindell, Idaho Education News’ CEO and editor. “He has a deep desire to look for the truth.”

The late Tracy Andrus will also be honored with a Commitment to Idaho Award. Andrus was the former chair of the Andrus Center for Public policy “where she worked to address vital public policy issues such as wise use of environmental resources and public lands,” according to the School of Public Service. 

An awards ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. on May 7 at the Alumni and Friends Center. More information on the event and a link to RSVP are available here.