University of Idaho President C. Scott Green addressed school faculty, staff and students Tuesday, touting the university’s projected fall enrollment increase, multimillion-dollar research grants and a “balanced” budget.

The university president spoke to the process of developing a new strategic plan, before briefly touching on the U of I’s pending acquisition of the University of Phoenix.

Green took pride in the university’s accomplishments, faculty and students — and spoke optimistically about the school’s future.

“We’ve been through a financial crisis, a pandemic, a capital crime, and we just come out of it stronger … because of all the work that we do together, ” Green said. “Thank you for that. And again, go Vandals.”

Green applauds enrollment growth, research

While the U of I will not receive final enrollment numbers until October, Green said the university is projecting another semester of growth.

Green reported that 60% of the university’s 2023 freshmen were first-generation students, aligning with the school’s goal to expand educational opportunities and remove barriers to education statewide.

Green also touted a $15 million grant for fire and drought research, and an $11 million grant funding a research center for women’s nutrition and health.

U of I to craft new, five-year strategic plan

The University of Idaho will create a new strategic plan this year — with help from an outside firm.

The outside consultant — which is yet to be determined — will assist the university in crafting a five-year plan that reflects the university’s academic, research and financial goals.

Later this month, university officials plan to announce a strategic planning council made up of staff, faculty, alumni and industry professionals to help guide the planning process.

Administrators hope the plan will establish key pillars to move the university toward its goals, and “continue as a beacon of excellence and a model for higher education,” said Provost Torrey Lawrence.

The university plans to finalize and implement the plan in 2025.

During a question-and-answer portion of Tuesday’s address, university staff questioned administrators about the decision to hire an outside firm.

University officials assured staff that the planning process would remain secure and reflect the best interests of the university. According to administrators, the decision to hire an outside consultant will make the planning process more efficient, and prevent staff from being overworked.

Green briefly touches on Phoenix

Before closing his remarks, Green briefly touched on the U of I’s controversial plan to acquire the University of Phoenix, a for-profit online university serving around 85,000 students.

“One of the variables that will greatly affect our future as a university is our pending affiliation with the University of Phoenix,” Green said.

In June, the State Board approved a one-year extension for the Phoenix transaction, buying the U of I time to continue negotiating with Phoenix — and education legislators, who blocked the $685 million purchase earlier this year.

Green doubled down on the plan to acquire Phoenix in his Tuesday remarks.

“We have already benefited from our relationship with the University of Phoenix in many ways,” Green said. “We’ve gained insights from their retention metrics, their customer relationship management tools and their badge and certification programs. We’ve also learned much about the pace of change in education and how to adapt quickly. We look forward to furthering this partnership so that we can reach more of our citizens with world class education at a great value.”

According to Green, there is “no commitment” to closing at this time. Any amended transaction would go before the State Board.

The Phoenix purchase cropped up again when an audience member questioned Green about the university’s expenditures.

According to a June EdNews report, the U of I has forked out $14.2 million on Phoenix-related expenses so far, with around $4 million in expenditures this year.

The largest chunk has gone to nine different law firms and consultants.

Green assured the audience Tuesday that the U of I is in good financial standing. According to Green, university expenses will be reimbursed through issuance bonds if the transaction closes.

If it falls through, the U of I will receive at least $10 million and up to $20 million, Green said.

“We want to make sure that we leave this university financially strong when this is all said and done.”

Green talks politics, encourages staff and faculty to “get out the vote”

Green addressed the political climate for public education in Idaho during Tuesday’s remarks.

“I don’t take political sides. I have to stay middle of the road,” said Green. “But I am a president of a university, a public university, and obviously I want to see this place thrive.”

Without naming parties, Green alluded to a recent change to the Idaho GOP platform that opposes “using taxpayer funding for programs beyond high school.”

“We can’t politically take a position,” said Green, “but what we can do is ask people to participate and … help us get out the vote.”

However, Green donated $7,289.34 to legislators or candidates ahead of the May 21 Republican primaries.

Green encouraged staff and faculty to speak to their candidates about their stances on public education, and to show up at the polls on election day.

“Let’s all be informed when we go to the polls this fall.”