Just a few weeks ago, University of Idaho President Scott Green announced his retirement after 8 years serving in the position. As a replacement has yet to be announced, this leaves many students and staff wondering what the announcement could mean for the future of the university.
While no clear theories can be made before a new president is chosen, by looking at Scott Green’s impact on the university and background he came into the position with, it can give an idea of what type of situation the new president will enter.
Green took over the presidency in 2019 as the 19th person to hold the office, succeeding Chuck Staben. When Green took office, UI was in a $20 Million budget shortfall, a financial crisis for the school. Less than a year later, COVID-19 shut down campus along with all other universities globally.
While Green was considered an unconventional president to take the position as he had no experience in higher education that other traditional university heads have, he was still able to navigate these challenges successfully.
While Scott Green does not have a doctorate or experience in higher education leadership, he was a very successful businessman. Graduating with a master’s degree from Harvard Business School, Green’s career included working in banking and eventually becoming the financial officer for various globally recognized law firms managing over $2 billion in annual revenue and thousands of employees globally. Choosing a businessman to take over leadership of UI during a time of financial crisis was likely a strategic move made by the Idaho State Board of Education and it paid off.
Green was able to restructure UI’s financial operations, ending deficit spending and raised over $500 million for the Brave.Bold.Unstopable campaign which provides funding for research programs, student scholarships and more.
President Green was able to completely transform the university into a thriving school that has back-to-back rising and record enrollment for 5 years straight. In his retirement announcement, Green acknowledged that leaving at a time of great success may seem short-sighted, but he is committed to “doubling down” until the very end.
The next UI president will certainly have large shoes to fill which leaves speculation on the types of strategies they will enter the office with. Scott Green had a very business-heavy mindset when tackling the problems facing the university. Continuing with this strategy could lead to even greater financial success for the school. This plan could also have an opposite effect on students if finances are prioritized over student well-being, giving the new president a negative rapport right from the start.
Many students often admire President Green’s community involvement and active engagement as he is regularly seen at all types of events around campus. The new president could lean into this and commit themselves to being front and center of student life involving themselves in even more activities.
The new UI president is going to enter a position with a large legacy left behind. Whether they decide to continue it or create their own is only for the future to tell.
Amelie Dobler can be reached at [email protected]