Boise State University

Boise State University
Name	Boise State University
Established	1932
Type	Public research university
Endowment	$200 million+
President	Dr. Marlene Tromp
City	Boise
State	Idaho
Country	United States
Campus	Urban, 285 acres
Students	26,000+
Faculty	2,800+
Colors	Blue and orange
Nickname	Broncos
Affiliations	Mountain West Conference, University of Idaho

Boise State University. A public research institution located in Boise, the capital city of Idaho. Founded in 1932 by the Episcopal Church, it has grown from a junior college into the state's largest university by enrollment, known for its distinctive blue AstroTurf football field and robust research programs in materials science and public policy. The university is a member of the Mountain West Conference and plays a significant role in the educational and economic landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

History

The institution was originally established as Boise Junior College by the Episcopal Church, with its first classes held in the basement of St. Michael's Cathedral. Control was transferred to the State of Idaho in 1969, and it was renamed Boise State College. Achieving university status in 1974, it became a critical component of the state's higher education system alongside the University of Idaho and Idaho State University. Key historical developments include the creation of its nationally recognized College of Engineering and its designation as a doctoral research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

Academics

The university comprises several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Economics, the College of Engineering, the College of Health Sciences, and the School of Public Service. It offers over 200 programs of study, including notable graduate degrees through the College of Education and the School of the Arts. The university is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity" and is renowned for research conducted at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, the Human-Environment Systems center, and the Institute for STEM and Diversity Initiatives. It maintains a partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory.

Campus

The main urban campus spans 285 acres along the Boise River, adjacent to downtown Boise. Iconic facilities include the Albertsons Library, the Michener Center which houses the School of the Arts, and the Student Union Building. The campus is dominated by the distinctive blue AstroTurf of Albertsons Stadium, home to the Boise State Broncos football team. Other significant structures are the Morrison Center for the Performing Arts, a major venue for the Boise Philharmonic, and the Center for Visual Arts, which features works by artists like Dale Chihuly.

Athletics

The university's athletic teams, known as the Boise State Broncos, compete in the NCAA Division I as members of the Mountain West Conference. The football program gained national prominence with victories in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl and 2010 Fiesta Bowl under coaches like Chris Petersen and Bryan Harsin. Other successful programs include men's basketball and wrestling. Athletic facilities include Albertsons Stadium, ExtraMile Arena, and the Brady Street athletics complex.

Student life

Student life is centered around over 200 student organizations, including fraternities and sororities governed by the North-American Interfraternity Conference. The Associated Students of Boise State University is the primary student government body. Major annual events include Homecoming celebrations and the Spirit of the Broncos competition. Students participate in community engagement through the Service-Learning program and enjoy outdoor recreation facilitated by the university's proximity to the Boise River Greenbelt and the Rocky Mountains.

Notable alumni and faculty

Prominent alumni include Kristin Armstrong, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in cycling, Curt Apsey, former NCAA athletic director, and Jerry Kramer, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Distinguished faculty have included Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of *All the Light We Cannot See*, and scientist Amy J. Moll, a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Other notable figures are television host Stacy London and former U.S. Congressman Walt Minnick.

Category:Universities and colleges in Idaho Category:Public universities and colleges in the United States Category:Mountain West Conference Category:Educational institutions established in 1932