President Green speaks about enrollment, politics and Phoenix in his annual address

University of Idaho President C. Scott Green addressed faculty, staff and students on Tuesday, touting expected fall enrollment increases, millions of dollars in research grants and a “balanced” budget.

The university president spoke about the process of developing a new strategic plan and then briefly addressed the U of I’s impending acquisition of the University of Phoenix.

Green was proud of the university’s achievements, its faculty and students, and expressed optimism about the school’s future.

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

Green welcomes growth in enrollment and research

While the U of I won’t receive final enrollment numbers until October, Green said the university is forecasting another semester of growth.

Green reported that 60% of the university’s 2023 incoming students will be first-year students, which is consistent with the university’s goal of expanding educational opportunities and reducing educational barriers nationwide.

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

University of Illinois develops new five-year strategic plan

The University of Idaho will develop a new strategic plan this year with the help of an outside firm.

The external consultant – yet to be appointed – will assist the university in developing a five-year plan that reflects the university’s academic, research and financial goals.

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

The administration hopes the plan will create important pillars to move the university closer to its goals and “continue to be a beacon of excellence and a model for higher education,” said Provost Torrey Lawrence.

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

During a question-and-answer session at the address on Tuesday, university officials questioned the administration about its decision to hire an outside firm.

University administration assured employees that the planning process will be safe and reflect the interests of the university. According to administration, the decision to hire an outside consultant will make the planning process more efficient and prevent staff from being overburdened.

Green briefly mentions Phoenix

Before concluding his remarks, Green briefly addressed the University of Illinois’ controversial plans to acquire the University of Phoenix, a for-profit online university with about 85,000 students.

“One of the variables that will greatly impact our future as a university is our upcoming partnership with the University of Phoenix,” Green said.

In June, the state board approved a one-year extension of the Phoenix transaction, giving the University of Illinois time to continue negotiations with Phoenix – and with education policymakers who blocked the $685 million purchase earlier this year.

Green reiterated his plan to acquire Phoenix in his remarks on Tuesday.

“We’ve 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 a lot about the pace of change in education and how to adapt quickly. We look forward to continuing to grow this partnership so we can reach more of our citizens with a world-class education at a great value.”

Green said there is “no obligation” to complete the transaction at this time. Any amended transaction would be submitted to the State Board.

The Phoenix purchase came up again when an audience member asked Green about the university’s spending.

According to a June EdNews report, the University of Illinois has spent $14.2 million on Phoenix-related expenses so far, and is expected to spend about $4 million this year.

The majority went to nine different law firms and consultants.

Green assured the audience Tuesday that the University of Illinois is in good financial shape. According to Green, university expenses will be reimbursed through the issuance of bonds when the transaction is completed.

If the plan fails, the University of Illinois will receive at least $10 million and up to $20 million, Green said.

“We want to make sure that we leave the university financially strong at the end.”

Green talks about politics and calls on staff and teachers to “go vote”

In his speech on Tuesday, Green addressed the political climate surrounding public education in Idaho.

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

Without naming the parties, Green pointed to a recent change in the Idaho Republican platform that opposes the “use of taxpayer dollars for post-high school programs.”

“We can’t take a political position,” Green said, “but we can ask people to get involved and help us get voters to the polls.”

Green urged staff and teachers to talk to their candidates about their stance on public education and to show up at the polls on Election Day.

“Let us all be informed when we go to the polls in the fall.”