President Scott Green delivered his State of the University address last Tuesday, August 13. Green discussed the state of the UI, such as enrollment rates, research plans and other opportunities for the university.
Student enrollment at the UI continues to grow, with enrollment increasing for seven consecutive semesters.
The freshman classes are larger than ever before. 2022 saw the largest class in the school’s history with 1,951 students. The freshman class of 2023 was just behind with 1,869 students.
The dormitories on campus are also reporting a record number for the coming semester: 99% are occupied.
President Green also addressed student-athletes with a combined grade point average of 3.49, saying, “Go out and support student-athletes who excel not only in sports but also in school.”
During the address, President Green was joined by two guest speakers, Kevin Wing and Torrey Lawrence.
Wing, a UI student majoring in computer science, reported his involvement in research to develop weed-removal robots for nurseries in Coeur d’Alene, called Project Evergreen.
Torrey Lawrence, provost and vice president of the university, discussed budget allocations and strategic planning on behalf of the UI.
President Green spoke about several other projects and shared that the University of Idaho conducts more research than all other institutions in Idaho combined, with $136 million allocated to research spending last year.
Finally, Green discussed the current status of the deal to acquire the University of Phoenix and said the plan has been extended to June 2025. The board will consider further changes to the transaction proposal.
“I am proud to be a Vandal,” President Green concluded his address. “While others talk, we act.”
