2008 Woodie Awards
New President Says ISU Fits Just Right
Eryn Lowe
Issue date: 2/22/06 Section: News
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On February 15, State Board Member Karen McGee introduced Vailas, the vice chancellor and vice president for research and development at the University of Houston, as the new ISU President. Vailas accepted the offer saying ISU is where he needs to be.
Vailas addressed an audience of faculty, students, community members and media in the rotunda of the Stephens Performing Arts Center. Vailas says ISU is the right fit for him and his wife Dr. Laura Vailas.
"This is a dream that I had, someday, to come to the right place. And the minute I stepped on this campus I felt this is the right place," Vailas said. "It's a beautiful state and a wonderful university- a university that plays a very key role in the future of this state."
Vailas says immediate action will be taken on developing ISU's role in energy, health care, environmental areas and other fields that will be helpful on a national level.
"Idaho State University, I believe, has been a leader in all these areas," Vailas said. "This university has a lot to offer."
The progression of health sciences and professions was an issue mentioned throughout the ceremony. McGee says Vailas has the ability to progress ISU's medical program.
"Dr. Vailas is a man of exceptional talent. He is a leader of higher education," McGee said. 'His background in health sciences will be critical in advancing Idaho State's health science mission."
With ISU's potential of becoming Idaho's first and only medical school, Vailas says he has been involved in such roles before and is excited for the opportunity.
"I think having its first medical school is a great challenge. Obviously it's one that has to be studied very carefully," Vailas said. "Idaho State is the perfect place to create the medical school. It has the potential of becoming realistic in the near future."
Dr. Laura Vailas, who is the associate dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at the University of Houston, says she is also looking forward to serving ISU and assisting in university goals.