Russell Reynolds Associates Retained by Boise State University to Find 8th President
May 14, 2025 – Global leadership advisory firm Russell Reynolds Associates has been retained by Boise State University to lead in its search for its eighth president. Past president Marlene Tromp recently left the school to serve as president at the University of Vermont. Russell Reynolds will recruit candidates and assist the Boise State University president search committee throughout the process until finalists are named. The search committee will recommend finalists to the state board of education, who will then review all input, conduct interviews with the finalists, and select the next president.
“I am pleased that State Board of Education Members David Turnbull and Kurt Liebich will lead the search committee effort,” said Idaho State board of education president Dr. Linda Clark. “We are determined to conduct a very thorough search, and to get the process started immediately. The search committee includes leaders from Boise State and the Idaho business community, and all are committed to finding a president who can build on Boise State’s remarkable momentum.”
Boise State is looking for a leader who not only can lead the institution but will demonstrate genuine appreciation for Idaho’s unique blend of independent spirit, entrepreneurial mindset and strong commitment to education. While academic credentials are valued through a terminal degree and high academic achievement, equally important is a demonstrated record of effective and inspirational leadership. This includes relationship building, management and driving innovation in complex organizations.
The leadership of Boise State requires skills that cross academic, management, business, political and relational sectors. It is preferred that a successful candidate will possess experience in most of these sectors and can demonstrate how they can meet the expectations of these where one is not as strong. President s must be able to oversee the financial and personnel aspect s of the university; navigate community, donor and statewide relationships; collaborate with Idaho’s other public universities; and work in alignment with the Idaho State Board of Education.
The president reports to the Idaho State Board of Education and is the chief executive officer and president of Boise State. As Idaho’s largest university, Boise State requires a bold, visionary leader who will engage stakeholders across the state and position the institution as a leader in higher education while honoring Idaho’s unique values and culture. They will connect authentically with Idaho’s broad and independent communities from rural agricultural regions to dynamic city centers, serving as both an educational leader and a trusted voice in conversations about Idaho’s future.
Boise State University is a public, metropolitan research university providing leadership in academics, research, and civic engagement. The school has more than 24,000 students from every state and more than 60 foreign countries. Boise State is designated as a doctoral research institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It offers about 200 programs of study, including 11 doctoral programs. The university is an integral part of its metropolitan environment and is engaged in its economic vitality, policy issues, professional, and continuing education programming and cultural enrichment.
Related: The High Demand for Higher Education Leaders Continues
Russell Reynolds Associates is a global leadership advisory and search firm. Its 520-plus consultants in 47 offices work with public, private, and non-profit organizations across all industries and regions. The firm also conducts in-depth organizational culture assessment and measures the cultural fit of key leadership and candidates in the following areas: arts and culture, global development, higher education, non-profit health and human services, public sector, social justice and advocacy, as well as trade and professional associations.
Partnering with an Executive Search Firm to Recruit Higher Education Leaders
Executive search consultants continue to tell Hunt Scanlon Media that the competition for superior, senior leadership talent is fierce. With the general shortage of executive talent, exacerbated by the pandemic, higher education institutions appear highly motivated to retain effective current leaders making counteroffers more prevalent than ever, and in some instances, extreme in their composition and amount, according to a recent report from Buffkin / Baker’s Ken Carrick. “As with students, it is likely less expensive to retain the talented leaders currently on board as opposed to recruiting new leaders,” he says.
The firm provides executive search services across all areas of the global media, entertainment, technology, and athletics markets. The firm’s consultants bring the experience and ability to assess competencies and cultural fit of board members, CEOs, senior functional leadership and players, with expertise in professional sports teams and leagues (CEOs, general managers, coaches and players); digital, media and entertainment; and technology-based start-ups.
CHRO Search
Separately, Bryant Group was recently retained by Boise State University to lead in its search for a new chief human resources officer. Sarah Hempen, vice president of search, is leading the assignment. “Boise State University is nationally known for innovation,” said Boise State University president Marlene Tromp. “We are looking for a forward-thinking, strategic leader to guide our human resources team, support our thriving community of employees, and collaborate with executive leadership to position Boise State as a premier destination for talent. This crucial role will help grow, develop and shape Boise State’s workforce of tomorrow.”
The CHRO will lead a highly skilled HR team, committed to creating a people-first environment where talent is recognized as a vital asset and Boise State is recognized as an employer of choice. They will oversee the full spectrum of HR functions, including talent acquisition, career development, succession planning, leadership training, employee engagement, compensation, benefits, HRIS and payroll. The successful candidate will thrive in an environment of collaboration, working alongside other visionary leaders and a motivated staff.
Related: In Changing Times, Higher Education Sector Seeks New Types of Leaders
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
