POCATELLO – Dr. Michael Gallagher, a former Idaho State University Vice President for Academic Affairs, will act as ISU’s interim president.
State Board members made the announcement during a press conference today on the ISU campus.
“The Board believes Dr. Gallagher’s skills as an administrator and his intricate knowledge of ISU, make him an excellent fit for the position of interim president,” said Rod Lewis, President of the State Board of Education.
Dr. Gallagher has spent 36 years in higher education, beginning as a business instructor. Gallagher served as the Dean of the ISU College of Business for two years and ISU Vice President for Academic Affairs from 1989 to 1996. Dr. Gallagher recently retired as the President of Mesa State College where he worked for seven years. In addition to his experience in higher education, Dr. Gallagher has extensive experience in corporate America, working for such companies as Procter & Gamble and Phillips Petroleum Company.
"It's great to be back at ISU where I spent nine memorable years working with many talented and dedicated people,” said Dr. Gallagher.
Dr. Gallagher will serve as the interim until a new president is appointed. The presidential search process is on track and the search advisory committee is currently taking applications from across the country. The Board will interview the presidential finalists and expect to name a new ISU president in January or February.
Dr. Gallagher looks forward to getting reacquainted with ISU faculty and staff. A reception has been scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Bengal Café in the Pond Student Union Building on Wednesday for all staff and faculty members to meet Dr. Gallagher.
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