Steven Daley-Laursen Presidential Archive

Interim President
July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009

---

Steven Daley-Laursen, as a proud alumnus, has led the University of Idaho through a complex chapter of its very long and proud history with great skill, understanding and vision.

Among his accomplishments:

• Implemented an academic program prioritization for the university's long-term viability and impact. As a note, earlier this year, Idaho JFAC members called the university a model for strategic plan implementation in state agencies, and encouraged us to “stay the course” in making difficult decisions that will refine our missions and focus our resources on our strengths.
• Initiated process reengineering pilot projects to increase our efficiencies, collaborations and internal customer satisfaction.
• Implemented Request for Innovations (RFI) process to envision how the University of Idaho should be shaped and focused for the 21st century.
• Was the lead player in generating a $1 million gift to the university, the first one of the campaign. That gift has direct benefit to at least four parts of the university, including athletics.
• Created improved relations and new partnerships with the other universities and colleges of the state, including some of the state’s largest research grants in history as collaborations between the University of Idaho and other institutions.
• Worked with legislature to secure $500,000 in new state funding for the Center for Advanced Energy Studies in Idaho Falls.
• Secured permanent building fund fiscal support for the remodeling of the ASUI-Kibbie Activity Center.
• Created an Office of Planning and Budget that will bolster the strategic, operational and capital planning capabilities of the university into a sustainable budgeting model.
• Under his leadership, the university's overall private giving is up nearly two percent. This is in stark contrast to the national picture, where institutions are seeing decreases in giving of as much as 40 percent.
• Currently is articulating a transition plan for President-Designate Nellis, which is necessary given the many initiatives underway in the last year.