University of Idaho reports improved finances, discusses Phoenix deal, program reorganizations and INL partnership

Dr. Kevin Campbell, budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, summarized the University of Idaho budget and noted the university’s FY2025 base budget of $196,300,000 and an enrollment of 12,286 students supported by about 1,352 FTP.

“Estimated expenditures include reappropriated tuition and fee dollars,” Campbell said, explaining that endowment funds such as the Agricultural College Fund and Scientific School Fund have statutory designations and that the university’s five‑year appropriation history shows both base reductions and subsequent enhancements tied to CEC and other items.

University of Idaho President C. Scott Green told the committee the university’s financial position has “greatly improved” since several years of acute shortfalls and a $26 million base reduction; he said the university has stabilized cash reserves and absorbed EWA impacts through operational adjustments while maintaining increased enrollment.

President Green and his staff covered a range of topics during questioning by JFAC members:

- University of Phoenix transaction: Green said the university and the Phoenix sellers extended a deadline to June 10, allowing the sellers to seek other bidders; the agreement includes a potential breakup fee of up to $20,000,000 to cover University of Idaho expenses if the sale proceeds to another buyer. Green said any affiliation or legislation would require board and legislative review.

- DEI reorganization: Following a State Board of Education decision, President Green said the university dismantled standalone offices (Office of Equity and Diversity, Office of Multicultural Affairs, Black/African‑American Cultural Center, LGBTQA Office, and Women’s Center) at the end of 2024. He said affected staff have been reassigned under the Dean of Students or other functions; some positions were not refilled and job descriptions were revised. Green described new or expanded student‑success initiatives such as Vandal Success and a first‑generation student support unit to serve affected students.

- Research and federal grants: Committee members asked about large federal awards and pass‑throughs. Green confirmed the University conducts sizable research programs and sometimes subawards funds to partner institutions; the university’s controller and CFO were present to provide follow‑up to requests for lists of subrecipients.

- INL and energy partnerships: Green highlighted expanded collaboration with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in nuclear materials and fuel cycle engineering, integrated energy systems and power engineering. He described projects including 3‑D printing of replacement parts for molten salt reactors, nuclear waste reduction work, hydrogen supply chain projects and cybersecurity work on power infrastructure. He said the university would formalize a super agreement with INL to reinforce the partnership.

- WWAMI and physician workforce: The university described the WWAMI MD program (in partnership with the University of Washington) as the state’s only MD pathway; officials said discussions were underway with the University of Utah School of Medicine about potential collaboration or transition and that any change would follow State Board review and required approvals.

Committee members pressed on financial metrics such as net position and reserve ratios. President Green explained the university’s unrestricted net position and restricted net position differ because of previously recorded OPEB (retiree medical) obligations, which affected unrestricted reserve calculations; total net position remains positive at the university level.

No formal committee actions were taken. Committee leadership postponed the remainder of the system‑wide colleges and universities hearing to a later date to allow additional questions and data follow‑up.