Idaho State president says university will return forensic pathology appropriation; budget presentation outlines FY2026 requests

Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that the university will return funds appropriated for an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology laboratory after a review found the remaining appropriation had been transferred to the county under a memorandum of understanding.

Kevin Campbell, a budget and policy analyst with the Legislative Services Office, opened the university briefing with a financial overview and the institution’s FY2026 budget request. “Idaho State University has an enrollment of more than 12,000 students, supported by 1,244 FTE and a base budget of $171,100,000,” Campbell said during his presentation.

Wagner said ISU became aware of concerns about the Eastern Idaho Forensic Pathology Center in late 2023. He described the original plan as one in which ISU would house the lab on its Pocatello campus and provide clinical and educational opportunities for health sciences…