Idaho State president says university will return forensic lab funds, pledges tighter controls as ISU outlines FY2026 request

Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that ISU has begun returning funds tied to a proposed Eastern Idaho forensic pathology center and that he has ordered improved tracking and accountability for legislative appropriations.

Wagner said the university discovered late in 2023 that the county partner no longer preferred a facility on ISU’s Pocatello campus and that “we had at that time expended a small portion of those funds for a consultant.” He told committee members the remaining funds will be returned to the state and that an audit has been requested; a university report prepared by Legislative Services staff also is online for members and the public.

The public interest in the pathology matter prompted several legislators to press Wagner on how ISU will prevent recurrence. “We must do better … recognize that legislative intent is law and it's incredibly important for us as an institution when those funds come to us that we take full and complete responsibility,” Wagner said. He described steps under his leadership to identify ownership of legislative funds, to track invoices and transfers, and to make sure funds are used according to legislative intent.

Why it matters: ISU’s handling of…