University of Idaho reports improved finances but flags reserve shortfall; Phoenix deal, DEI office changes and WWAMI discussed

University of Idaho President C. Scott Green told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 27 that the university's finances have improved since large reductions earlier in the decade but that accounting treatment of retiree benefits and restricted reserves keep some measures below the State Board of Education benchmarks.

"I think you remember what it must have been like 6 years ago. We were in pretty severe financial straits," Green said, adding that on arrival he was told the university had been "about 18 months from running out of cash." He said a $26 million base reduction and other measures helped stabilize the institution.

Why it matters: the University of Idaho is the state's land‑grant research university with broad statewide responsibilities, sizeable federal and private research funding flows, and large workforce and extension roles. Its budget and reserve health affect research, graduate programs, medical training and partnerships with Idaho National Laboratory and other state institutions.

Key points from the presentation and committee Q&A:

- Budget and reserves: Budget analyst Kevin Campbell told the committee the University of Idaho has a base budget roughly $196.3 million and enrollment of 12,286…