University of Idaho highlights research, INL partnership and enrollment gains while answering budget and program questions

Kevin Campbell, Legislative Services Office budget analyst, presented the University of Idaho’s budget overview to the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 27, reporting a base budget near $196.3 million and an enrollment figure the analyst listed at 12,286 students.

President C. Scott Green said the university has improved its financial position since he arrived and described a multi‑year effort that included a $26 million base reduction to align spending with revenues. "We took aggressive action ... and improved our financial position steadily," Green said, while acknowledging the university does not yet meet the State Board’s 5% unrestricted reserve benchmark because of a legacy OPEB (other post‑employment benefits) accounting move that shifted liabilities on the balance sheet.

Research and statewide partnerships: Green emphasized the University’s land‑grant research role and a continuing partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). He said new and continuing energy‑related research areas include nuclear materials and fuel…