Idaho State President Pledges Greater Oversight after Forensic Lab Financing Missteps; outlines FY2026 request

Idaho State University President Rob Wagner told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 29 that the university will return remaining funds tied to an Eastern Idaho forensic pathology project, tighten controls to ensure legislative intent is followed and pursue strategic investments to support enrollment and health‑sciences workforce needs.

Wagner and Legislative Services analyst Kevin Campbell also briefed the committee on ISU’s FY2026 budget request, which seeks $907,300 in operational capacity enhancement, $233,700 for endowment adjustments and $988,100 in enrollment workload adjustment. Campbell told the committee ISU serves more than 12,000 students and that personnel comprises about 74.8% of the university’s expenditures.

The return of the forensic pathology funds and a requested audit were raised as part of an announcement at the start of the hearing. Campbell said the Legislative Services Office has prepared a report and “an audit is being requested and is just now in process.” Wagner said ISU became aware of the…