Blue Sky Institute and ‘Wicked Problems’ Topic of Nov. 2Bronco Zone
by alivia wachsmuth
BY: CIENNA MADRID
The campus community is invited to join Tim Dunnagan, dean of the College of Health Sciences, and Ken Peterson, dean of the College of Business and Economics, for a discussion on the university’s ambitious new Blue Sky Institute held at the Bronco Zone from 11:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Nov. 2.
The Blue Sky Institute (BSI or the Institute) is a collaboration that spans the university and the community to research and create solutions to complex social problems. Co-sponsored by the College of Health Sciences and College of Business and Economics, the BSI serves as a “neutral space” for stakeholders, including scholars representing diverse fields of study and practitioners across industries and organizations, to work together to find solutions to the biggest, most protracted problems we face as a society. These problems are often called “wicked problems” because they have multiple root causes, many stakeholders and are nearly impossible to solve.
The institute will play the role of facilitator, honest broker, researcher and funder for these collaborative efforts, seeking to leverage the wisdom and experience of diverse stakeholders who might otherwise not be inclined to work collectively. The first mandate is an exploration of the relevant population health issues present in our community and a deep dive into those deemed critical to community and campus stakeholders. Additionally, the institute will be home to the first executive in residence jointly appointed by two colleges when former Blue Cross of Idaho CEO Zelda Geyer-Silvia joins BSI later this fall.
Lunch is available for those who would like to stay after the presentation. The Bronco Zone is located on the third floor of the Stueckle Sky Center. Please enter through the north elevator tower to access Bronco Zone. Bronco Zone lunches are generally offered every Wednesday and Thursday through the academic year.
Check out the menu or reserve your seat online at eventservices.boisestate.edu/broncozone. The presentation is open to anyone. To enjoy Bronco Zone lunches you must be part of one of the following groups:
- Alumni Association
- Boise State University faculty and staff
- Boise State University faculty and staff emeriti
- Bronco Athletic Association
- President’s Club donors
- Varsity B members