Lori Farris, assistant director of purchasing operations, retired on Friday, Jan. 17 after serving the Department of Purchasing for 11 years.
Farris began her career at Boise State in 1999 as a buyer after moving from Flagstaff, Arizona, to Idaho. She was promoted to senior buyer shortly thereafter and worked in the purchasing department for three years.
In 2002, Farris left her position at Boise State to dedicate her time to homeschooling her two children. In 2011, members of the purchasing department were thrilled to hear that Farris was returning. Later, she became assistant director of purchasing operations.
During her time at Boise State, Farris spearheaded major projects, including being the sole buyer for the Campus Recreation Center built in 2000. In conjunction with the Office of Sponsored Programs, she also led campus through the new procurement requirements of uniform guidance and requirements for federally-funded purchases. This required changes in purchasing thresholds, policies, procedures and compliance efforts at all levels. She is known by her coworkers for being curious and process-improvement focused, and challenges others to do the same.