Boise State University has hired Lisa P. Phillips to serve as the vice provost for community engagement and belonging. Phillips comes from Columbus State Community College, where she worked as the director of the Student Advocacy Center. She will begin her new role this summer.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Phillips to Boise State University,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter said. “In becoming the inaugural vice provost for community engagement and belonging, Dr. Phillips will have the opportunity to shape the ways in which our university welcomes students into our classrooms, and the ways in which we create a supportive environment for everyone in Academic Affairs. I want to thank the search committee and its chair, Dr. James Satterfield, for their time and efforts in bringing an exceptional pool of candidates to campus. I am grateful for their careful attention to the qualities best suited for this critical position.”
The vice provost for community engagement and belonging will serve as a senior official charged with leading and coordinating the efforts in Academic Affairs to support an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, staff and faculty. This will happen through work with the president, provost, deans, other academic leadership and Human Resources to facilitate an integrated vision and shared responsibility for advancing institutional goals and providing equitable opportunities.
“Building healthy and vibrant communities on our campus is of the utmost importance to our campus, as evidenced by the fact that it is one of our strategic plan goals,” said Dr. Marlene Tromp, president. “I am delighted to welcome Lisa Phillips to Boise State University and look forward to her work to help everyone in Academic Affairs find a home at Boise State.”
Phillips received a doctorate in organizational communication from Ohio University, a Master of Education degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in higher education administration from James Madison University and a bachelor’s degree in speech communication from East Stroudsburg University. Her academic interests lie in understanding organizational culture, especially how it is perceived and experienced by women of color and other historically underrepresented groups.
“I am excited to join Academic Affairs at Boise State University and look forward to being part of this community that values innovation and is open to creating opportunities where all members feel comfortable in engaging in dialogues that demonstrate and strengthen our shared values,” Phillips said.