Boise State’s Andrus Center for Public Policy is now part of the College of Arts and Sciences’ School of the Environment. This move will support the Andrus Center’s mission to elevate public policy discourse, while improving the breadth of interdisciplinary collaboration in the School of the Environment.
The Andrus Center was previously in the School of Public Service, where it advanced issues important to its namesake, Cecil D. Andrus, including leadership for all parts of society, early childhood education and preparing environmental stewards for the future.
Over his nearly six decades of public service, Andrus served a record four terms as Idaho governor, taking a break from the office in 1977 to serve as Secretary of the Interior in the Carter administration. He founded the Andrus Center for Public Policy at Boise State in 1994, after finishing his final term as governor.
Environmental stewardship is a key part of Andrus’s legacy. In his 1970 gubernatorial campaign, he campaigned against mining in Idaho’s White Cloud and Boulder mountain ranges and won. During his first term, he also advocated for congress to recognize the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, a region still beloved by Idahoans today.
Holding one of the greatest conservation records in American history, the center’s founder said “I remain hopeful that I will be able to pass on to my grandchildren all the pleasures of life in an unspoiled West. Perhaps hope should be replaced by a stronger word. It is a matter of obligation.”
That legacy is a core part of the Andrus Center today, and will contribute to its new home in the School of the Environment.
Building on existing collaborations
This isn’t the first time the School of the Environment and Andrus Center for Public Policy have collaborated. In 2018, the center established the Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for Environment and Public Lands. The chair advances the environment and public lands mission of the center, including the scholarship and development of university students interested in these areas of study.
Emily Wakild, professor of history and former director of the environmental studies program (2018-2022), currently occupies the role and serves as associate director of the School of the Environment.
“Few people have done as much to protect Idaho’s quality of life and environment than the four-time governor and Secretary of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus,” Wakild said. “It is with tremendous respect that I hold the endowed chair in his honor and aim to further the Andrus legacy of environmental stewardship for other generations. Having a formal association in the School of the Environment paves the way for this work to have an even greater reach, for me and many others alongside me.”
New home, strengthened focus
Interdisciplinary collaboration is at the heart of the School of the Environment. The Andrus Center will continue its mission by joining other initiatives in the school pursuing impactful solutions to the environmental challenges facing the region.
“The Andrus Center for Public Policy is very excited about the transition to the School of the Environment,” said Andrus Center Executive Director Danielle Trujillo. “The school’s goals align perfectly with everything we’ve done for nearly 30 years, with events advancing critical dialogue and programs nurturing future leaders in environmental and public land stewardship. This transition is a perfect matchup for continuing the center’s meaningful work.”
This move will also help the School of the Environment achieve its aims.
“I’m very excited about the Andrus Center joining the School of the Environment,” said Kevin Feris, the school’s director. “The school’s mission is to transform cutting-edge teaching, experiential learning and scholarly excellence into community engaged action. The work of the Andrus Center aligns perfectly with this mission and our partnership represents a unique and exciting opportunity to build fruitful new collaborations, expand opportunities for our students and faculty, and build new and enhance existing community partnerships and relationships. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing outcomes that will arise from our partnership.”
The Andrus Center’s core mission remains the same – to promote civil, serious discussion about public policy and the major issues of the times. The center will continue to promote independent, non-partisan policy formation by:
- Hosting events for the public
- Connecting Boise State students with job opportunities in natural resources management and environmental fields
- Advocating for issues important to Cecil D. Andrus and Idahoans today
Follow the Andrus Center website for the latest events updates.