Dean's Letter
The School of Public Service is fortunate to be the home of two institutes that bear the names and build on the legacies of two giants of Idaho politics: Senator Frank Church and Governor Cecil Andrus.
The Frank Church Institute promotes civic engagement and understanding of public policy with a focus on democracy, the environment, and international relations. Our Andrus Center is dedicated to excellence in independent, non-partisan policy formation on critical issues confronting Idaho, the American West, and the nation. Together, these two institutes capably serve our state and region.
In this issue of Public Interest, we’ll introduce you to our new endowed chairs who are vital to the successes of the institutes, including Dr. Sam Martin who is our guest in the most recent installment of our SPS Vlog, Academics Talking Academics. We’ll also share some current Boise State library exhibits associated with FCI and the Andrus Center, we’ll describe how student scholars are supported by the Frank Church Institute and the Andus Center, and we’ll call attention to some of our impactful current and past research.
Senator Church and Governor Andrus made tremendous and lasting contributions to our state and our nation. At the School of Public Service, we strive to honor their legacies and continue this service–working, as always, in the public interest.
Best,
Angie Bos
Dean of the School of Public Service
Two SPS scholars installed as Endowed Chairs
During a ceremony on Jan. 30, 2023, Boise State University installed Sam (Stephanie A.) Martin as the Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair in Public Affairs and Emily Wakild as the Cecil D. Andrus Chair for Environment and Public Lands. Ruth Jebe was also installed as the Robert V. Hansberger Endowed Chair in Business Ethics at the ceremony.
Endowed chairs are a recognition of academic faculty achievement and are a significant way to support the work of distinguished faculty members. “We are amplifying faculty innovation at Boise State by focusing on endowed faculty positions that can elevate the success of our students and campus,” said Boise State President Dr. Marlene Tromp.
Read more about the endowed chair installation in Boise State NewsAcademics Talking Academics in Elevators
In another engaging edition of Academics Talking Academics in Elevators, School of Public Service Associate Dean Andy Giacomazzi and Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs Sam Martin discuss many exciting topics, including:
- Dr. Martin’s return to Idaho and what it means to be associated with Frank and Bethine Church through the Frank Church Institute;
- What it means to be the Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs; and
- Why Dr. Martin wrote the book “Decoding the Digital Church.”
Papers at Albertsons Library build on Freemuth’s legacy
The late John C. Freemuth, Distinguished Professor of Public Policy and Cecil Andrus Endowed Chair of Environment and Public Lands, made an incredible impact at the School of Public Service, at Boise State, and beyond. The John Freemuth Papers at the Albertsons library continue his scholarly legacy, granting researchers access to his personal writings and insight into his research methodology.
To check out the John Freemuth Papers, visit Albertsons Library’s Special Collections and Archives, located on the second floor of the library.
Library exhibit celebrates Bethine Church at 100
An exhibit on display at Albertsons Library through the end of March celebrates the numerous contributions Bethine Church made to Boise, Idaho, and the country. Bethine, the wife of Senator Frank Church, was also the daughter of Idaho Governor Chase Clark. In addition to supporting numerous political, civic, and social organizations, Bethine founded the Sawtooth Society and the Frank Church Institute at Boise State.
School of Public Service research leads to major award
Dr. Steven Feldstein, former Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs in Boise State’s School of Public Service, and current senior fellow in the Democracy, Conflict, and Governance Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, has been named the winner of the 2023 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order. The award recognizes Feldstein’s book, The Rise of Digital Repression: How Technology is Reshaping Power, Politics, and Resistance, which was written while Feldstein was at Boise State.
In the book, the award announcement notes, “Feldstein shows how democracies are backsliding and authoritarian governments are becoming revitalized by the use of digital technology. He also shares creative ideas for democracies, civil society organizations and businesses to mitigate that trend.” Feldstein noted that he is “profoundly grateful to the Frank Church Institute and Boise State University for their support, advice, and encouragement in the writing and publication of the book.”
Andrus Scholars
The Andrus Scholars program supports students in 10-week internships with federal, state, nonprofit, or other mission-centered business enterprises. These provide environmentally-focused students with meaningful work experience that will enhance learning and ultimately support the development of the environmental and public lands stewards of tomorrow.
Frank Church Public Service Scholarship
The Frank Church Public Service Scholarship and Internship program supports Boise State University students with potential for public service through providing scholarships for their work and study on campus, in Washington, D.C. or abroad.
Research and Public Scholarship Corner
The US and the Philippines’ military agreement sends a warning to China – 5 key things to know
Michael Allen
Social Equity in Federal Contracting During Emergencies: A Portfolio Management Perspective
Ana-Maria Dimand
Impacts of Gambling
Jonathan Krutz
A Representative-Represented Matrix: Exploring the Symbolic Effect of Minority Representation
Sanghee Park
Quota Effects Moderated by Descriptive Gender Representation Within Legislatures: A Cross-national Analysis
Sanghee Park
The Construction of Social Inequity and the Role of Public Bureaucracies
Sanghee Park
Spy Balloon Drama Elevates Public Attention, Pressure for the US to Confront China
Michael Allen
6 + 1 Questions about Beyond the Wire
Michael Allen
Collaborative Governance on Idaho’s MMIP Policy
Melanie Fillmore
On Black History Month, the Meaning of Jackie Robinson and Teaching the Past
Sam Martin
New House Bill Could Require Schools to Display the Motto “In God We Trust”
Sam Martin
Fowler and Stelbotsky Publish on Free Speech Regulation in Administration and Society
Luke Fowler