Idaho Board Named University Presidential Search Committee

The nine-member group will identify a successor for outgoing University of Idaho President C. Scott Green.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in People

Isometric editorial illustration of a university bell tower situated among stylized trees and mountains, representing an academic institutional search.
The Idaho State Board of Education has formed a nine-member committee to identify a successor for outgoing University of Idaho President C. Scott Green. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The State Board of Education has officially formed a nine-member committee tasked with finding the next president for the University of Idaho. This action follows the September 9, 2026, retirement announcement from current President C. Scott Green, whose tenure concludes in 2027.

Why it matters

The formation of this committee is the first step in a state-mandated search process to replace the university's leader. The board aims to complete the transition before President Green departs at the end of the 2027 academic year.

The committee consists of 9 members, exceeding the 8-member minimum required by state law. Following the committee's final recommendation, the State Board has a window of 10 business days to publicly name and hire the candidate.

The players

C. Scott Green

He is the current president of the University of Idaho who announced his upcoming retirement.

State Board of Education

This body oversees public education in Idaho and is responsible for selecting university leadership.

Shawn Keough

She is a member of the newly formed search committee tasked with finding the next university president.

Pete Koehler

He is a member of the search committee assisting in the leadership transition for the institution.

The details

The search committee, which includes members such as Shawn Keough and Pete Koehler, is charged with vetting candidates to recommend a single finalist to the State Board. The process will involve private meetings and interviews to evaluate potential leaders for the university.

Timeline

  1. C. Scott Green announced his retirement on September 9, 2026.

  2. The search committee was announced on September 26, 2026.

  3. The State Board expects to fill the position by spring 2027.

  4. President C. Scott Green will officially step down on June 30, 2027.

Market Landscape

This transition aligns with the institutional governance requirements outlined in Idaho state law regarding presidential search committees. By adhering to these protocols, the State Board maintains a structured approach to executive succession that parallels hiring processes at other state universities.

While the search process happens behind the scenes, the outcome will dictate the future strategic direction of the University of Idaho. Students and faculty can expect the selection process to conclude by spring 2027, well before the transition of power.

The takeaway

The selection of the new university president is guided by a rigorous, state-mandated process to ensure transparency and compliance. Residents and stakeholders should look for official updates from the State Board as the committee moves toward its spring 2027 target date.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest leadership developments across the state at Idaho People.

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