Idaho State Board Appoints David W. Hahn as Eighth President of Boise State University
Hahn will lead Boise State’s push for research growth and R1 status after a search that drew 45 minutes of board action.
- The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously appointed Dr. David Hahn as Boise State University's eighth president on Wednesday, ending a 15-month search process. Hahn, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, was the sole finalist presented to the board.
- A state law passed earlier this year enabled the hire by allowing the board to conduct a private search and publicly disclose only one finalist, resolving a stalled process that had halted in October over candidate reluctance to participate publicly.
- Under a three-year contract, Hahn will earn $480,000 annually plus $9,000 monthly for housing and up to $15,000 relocation assistance. The board selected him following a 10-day public review period that included community forums and stakeholder meetings.
- Hahn assumes the presidency immediately and is expected to begin serving on campus no later than August 10. State Board President Kurt Liebich stated the vote reflects confidence in the rigorous process and the new leader selected.
- A mechanical engineer and holder of 12 U.S. patents, Hahn intends to grow Boise State's $70 million research portfolio and achieve top-tier R1 research status, drawing on experience from the University of Arizona, an R1 institution conducting more than $1 billion in research annually.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Idaho Capital Sun
‘I can’t wait to get going:’ David Hahn hired as Boise State University president
David Hahn, the sole finalist in Boise State University's president search, speaks early at a State Board of Education meeting on June 16, 2026, at Boise State. (Photo by Kaeden Lincoln/EdNews)This story was originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on July 1, 2026. After 15 months, it took the State Board of Education 45 minutes to wrap up the Boise State University president’s search Wednesday. State Board of Education members met, largely on Zoom,…
Idaho State Board appoints David W. Hahn as eighth president of Boise State University
The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously voted Wednesday to appoint Dr. David W. Hahn as the eighth president of Boise State University, officially ending a prolonged national search for the universitys top leader.Hahns appointment follows his selection as sole finalist on June 16 and the completion of the 10-business-day waiting period required under Idaho law before a final vote could be taken. His appointment is effective July 1. He wil…
David Hahn chosen to be new Boise State president
Boise State University has a new president.The Idaho State Board of Education on Wednesday voted to hire David Hahn, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, to serve as Boise State’s new president.The hire comes over a year after former President Marlene Tromp took a new job at the University of Vermont and left the university.During a board meeting Wednesday, David Turnbull, a board member and chair of the presidential …
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