Dr. Robert W. Wagner
ISU President, Host of Bold Path PodcastDr. Robert W. Wagner began serving as the fourteenth president of Idaho State University on January 29, 2024. Prior to his appointment, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Utah State University, where he led strategic initiatives, enrollment management, and key aspects of the student experience, including recruitment, admissions, financial aid, retention, and completion. He also held several leadership roles within USU’s Provost’s Office, overseeing statewide campuses, academic programming, faculty development, and distance education, and has contributed nationally through service on advisory boards and higher education associations.
Wagner’s career reflects a strong commitment to higher education innovation, access, and student success. Before joining USU, he served at the University at Albany SUNY in a role focused on government relations and strategic initiatives, and previously worked as an educator and administrator specializing in personalized learning. He earned degrees from Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, and a Ph.D. in political science from the University at Albany. He also holds executive leadership certificates from Harvard University and Arizona State University–Georgetown University. Wagner and his wife, Tracy, are the parents of five adult children and four grandchildren.
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Idaho State University President Robert Wagner sits down with Vice President for Operations Brian Sagendorf to unpack what it really takes to run ISU’s multi-campus “small city” every day. From maintaining more than 100 buildings and 1,100 acres, to expanding student housing, and managing parking and public safety, they explore how behind-the-scenes teams keep the university moving forward while advancing ISU’s public mission. -
In this episode of The Bold Path podcast, ISU President Robert Wagner talks with Dr. John Louviere, Chief Officer for Online Enterprise and Extended Learning, about the vision behind the Albion Center for Professional Development. They explore how Albion is designed to expand access, drive academic innovation, and help Idaho State University better serve learners across Idaho and beyond. -
In the debut episode of The Bold Path Podcast, we explore Idaho State University’s vision for expanding research and driving economic development. Dr. Marty Blair shares how strategic partnerships, innovation, and investment in research are positioning ISU for long-term growth and impact. -
Idaho’s prosperity hinges on the ability to equip its people with the skills, knowledge and opportunities needed to succeed, writes guest columnist Robert Wagner. -
During my college days, I had an early morning job at the campus laundry, driving a truck to make deliveries across campus. After a violent windstorm one night, I found myself among the first to see the damage it left behind. What struck me most weren’t just the fallen trees, but the surprisingly shallow root systems of these once-mighty giants. Despite their towering presence, their roots weren’t deep enough to withstand the storm. -
In my short time as Idaho State University’s 14th president, I have come to appreciate even more that there is no single path to success. My experience has shown me the transformative power of education, and I want every Idaho student, whether at ISU or any other college or university, to have access to this incredible power.
