UI Chief Says State Benefits From Research Push

University of Idaho President Bob Hoover on Tuesday told a Senate committee the school is striving to boost its research and outreach capabilities.

Though state dollars aren’t available, Hoover vowed to increase the university’s research emphasis in the areas of molecular biology, transportation, information technology, water and environmental engineering and material engineering.

Increased research will draw businesses looking for high-tech opportunities to Idaho and boost the economy, Hoover told the Senate Education Committee.

He said the new Post Falls research center, which is scheduled to move into the former Jacklin Seed Co. building next month, will help North Idaho’s economy.

Hoover also discussed the possibility of working with North Idaho College and Lewis-Clark State College to bring an outreach university to the Coeur d’Alene-Post Falls area. The schools are currently conducting a demographic study on North Idaho and its education needs.