Boise State University President Marlene Tromp has been selected as the sole finalist to be the next president of the University of Vermont, according to an online press release and emails to students there.
A University of Vermont spokesperson confirmed her selection with City Cast Boise on Monday morning, and said Tromp will visit the Burlington, Vt. campus Tuesday and Wednesday for interviews.
A Boise State University spokesperson said: “We are aware that President Tromp has been named the sole finalist for the University of Vermont presidency. All requests for comment are directed to the Idaho State Board of Education and the University of Vermont.”
In her most recent State of the University address in August 2024, Tromp said her higher education peers are often surprised she has remained at Boise State University for six years. She mentioned the challenges in public very little, but acknowledged the “negative energy” against higher education in her 2024 State of the University address.
Tromp has faced pressure from conservative Idaho lawmakers since her first day on the job at Boise State University in July 2019. In six consecutive legislative sessions, legislators have grilled her over the university’s budgets, particularly any programs or funding related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
In her six years as president, Boise State has set new records for graduation, enrollment, and research funding.
Related coverage:
- A dispute between the university and a local coffee shop fanned the flames, pulling Boise State into a heated debate over pro-police support, Black Lives Matter, and First Amendment rights.
- Tromp’s rocky budget hearing in Jan. 2023 made her even more of a target for legislators.
- Last fall, Boise State University preemptively closed its Gender Equity Center and multicultural student center and combined them into one office without mention of gender or race.
