Dr. Marlene Tromp joins the Ever Onward podcast to reflect on her transformative six-year tenure as president of Boise State University—one that has reshaped the institution’s trajectory and deepened its impact on students, Idaho’s workforce, and the broader community. Now, as she prepares for her next chapter as the newly announced president of the University of Vermont, Dr. Tromp leaves behind a legacy of innovation, access, and resilience.

Under her leadership, Boise State achieved a 39% improvement in graduation rates while maintaining one of the lowest tuition costs in the nation—where more than half of students graduate with zero federal loan debt. She spearheaded initiatives like the Community Impact Program and Hometown Challenge, ensuring graduates have clear pathways to careers in Idaho, with 70% of students staying in the Treasure Valley. Strategic partnerships with institutions like the Idaho National Laboratory have positioned the university as a leader in cybersecurity and nuclear energy research, creating high-value career opportunities for students.

At the heart of her leadership is a philosophy grounded in resilience, compassion, and the belief that education transforms lives. She shares how these values were shaped by her mother’s unwavering strength and the challenges she faced while caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s and her sister with brain cancer—all while navigating her own health battles. Despite suffering permanent nerve damage during childbirth and being told she might never walk unassisted again, Dr. Tromp fought her way back to running, embodying the perseverance she instills in her students.

As she prepares to bring her vision and leadership to the University of Vermont, this episode serves as a powerful reflection on the impact she has had at Boise State and the guiding principles she will take with her. As Dr. Tromp puts it: “Courage generates courage. The more love you give, the more love you get.”

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