![Headshot of Joshua Swift](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Swift.jpg)
Welcoming Dr. Joshua Swift as the New Chair of the Department of Psychology
The College of Arts and Letters and the Department of Psychology at Idaho State University are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Joshua K. Swift as the new Chair of the psychology department.
![Philosophy Club students stand in a line next to a podium](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Philosophy-Students.jpg)
Winners of Outstanding Philosophy Essay Prize Announced
The Philosophy Program has announced that three undergraduate students are winners of Outstanding Essay in Philosophy prizes for 2024. The winners are Avery Orr, Xavier Christy, and Teresa Heninger.
Expanding Opportunities Through Restructuring in Anthropology, Languages, and Global Studies at ISU
In an exciting development at Idaho State University (ISU), the Department of Anthropology will expand its scope, becoming the Department of Anthropology and Languages, while the Department of Global Studies and Languages will transform into the Global Studies Program.
![Joules and Julia stand in front of the Bengal statue with a black lab dog between them](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Joules-and-Julia,-Neurodivergent-Support-Group.jpg)
ISU Graduate Students Establish Neurodivergent Social Support Group for Adults in Pocatello
Graduate students Joules Emerson and Julia Duran from Idaho State University created a Neurodivergent Social Support Group to foster connections and friendships among neurodivergent adults in Pocatello, providing a safe and inclusive space for activities and support.
![Headshot of Kellee Kirkpatrick](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Kellee-Kirkpatrick.jpg)
Associate Professor Kellee Kirkpatrick Appointed as AP Chief Reader
Idaho State University's Associate Professor of Political Science, Kellee Kirkpatrick, Phd, has been appointed to the esteemed position of Advanced Placement (AP) Chief Reader.
![Professor Shin Kue Ryu, headshot](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Shin.jpg)
Commitment to Community Health in Idaho
The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) recently recognized Ride United as one of fourteen innovative transportation practices selected from a nationwide competition.
![Scott Anderson stands onstage with President Wagner and Dean Turley-Ames. His hand is on his heart and he is holding a plaque.](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Anderson-endowment.jpg)
Announcing a Legacy Endowment in Honor of Esteemed ISU Choir Director, Dr. Scott Anderson
Idaho State University (ISU) is proud to announce the establishment of the Scott Anderson Legacy Endowment, a new fund dedicated to supporting students pursuing studies in music at ISU, that celebrates and honors Dr. Scott Anderson’s remarkable 30-year career at ISU.
![Kandi Turley Ames stands onstage with a microphone](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Kandi-endowment.jpg)
Legacy Endowment Announced in Honor of Beloved Founding Dean of the College of Arts and Letters, Dr. Kandi Turley Ames
Idaho State University (ISU) proudly announces the establishment of the Kandi Turley-Ames Endowment Fund, a new scholarship designed to provide crucial support to students within the College of Arts and Letters.
Social Work Education Across the State of Idaho
In a region where social workers are desperately needed, Idaho State University (ISU) continues to make an impact through the social work program, and the addition of an online program option.
![Spanish actress Carolina Calema headshot](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Spanish-Actress.jpg)
Virtual Visit from Spanish Actress Enriches ISU Literature Class
On April 22nd, students of the SPAN3301: Introduction to Hispanic Literature class at Idaho State University (ISU) had a unique opportunity to engage with Spanish actress Carolina Calema in a virtual session.
![Students stand at easels in a studio room and paint on small canvases](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Art-club.png)
The Renaissance of ISU's Fine Arts Club
Like so many things, the ISU Fine Arts Club almost didn’t make it through the Covid pandemic. Revived by the dedication of students, the club has since experienced tremendous growth.
![Luzahan Matsaw, Aiyana Eschief and Seth Stacey stand next to their debate coach, Abbey Vaughn, and a poster wishing them luck at the National Speech & Debate Tournament.](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/shobane-bannock-debate.png)
Making History for Debate in Idaho
A group of students from Shoshone-Bannock Jr. and Sr. High School are making history as the first all-Indigenous speech and debate team in Idaho.
![David Grann stands in the midst of students with Independence High School](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/IndependenceHigh.jpg)
David Grann's Impactful Narrative Shared with High School Students at ISU
Thanks to a wonderful relationship with the Idaho Humanities Council, Idaho State hosted author David Grann at the Stephen's Performing Arts Center on April 18, where he spoke to hundreds of high school students from 12 schools across Idaho.
![Dean Clinton sits at a table in an antique shop](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Philosophy-Club.png)
ISU Philosophy Club's Mission for Scholarly Support
ISU Philosophy Club member Dean Clinton spent his Friday evening at Cottonwood Junction antique store during the First Friday Art Walk in downtown Pocatello.
![The front of the American Independence Museum. It is a yellow building.](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Norra-History-.png)
Student Researcher Uncovers Hidden Stories of Women in Revolutionary America
Norra Cardillo, a second-year master's student at Idaho State University, recently conducted research in Exeter, New Hampshire, at the American Independence Museum (AIM). Norra began with an interest in her matrilineal ancestors and a passion for uncovering hidden histories.
![L-R Tylee Johnson, Danna Cruz, Labelle Knittel, Jillian Nguyen Photo Credit: Jennecca Knittel](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/WRP-Pictures-alumni-pagesnews-portrait-(2X3).png)
ISU Students Work with Idaho State-Civic Symphony to Promote Album with Latin Grammy Award Winner
To emphasize experiential learning, members of ISU’s Communication, Media, and Persuasion (CMP) department are partnering with the Idaho State-Civic Symphony (ISCS) to promote the symphony’s upcoming album with Latin Grammy Award winner Pedro Giraudo and his Quartet.
![Dr. Anderson conducts a choir on the Jensen stage. He is wearing a black tux.](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/CAL-News-website-photos-landscape-(3-Ã-2-in)-(1).png)
Beloved Idaho State Music Professor, Dr. Scott Anderson, Announces Retirement
Dr. Scott Anderson, a cherished figure within Idaho State University's music department and the arts community in the region, will retire at the end of the current academic semester, marking three decades of dedicated service to the university and its broader community.
![Students and faculty building the set at the Spokane theater](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/2.jpg)
A Week of Accolades, Celebration, and Opportunities for ISU Theatre Students
Twenty students and their faculty members from the Department of Theatre and Dance at ISU traveled to Spokane, WA for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) Region 7 Festival on February 18-23. While there, they performed Life x 3 by special invitation.
![Headshot of Raphael Njoku](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Njoku.jpg)
In the Company of Those Who Have Earned Global Acclaim
Dr. Raphael Chijioke Njoku, professor in the Department of History at Idaho State University (ISU) has the distinguished honor of being appointed to The Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL). Notable Foundation Fellows include Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka.
![Tabitha LaForce, Noah Leary, Dani Mecham, and Kandi Turley Ames pose together with smiles](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/KISU-March.png)
Amplifying Impact on ISU Graduate Students
Noah Leary, a history major, was able to pursue graduate studies at ISU in large part because of the financial aid available to him through this scholarship.
![Self portrait of Yidan Guo in the Davis Gallery. In the background red and yellow banners hang from the ceiling](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Yidan-Guo-Exhibit.jpg)
"With an honest brush I painted a portrait of myself"
My grandmother was seven months pregnant with my father when she arrived in the United States in 1952, and never saw her family or her home country again.
![Two 4th graders sit in the Black Box Theatre holding the Twits program and smiling](/media/libraries/theatre/Twits.jpg)
ISU’s The Twits Delights Over 1,000 Students in Local Outreach
The play opens with colorful lights, bubbles, and characters dancing to upbeat music. Children in the audience laugh and chatter with delight and excitement.
![Headshot of Dr. Robert Rieske](/media/libraries/psychology/Rieske.png)
Dr. Robert Rieske Named Director of Psychology Clinic at Idaho State
Idaho State University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Robert Rieske as the new Psychology Clinic Director, effective January 2024.
![Grant and Donna Thomas smile in front of the Idaho State Civic Symphony backdrop](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/CAL-News-website-photos-landscape-(3-Ã-2-in).jpg)
Empowering Pocatello's Scholars: The Grant M. Thomas Scholarship Endowment
Idaho State University (ISU) is pleased to announce the establishment of The Grant M. Thomas Scholarship Endowment Fund, generously created to provide financial assistance to undergraduate students enrolled full-time in the College of Arts and Letters (CAL).
![Gibette Encarnacion is on-screen with 6 participants on Zoom. All their faces are showing.](/media/libraries/global-studies/Arconexiones.jpg)
Successful Inauguration of Arconexiones Spanish Graduate Student Conference at Idaho State
The Arconexiones Spanish Graduate Student Conference, hosted by Idaho State University’s Department of Global Studies and Languages, concluded with great success on Saturday, February 10th.
![Nell Flanders stands with the four members of the Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet. Pedro holds a violin. They are all smiling and wearing concert dress suits](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Pedro-Qiraudo-Tango-Quartet.jpg)
ISU, the Idaho State Civic Symphony, and an Album with Grammy Award Winning Artist
Latin Grammy Award winner Pedro Giraudo will bring his original compositions to this historic recording session.
![Headshot of Maria Wong](/media/libraries/psychology/Maria-Wong.jpg)
Grant Funding Pilot Study on Sleep, Suicide, and Substance Use
"We are thrilled to receive this funding approval from NIGMS, as it underscores the importance of addressing mental health challenges among emerging adults."
The Suzanne L. and Roy F. Miller, Jr. Scholarship, A Tribute to a Lifelong Love for Music and Education
In a heartfelt tribute to a life filled with music, education, and shared experiences, Roy Miller has established the Suzanne L. and Roy F. Miller, Jr. Scholarship, in honor and remembrance of his late wife, Suzanne.
![A piece of artwork in 3 panels: the first picture shows a hand reaching up out of water. The second shows a girl crawling on dirt ground. The third shows a girl with wings working at a desk.](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/Abigale-Art-Panel.png)
Connections and a Safe Space for Freshmen at ISU
“It’s metaphorically like she’s using her legs for the first time,” Shelden said. “She feels like it’s a new world for her.”
![The ISU chamber choir members stand in the lobby of the Stephen's Performing Arts Center. They are all dressed in black and smiling.](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/ACDA-and-choir-concert-F23.jpg)
ISU Chamber Choir Prestigious Invitation to Perform in Regional Conference
Idaho State Chamber Choir will travel to Spokane, Washing January 24-27 to perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Northwest Region Conference on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at Spokane’s Fox Theater.
![headshot of Matt Levay](/media/libraries/college-of-arts-and-letters/LEVAY-news.jpg)
Advancing Faculty Research and Creativity
Idaho State University (ISU) is proud to announce the appointment of Matthew Levay, Ph.D as the Faculty Research Development Fellow within the College of Arts and Letters (CAL).