ISU College of Business meets with Wood River Valley community leaders

A team of representatives from the Idaho State University College of Business visited the Wood River Valley on Wednesday, Dec. 2, and met with community and business leaders about a proposal to establish an executive master’s degree in business administration program to serve the educational needs of the valley.

The visits were hosted by the Wood River Economic Partnership (WREP) and the Sun Valley Co. and coordinated by Wendy Jaquet, District 25 Idaho state representative, and Doug Brown, executive director of WREP.

Kenneth A. Smith, Ph.D., CPA, dean of the ISU College of Business, led presentations on the academic program proposal to meetings of Sustain Blaine and the Sun Valley/Ketchum Chamber and Visitors Bureau.

Smith also met individually with other interested valley residents throughout the day.

The proposed EMBA program would hold classes online and on-site during weekends, likely sharing facilities with the College of Southern Idaho’s satellite location in the valley. Outstanding College of Business faculty will offer formal instruction, augmented by visiting executives from time to time to share their high-level, real-world experiences.

At the evening presentation to chamber members at the Sun Valley Inn, Smith reviewed potential curriculum options, time frames and costs. He noted that the proposed program in part would help further educate business owners who live in the area, many of whom could choose to sponsor key employees as students. Smith also pointed out that once established the program could have the potential to draw people from other states who are interested in living and learning in the internationally-famous resort destination that is the Wood River Valley.

“I think the programs presented are a great match for the Wood River Valley, both for local businesses and individuals living here who want to increase their skills,” said Doug Brown, WREP executive director.

ISU is gathering names now of people who may be interested in participating as the program takes shape. Vanessa Fry, past chairperson of Sustain Blaine, and a recent MBA graduate, is the Wood River Valley contact person.  She may be reached at (208) 720-8310 or by e-mail at vanessafry@gmail.com.