First Day for New Provost and VP for Academic Affairs

“Valerie brings a wealth of experience to this role at our University,” said President Kevin Satterlee. “She is well prepared to support our mission of educating students, and her strong leadership will enhance our new strategic plan. Valerie is very excited to be part of her Bengal Family and ready to get to work.”

Martin Conley comes to Idaho State with more than 30 years of experience in higher education. She previously served as Dean of the College of Education at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a position she assumed in 2015. As dean, Martin Conley led the launch of new degree programs, increasing enrollment, and putting the college on sound financial footing. Prior to that, she was department chair and professor in the department of Counseling and Higher Education in the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education at Ohio University, where she also served as director of the Center for Higher Education. 

“I am delighted to join a campus community focused on student success in an environment of trust, compassion, and hope,” said Martin Conley. “I am looking forward to working with faculty and staff to maximize the strengths of the institution and moving ISU's academic mission of excellence forward.”

A mission-driven and collaborative leader, Martin Conley has a clear vision of the role of a 21st century university, and the skills necessary to provide leadership for success. She spent nearly the first decade of her career working as a consultant to the National Center for Education Statistics in Washington, DC. During this time, Martin Conley developed a nuanced understanding of the complexity of higher education. In 1997, she began working on a college campus. As an institutional researcher, Martin Conley developed an understanding of culture and context within colleges and universities, as well as an in-depth knowledge of organization and administration of higher education and the changing needs of diverse learners.

Martin Conley received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Virginia and her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Virginia Tech. She holds, among her most notable accomplishments, being named the Ohio University Outstanding Graduate Faculty Member, an award given by graduate students to recognize an individual professor who has made a difference in their lives.

Martin Conley and the Academic Affairs leadership team are planning a number of future opportunities to meet and engage with faculty and staff. More information about the events and opportunities will be shared in the coming months.