David Solan, an assistant professor in the Department of Public Policy and Administration, has been named the new director of the Energy Policy Institute and an associate director of the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, Vice President for Research Mark Rudin announced today.

Solan assumes his new position on Monday. He will be responsible for directing and managing all EPI programs, including applied research and education. He also will work with the Idaho National Laboratory and with Idaho universities affiliated with CAES to advance the programs of EPI.

“Energy policy is an increasingly important issue in Idaho, and Dr. Solan brings outstanding qualifications and experience to his new position,” said Rudin. “As Boise State continues to advance its research agenda in the area of energy policy, EPI and Dr. Solan will play a pivotal role in our continuing progress.”

Rudin expressed his appreciation to Boise State political science professor John Freemuth, who has served as interim director of EPI since its founding in January 2006. During Freemuth’s tenure, the first Energy Policy Institute Summit was held in March at Boise State. Freemuth also was a principal investigator for a recent study that looked at public discourse methods in energy policy decision making. In addition, EPI has conducted a number of public opinion surveys in conjunction with the Social Science Research Center that focused on such critical issues as electricity rates, sites for power plants and alternative fuels.

“Dr. Freemuth has done a terrific job as interim director of EPI, and we are grateful for his leadership,” Rudin said.

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Several media outlets reported that BSU will partner with the Idaho wine industry to develop a viticulture research center in Eagle. From the Daily Olympian:

The industry is partnering with Boise State University and the College of Western Idaho to establish a $1.1 million Idaho Viticulture Research Center outside of Boise.

The nonprofit center would include a teaching winery, a co-op winery where fledgling winemakers can share equipment, a tasting room, classroom space, a grape-crushing pad, lab and warehouse and distribution center at a 30-acre site in Eagle. A separate greenhouse and nursery for growing grapes is planned for the neighboring town of Star.

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Will Rainford, associate professor of social work, was named one of four volunteers of the year for 2009 by Catholic Charities USA. Rainford was recognized for his work as the lead legislative advocacy volunteer for Catholic Charities of Idaho and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Idaho, where he developed a legislative e-mail alert system and a legislative intern program, and for his work empowering parishes to act as legislative advocates. Rainford will receive his award at Catholic Charities USA’s annual gathering Sept. 24-27 in Portland, Ore.

Andrew Giacomazzi, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice, was quoted in a Spokesman Review article about the drop in Idaho’s crime rate. Giacomazzi said that taking responsibility for public safety is everyone’s charge. As the community joins with police, problems ranging from graffiti to prostitution become more manageable.

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Idaho’s Governor is taking a different tack with transportation funding after a bruising legislative session. Boise State University Professor Emeritus Jim Weatherby provided commentary to several media outlets including the Spokesman Review:

The governor’s move is a surprising one, according to longtime Idaho political observer Jim Weatherby, political science professor emeritus at Boise State University. “It would seem to me to make more sense, maybe not politically, when you’re talking about raising taxes, but in terms of public safety and addressing our deteriorating roads, that those issues be laid on the table and discussed during the campaign,” he said, “before candidates again, as they did in the last election, lock themselves into a position of opposing any tax increase.”

Weatherby said, “It seems to me it has the potential of a rerun of the session we just had.”

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Understanding thoughtful, place-inspired planning and its role in shaping our region will be the focus of the first Planning in the West conference, co-hosted by the Department of Public Policy & Administration and NewWest.Net on June 17-18.

Held in the Stueckle Sky Center, the two-day conference will highlight planning and development trends, showcase best practices and create understanding about how thoughtful and place-inspired planning can help shape the region in the most positive ways. Featured speakers and participants include leading planners, policy-makers, architects, developers and landscape designers from around the Rockies.

“This conference and partnership with New West is a perfect fit with Boise State’s growing focus on urban planning,” said Susan Mason, director of Boise State’s community and regional planning program. “As our community and regional planning program develops, our region’s growth can become a laboratory where students and faculty help uncover solutions to challenges. Through conferences like this, we can bring that discussion out of the classroom and into the community.”

Early Bird conference passes are $148 (May 29 registration deadline) and include Wednesday’s pre-conference tours and hosted cocktail reception, as well as Thursday’s breakfast, lunch and snacks. A special rate of $118 is available for government, university and non-profit employees, as well as full-time students. There is a $50 administrative fee for continuing education credits. Conference passes are just $118 per person for groups of three or more.

To see a full agenda, go to www.newwest.net/planning. To register online, go to www.regonline.com/newwestplanning09. For more information, call (406) 829-1725 or send an e-mail to conferences@newwest.net.

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KBCI interviewed Political Science professor John Freemuth on the Sonia Sotomayor nomination. Freemuth agrees that the frequently bruising confirmation process should go in Sotomayor’s favor:

“This is first Hispanic nominated, and she has a great deal of experience, ” said Prof. John Freemuth with the Boise State University political science department. “Plus there are strong Democratic majorities (in Congress), they’d have to find a huge smoking gun for this person not to be approved.”

Read the full story on the KBCI website.

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In a recent Idaho Statesman article about the dispute between the city of Kuna and Idaho Power, Energy Policy Institute Director John Freemuth recommended a national energy policy to avoid disputes such as these:

John Freemuth, professor of public policy and director of the Energy Policy Institute at Boise State University, said the standoff between Kuna, Idaho Power and the BLM illustrates that the nation needs a process to determine how it is going to get its energy.

“Whether it’s nuclear, wind or coal, we’re going to have to transmit this energy,” Freemuth said. “What we need is an inclusive procedure for these decisions, rather than having everybody trying to veto each other’s proposals.”

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Campus Copy locations in the Student Union Building and Education Building are offering free resume printing for all Boise State students, alumni and staff who are actively seeking employment.

David Nefzger, supervisor of Campus Copy, and Ted Bailey, manager of Printing and Graphic Services, came up with the idea when discussing how they might help Boise State job seekers.

“The current economic environment and the stress that go along with the job search process are huge. This is our way of offering a little relief,” Bailey said. “In addition to social networking and a digital resume, a customized printed resume could create a lasting impression that gets you in the door.”

Campus Copy also is developing an online template for ordering social networking business cards that will be available in the next few weeks.

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The College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs graduated 308 students on Saturday, which represents 25% of all students graduating. The eight colleges at Boise State University graduates a total of 1249 students. Congratulations to all our grads!

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Planning in the West

Join an important conversation about our future
June 17th and 18th, 2009
Stueckle Sky Center, Boise State University
Boise, Idaho

Register Now!

NewWest.Net is proud to announce the 1st annual Planning in the West conference, produced in partnership with Boise State University. Featuring leading planners, policy-makers, architects, developers, and landscape designers from around the Rockies, this conference aims to track planning and development trends, showcase best practices, and understand how thoughtful and place-inspired planning can help us shape our region in the most positive possible ways.

Wednesday, June 17th will feature three pre-conference tours focused on art and architecture in streetscapes, mixed use and infill, and renewable energy projects in Boise and how Boise State University is leading the way. The day will conclude with a conference opening reception and social.

Thursday, June 18th is a full-day program at the spectacular Stueckle Sky Center at Boise State University with a mix of presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Highlights of the day will include:

* Analysis of planning in our region and the state of the business in light of the broad-based economic slowdown - and the opportunities presented by place-based planning for our rural and urban areas in the Northern Rockies.

* Keynote speakers: Chris Duerksen AICP, from Clarion Associates, will discuss sustainable community development codes for the West; and Dr. Arthur C. Nelson, FAICP, Director of Metropolitan Research from the University of Utah, will share a new perspective and stats on planning and growth trends of the Snake River Corridor and what can position us for a prosperous future.

* Discussion of creative approaches to planning with a green mind, new models for working with city/county codes on sustainability codes, and innovative methods to incorporate natural infrastructure when planning.

* Presentations on innovative land designs, community development projects and architecture from regional and national leading practitioners.

* A splendid setting at the Stueckle Sky Center overlooking Boise, and lively networking with some of the top planning and development professionals from around the region.

In today’s challenging economic environment, it’s more important than ever to stay ahead of the curve and find every possible opportunity. Join an important conversation at the 1st annual Planning in the West conference to discuss the future of the Northern Rockies with top speakers, great networking and critical insights you won’t want to miss.

View the full program, or call the College of Social Sciences and Public Affairs for more details at 426-1333.

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