ANNUAL REPORT
2023-2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
pg 3 Letter from the Interim Dean
pg 4 CI+D Mission and Values
pg 5 CI+D’s Five Initiatives
pg 11 New Initiatives
pg 13 CI+D Leadership
pg 14 How to Support CI+D
A LETTER FROM OUR INTERIM DEAN
Dear supporters of the College of Innovation + Design,
2024 was a whirlwind of a year, marked by significant accomplishments in our College, and a number of significant transitions, too.
In this report, you’ll read about the College’s five major initiatives for the year, which span from supporting the championship varsity esports team to leading Boise State’s generative AI initiative
You’ll also see that we have some new programs in the works that are integrated with the School for the Digital Future, another of our major initiatives, and about an exciting new program focused on beer and wine making
And finally, you’ll read about the College leaders who are guiding these initiatives to success Every single person in the College has contributed to managing the last year’s leadership, budgetary, and structural transitions with professionalism and grace.
Next year, we hope to tell you more about some major new projects just beginning, but here is a teaser:
Our Venture College is part of a nascent Boise State initiative to collaborate with and build upon the many partners in Boise’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Our SPACE for Innovation and Design is home to a new initiative called the User Experience Partnership Program; through the UXPP, we plan to grow our existing partnerships with internal stakeholders and external partners, providing design services and hosting opportunities
We are working across divisions and colleges at Boise State to build a Bronco Professional Skills Academy that will provide professional and workforce skills preparation for all members of our Boise State community, from undergrads just starting to think about entering the workforce to members of our community who are interested in upskilling or lifelong learning opportunities
We’re excited to partner with Albertson Library’s MakerLab to develop some curriculum focused on creation, making, and managing digital overload
All of these efforts are focused on making the college experience for our students accessible, workable, and enjoyable. It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve as the Interim Dean of CI+D. I’m looking forward to many more successes in the year to come
Sincerely,
Jen Schneider Interim Dean, College of Innovation + Design
OUR MISSION
The College of Innovation + Design (CI+D) is helping create the future Boise State. We are a catalyst and collaborator, identifying, fostering, and scaling positive, innovative change that brings value to our students, campus, and community.
OUR VALUES
Productive Change
We promote a growth mindset, agility, resilience and risk taking as essential to creating a thriving future
Empowerment
We invest in our students and members of the community who are ready to turn their innovative ideas into reality
Mutual Respect
We embrace diverse perspectives and all ways of knowing to foster a welcoming and inclusive community.
Innovation
We work at an accelerated pace and manage friction, failure and disruption in order to learn quickly and advance Boise State goals.
Collaboration
We cultivate a culture of collaboration, creativity and community to foster innovation
Designing for the Future
We build programs focused on pressing higher education challenges: affordability, retention and post-graduation outcomes.
2023-2024 INITIATIVES
Artificial Intelligence
Boise State’s Artificial Intelligence Initiative equips faculty and staff with the tools to navigate AI's evolution, with the College of Innovation and Design leading efforts to advance AI-driven teaching and learning.
Esports
Boise State Esports offers a scholarship-supported pathway to success, enhancing student retention, STEM interests, and competitive gaming excellence through a state-of-the-art training and broadcast center.
The School for the Digital Future
The School for the Digital Future empowers students with personalized degree pathways and hands-on learning, fostering digital literacy, workplace skills, and leadership for a rapidly evolving world.
The SPACE
The SPACE is a dynamic hub for collaboration and creativity, offering a flexible venue for retreats, workshops, and events with expert support for a seamless experience.
Venture College
Venture College empowers students and the campus community to turn innovative ideas into reality through hands-on training, mentorship, and startup experiences.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INITIATIVE HIGHLIGHTS
Boise State faculty and staff
Coordinated faculty trainings for 600+ faculty and supported staff development sessions.
Doubled GenAI curriculum offerings across campus, including the launch of a new course, AI Applications, this spring (SP25) Part of the AI for All
Certificate, the course explores AI tools for data analysis, research, creativity, productivity, and workplace strategy.
Established a university governance structure for GenAI and supported the creation of a department-based AI Liaison program.
Supported the development of responsible research initiatives with the Division of Research and Economic Development
Advanced a strategic budget request to support the adoption of a new campuswide generative AI platform and staff trainings.
STUDENT STORY
Paul Lopez, AI for All Student
For Paul Lopez, lifelong learning isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. After 35 years at Idaho National Laboratory, he’s seen firsthand how technology evolves, and now, with AI transforming industries, he knew it was time to dive in. Thanks to support from Battelle Energy Alliance, Lopez enrolled in Boise State’s AI for All certificate program to better understand the technology shaping the future.
“The class is a lot of fun. AI is here—we need to embrace it, but we also need to fully understand it,” Lopez says. “I love learning about the ethics behind it. I worry that our society is going on autopilot, and we need to step back and ask: ‘Wait a minute, are we thinking this through?’ AI can be biased, and we have to ensure it’s being used responsibly.”
For Lopez, AI isn’t just another technological advancement—it’s a tool that, when used thoughtfully, can better society. His experience in the program is helping him navigate the complexities of AI with a critical eye, ensuring that as the world moves forward, it does so with intention.
COLLEGE OF INNOVATION + DESIGN
ESPORTS HIGHLIGHTS
Events and Collaborations: Hosted 82 events, welcoming 3,500+ guests, and partnered with 5 colleges, 4 campus units, 22 community organizations, 25 high schools, and 2 middle schools.
Broadcasting Impact: Delivered 250+ external client broadcast hours (45 days) with award-winning production
Competitive Success:
CECC West Champions in Rocket League and Street Fighter 6. Mountain West Titles in Rocket League and EA Sports College Football.
Matthew “Sprub” Wallace won Player of the Year honors in EA Sports College Football 25.
ALUMNI STORY
Kellen McGurkin, Esports Alumni
For Kellen McGurkin, Boise State Esports was more than just competition—it was a foundation for his future. A Fall 2024 political science graduate, McGurkin was part of the first cohort of esports scholarship recipients, a program that fully covered his tuition and opened doors to new opportunities. Competing at the highest level, he won four Mountain West Championships and a NACE national title, experiences that strengthened his ability to handle high-pressure situations, work in teams, and communicate effectively.
Now a budget and policy analyst for the Idaho Legislative Services, McGurkin regularly presents to legislators and navigates complex policy discussions —skills he first developed competing on national esports stages. “Esports helped me manage stress, regulate emotions, and collaborate with people from all backgrounds,” he says. “Those experiences directly prepared me for my career.”
Looking back, McGurkin credits Boise State Esports not only for the competition and camaraderie but also for the real-world skills that continue to shape his success.
THE SCHOOL FOR THE DIGITAL FUTURE HIGHLIGHTS
Record Enrollments: Our customizable, stackable degree options experienced record enrollments in AY24-25.
School Growth: In addition to adding new students, we’ve also added new faculty and staff, focused on delivering high-quality, workforce-oriented curriculum and industry certifications.
Thought Leadership: School Launch Director Kelly Arispe and her staff are leading curriculum development opportunities in Generative Artificial Intelligence, managing digital identities, and leading in a digital environment.
STUDENT STORY
For Jake Vegas, the Digital Innovation + Design program at Boise State University was the perfect match for his passion for media and design. After exploring Google’s UX/UI Research and Design Certification, he realized he wanted to turn his to a career.
ses give a major edge on the new wave of d how they are adapting,” Vegas says. “I m learning skills that leverage my creativity l thinking, and I'm already seeing the my school, work, and personal life.”
work has taken him through subjects like y, career hacking, and leadership—exposing w ways of thinking and problem-solving. favorite aspects? The variety of es from classmates with different ds, which has expanded his understanding hip and collaboration.
e classroom, Vegas’ adventurous spirit took him on a solo backpacking trip to 31 countries in 30 days—a journey that pushed him out of his comfort zone and deepened his global perspective. Whether in school, work, or travel, his curiosity and drive continue to shape his path forward.
THE SPACE HIGHLIGHTS
Event Highlights: Hosted 100+ events, including workshops, retreats, campus community-building activities, and multi-day programs
Engagement: Reached over 2,000 participants, fostering transformative collaborations and meaningful partnerships.
Strategic Alignment: Focused events on mission-driven goals and CI+D initiatives, such as AI, to prioritize user needs and maximize impact and engagement.
Looking ahead, The SPACE will expand programming, enhance engagement through focused marketing, and grow summer offerings with new external partnerships.
SPACEUSER STORY
Stephen Crowley, Philosophy
For Stephen Crowley, professor and department chair in philosophy, The SPACE has elevated how his groups collaborate at Boise State—especially for the Social Impacts of Computing, a group comprising of faculty from various disciplines. Last summer, the group held a two-day workshop in The SPACE, utilizing all the rooms and open areas to foster discussion, breakout sessions, and collaboration. This resulted in a complete transformation of the group from an informal, low-energy campus discussion to an established, engaged community with strong industry participation and expanded programming.
“We went from a small, on-campus group to a very different kind of group—we were trying to level up, and we did,” Crowley says. “We couldn’t have run that workshop anywhere else on campus and had the same impact.”
Crowley appreciates how The SPACE mimics a conference setting, creating an environment that feels both professional and welcoming. “It invites people to go into a different mode of operating,” he explains. “It’s like being on holiday from the rest of your life—you step into The SPACE, and suddenly, you’re focused and ready to engage.” For industry partners, this professional setting adds credibility to the event being held and signals the importance of the work being done.
From workshops to leadership meetings, The SPACE continues to be a catalyst for connection, collaboration, and innovation in Crowley’s work.
VENTURE COLLEGE HIGHLIGHTS
Boise Entrepreneur Week Finals: All four Venture College alumni advanced, including one Grand Prize Winner ($50k).
NSF I-Corps Cohorts: Offered in spring, summer, and fall, this 4-week program supports academic researchers, scientists, and engineers in advancing deep technology solutions.
New and Upcoming Events:
Idaho Entrepreneur Challenge: April 3-4
Pitch Competitions: April 11
Hackfort: March 28
Hacking for Homebuilding: Now in spring!
Health Tech Challenge: A new reverse pitch competition engaging four colleges and universities statewide.
Celebrated an Impact Award Winner ($5k), showcasing its commitment to empowering entrepreneurial success across Idaho.
ALUMNI STORY
Sunday Paul Adah, CEO of Pay4Me
For Sunday Paul Adah, innovation isn’t just an idea—it’s a mission. As the founder of the Pay4Me app, a platform simplifying tuition payments for international students, Paul Adah has dedicated himself to breaking down financial barriers in education.
2024 was a milestone year for him and his startup. He participated in the Milestone Makers program at the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, won 1st place for Most Investable Prize at the Alabama Founder Fest Pitch Competition, and saw Pay4Me App named the BoiseDev Peak 43 Trailhead Startup of the Year at Boise Entrepreneur Week.
A Boise State University alum, Venture College Incubator graduate, and former IEC-winning team member, Paul Adah credits his experiences at Boise State for shaping his entrepreneurial journey. With a year of major achievements behind him, he continues to drive Pay4Me forward, creating an impact for students around the world.
NEW INITIATIVES
Beer and Wine Studies Certificate
CI+D will launch a Certificate in Beer and Wine Studies in Fall 2025, covering appreciation, production, fermentation, and industry history. Students will gain hands-on experience in their chosen emphasis, preparing for careers in the beer, wine, and beverage industries
"When interviewing for a position at a local regional brewery, the hiring manager said what made me stand out was the Fundamentals of Craft Beer class"
-Former Student
Making Big Ideas Happen Certificate
"The future doesn’t just happen— you shape it. This certificate equips students with the tools to anticipate change, challenge assumptions, and design bold solutions. Ideas are cheap, but making big ideas happen? That’s priceless." - Mark Woychick
Starting in Fall 2025, the College of Innovation + Design will offer a Certificate in Making Big Ideas Happen, preparing students to lead innovation and future forecasting. Students will earn industry-recognized Futures Thinking and Think Wrong certifications while developing skills in strategic foresight, problem-solving, and creative solution design.
Applications of AI Course
In Spring 2025, the College of Innovation + Design launched Applications of AI, a new course in the AI for All Certificate. Students will gain hands-on experience with generative AI for data analysis, research, creativity, productivity, and strategy featuring an innovative AI avatar for some content delivery.
"This course is about applying AI in real-world scenarios — not just understanding it, but using it to make smarter decisions, solve problems, and drive innovation. All students, regardless of their background, will leave with the skills to integrate AI into their careers in a strategic and ethical way." - Jennie Myers
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Onramp
Onramp is a collaborative educational initiative that brings STEAM experiences to a diverse range of learners Boise State senior Carson Magee is a student mentor in the Onramp program and is in his final semester pursuing a computer science degree, with plans to continue his education. He helps bring creativity and technology together for students through classroom visits, after-school programs, and hands-on STEM activities.
Magee’s passion for mentorship is deeply personal growing up with type 1 diabetes and food allergies, he was encouraged by mentors who helped him see his own potential. Now, he strives to do the same for others, empowering young learners to explore their creativity and passions.
His impact extends beyond Boise. At a national 4-H event, he led a coding Mad Libs session using Apple’s Swift programming language, inspiring leaders to bring technology-based clubs to their own communities.
Through Onramp, Magee has honed his leadership and teaching skills, gaining experience in classroom management, lesson planning, and communication. As he prepares for the next chapter, he remains dedicated to fostering innovation and inspiring the next generation of problem solvers.
MashUp
At MashUp, Boise State’s interdisciplinary speaker series, experts from seemingly unrelated fields come together to share personal stories and unexpected insights Instead of traditional lectures, MashUp fosters dynamic conversations, showing how different experiences can intersect in surprising ways
“I like the fact that it’s focused on storytelling,” said Josh Johnston, one of this season’s speakers. “It felt different from most presentations—I could just put something out there and see how it lined up with someone else’s experience.” Johnston shared how career setbacks led to unexpected opportunities, challenging the idea that success is always a straight path. Fellow speaker Steve Swanson agreed, adding, “Everybody has challenges, and it’s great to see how people overcome them to get where they want to be.”
That’s what makes MashUp special it’s not just about expertise, but the journeys, struggles, and connections that shape innovation. Open to the Boise community, this free event invites audiences to step outside their own fields, engage with new ideas, and see where the conversation takes them.
LEADERSHIP
Jen Schneider
Interim Dean & AI for All Program Director
Krishna Pakala
Interim Associate Dean in Residence
Amanda Ryan
Assistant Dean of Operations, Assessment & Development
Kelly Arispe
School for the Digital Future Director
Megan Cattau
Drone Program Director
Melissa Fennemore
Senior Business Manager
Lana Grover
Sr. Director of Design & Creative Partnerships
Doc Haskell
Esports Director
Anna Ralph
The SPACE Manager
Anthony Saba
UX Design Certificate Program Director
Cara Van Sant
Venture College Director
Mark Woychick
Onramp and Google Career Certificate Program Director
