Professional Achievement Award

Steve Skaggs, 2021

Steve Skaggs, a Pocatello native, graduated from the accounting department in 1982. “I chose the College of Business because it had a strong track record for placing graduates with prestigious national accounting firms.” Skaggs said he was motivated to choose accounting because of professors like Dr. Ken Smith, Dr. Albert Francisco and Dean James Kelly.

Skaggs attended the University on academic and athletic scholarships, joining the golf team. “My parents’ inner circle of friends included many outstanding Idaho State faculty members and administrative leaders,” said Skaggs. “Growing up, I was a huge fan of Idaho State’s athletic teams.”

After graduating, Skaggs joined the Big Four accounting firm Deloitte, where he worked until 2006, moving his way up to partner and managing partner. From 2008 to 2011, Skaggs shifted careers, taking a position as a client service director at the global consulting firm Resource Global Professionals. Then, in 2011, Skaggs started his current position as chief audit officer of St. Luke’s Health System in Boise, Idaho. “I credit Idaho State for much of my professional success,” said Skaggs. “[At Deloitte I] was immediately thrust into a very challenging work environment. My professional experiences resulted in interaction with graduates from the country’s most prestigious academic institutions. I quickly learned that not only did I belong, I thrived. Much of my success resulted from the foundational skills learned at Idaho State. I am forever grateful for the excellent academic experience I enjoyed in Pocatello.” Skaggs said that he also met his wife of 35 years, Pam, at Idaho State. Pam, also a proud alumna, graduated with a degree in dietetics.

This year, Skaggs was proudly recognized as 2021’s Professional Achievement Award recipient, an honor that he said was both surprising and humbling. “I have great respect for the University and am honored to be included alongside those in the College of Business who were recognized before me. I will strive to achieve the professional and personal standards established by prior recipients - they set a high bar.”

Skaggs has remained involved with the College in addition to extending his time and service to a wide variety of other organizations. Since 1995, Skaggs has been part of the College of Business Leadership Board, now serving as chair. He has also served on the University Foundation board since 2018. Outside of the University, Skaggs volunteers with the Boise Public Schools Education Foundation, the Treasure Valley YMCA, the Hillcrest Country Club Board of Directors, Blueprint Boise, FUNDSY and the Healthcare Financial Management Association- Idaho Chapter.

“[My proudest accomplishment is] impacting others. I am incredibly proud of the teams I have worked with over the past 38 years and the small difference I made in the lives of those who benefitted from my advice and mentorship,” said Skaggs. “I am also very proud of my involvement in community-based organizations. Idaho’s culture has been positively shaped by such organizations and I am proud to have played a small role in their important work.”