Idaho State Board Grants University of Idaho Salary Flexibility for Interim Provost Search
The University of Idaho has received approval from the State Board of Education to offer competitive pay for an interim provost as the institution prepares for a national search to fill its top academic leadership position.
The board granted the salary flexibility in a unanimous vote Tuesday, acting quickly on the request after spending the bulk of the day in closed executive sessions addressing personnel matters at both the University of Idaho and Boise State University. Under Idaho law, agencies may discuss personnel issues in closed session but cannot make binding decisions behind closed doors.
Filling the Void Left by Lawrence’s Departure
Current Provost Torrey Lawrence is stepping down from the administrative role to return to teaching at the university. His departure triggered the need for an in-house interim appointment to hold the position while the U of I conducts a full national search for a permanent replacement.
State Board policy typically caps interim salary increases at 10% above an employee’s current pay, or 95% of the outgoing official’s compensation — whichever is lower. Lawrence drew a salary of $358,093, according to the Transparent Idaho database, meaning the 95% threshold would place the interim provost’s maximum compensation at approximately $340,188.
University spokeswoman Jodi Walker indicated Tuesday that the institution had “not yet finalized the interim provost role.”
What Comes Next
With the salary framework now approved, the University of Idaho can move forward with selecting an interim provost from within its ranks before launching the broader national search for a permanent academic leader. The outcome of Tuesday’s executive sessions at both Boise State and U of I — beyond the salary vote — was not publicly disclosed.
For more on University of Idaho leadership and campus news, see our University of Idaho news coverage. The U of I recently saw another leadership development with the appointment of a former Idaho deputy attorney general as dean of the College of Law.