ISU Impact: Engaging With The College of Arts and Letters

Dean Kandi Turley-Ames talks with ISU psychology alum and software engineer Dr. Michael Chow about how he turned an early academic stumble into a path through cognitive psychology, a fully funded PhD at Princeton, and his current work building open-source tools for data analysis at Posit. They explore how ISU’s mentors and “second-chance” culture shaped his journey, why cognitive psychology is a powerful launchpad into tech, and how AI is transforming software development, learning, and the future of higher education.

This episode of ISU Impact, hosted by Dean Kandi Turley-Ames, highlights the inspiring outreach work of ISU’s choral program, featuring Dr. Jeff Francom and music education student Amiah Heath. The conversation explores the impact of ISU choirs both on campus and in the broader community, with a special focus on their innovative choir initiative at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Facility.

This month on ISU Impact, Dean Kandi Turley-Ames sits down with Tim May of Direct Communications and ISU communications major Derek Hansen to discuss the university’s growing esports program. They explore how student-athletes are making their mark nationally and what the creation of a new on-campus esports arena means for the future of ISU.

Journalist Nate Eaton and ISU’s Dr. Kirsten Mink share their stories in the latest ISU Impact podcast, exploring the intersection of journalism and forensic science.

From clinical psychology to art, alumni like April and Lily have carried ISU’s impact into military service and global creative work.

In this inspiring episode, ISU Hall of Famer and 2025 alumni commencement speaker Donell Morgan reflects on his journey from standout Bengal athlete to mentor and community leader, sharing how Idaho State shaped his life and purpose.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks with ISU alumnus Justin Vipperman about his educational and career journey with a history degree.

This episode of KISU features siblings Victor and Cythia “Cindy” Joe as they discuss their lifelong dedication to service, the significance of the Chinese Lunar New Year as a celebration of family and community, and their impactful work in affordable housing, immigration advocacy, education, and mentorship.

ISU alumnus Stan Bissey shares how his experiences at ISU shaped his journey from working in a local diner to becoming CEO of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, while Professor Mark McBeth discusses student leadership and career opportunities.

Dean Kandi Turley-Ames talks with ISU alumnus Stuart Summers and Professor Karen Hartman about crisis communication, Stuart’s experiences at ISU, and his insights on proactive engagement in high-stakes situations.

Dean Kandi Turley-Ames speaks with former ISU women’s basketball player Ilene Hauser and ISU Sports Hall of Famer, Nancy Graziano on their roles in building a legacy for women’s sports at Idaho State University. The two discuss their impactful careers and ISU’s longstanding support for women’s athletics.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks to ISU alumnus Tom Neel about his 30+ years of federal service in intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, and how his ISU education laid the foundation for his global career.

In honor of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks with Rick Pongratz, Ph.D., LPC, Licensed Psychologist, and Director of the Pocatello Counseling and Mental Health Center (PCMHC) about suicide awareness and prevention.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks with Global Studies and Languages faculty members Jasun Carr and Eduardo Villalobos about exciting growth in the program, including the addition of the Spanish for Heritage Speakers course starting in the fall.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames discusses the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) with faculty advisor Amanda Bennett and student Katie Morgan.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks with scholarship recipients Dani Mecham and Noah Leary about the impact of scholarships on their lives and the benefit of interdisciplinary study at ISU.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks to Professor Armstrong and student Ben Graham about the Commercial Music program at ISU and upcoming Jazz Festival on February 9th & 10th.

Dr. Rieske, Pete Molino, and Temala Baker discuss Idaho State University's commitment to autism research and program offerings, emphasizing the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) minor that prepares students for the high-demand field of ABA services.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks to Major Michael Goering and student Ethan Storm about the ISU ROTC program.

Dean Kandi Turley Ames talks to Idaho State University Professor Colin Johnson about the upcoming visit of Pulitzer Prize winning author, James Risen and International Affairs Council students, Susana Fernandez and Laura Schuhmann.