ISU Impact: Engaging With The College of Arts and Letters

Kandi J. Turley-Ames, Ph.D.

Hear about the exciting things happening at ISU within the College of Arts and Letters! ISU Impact explores the programs and initiatives in the College of Arts and Letters, and how the college is impacting students and our community at large. Expect to hear from some of the phenomenal faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners who are doing stand-out work at the university and in our community.

  1. 12/15/2025

    From ISU to Princeton to Posit: Dr. Michael Chow on Second Chances, Data, and AI

    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.

    31 min

  2. 11/15/2025

    Voices of Transformation: ISU Choirs Build Community Inside and Out

    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.

    29 min

  3. 10/21/2025

    ISU Impact: Building Bengal Pride Through Esports

    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.

    20 min

  4. 09/15/2025

    The Stories Behind the Cases With Nate Eaton

    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.

    30 min

  5. 06/04/2025

    Not Our Dreams—Your Dreams: The ISU Promise

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

    31 min

  6. 05/21/2025

    Back in the Dome

    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.

    21 min

  7. 04/16/2025

    The Power of a History Degree and Continued Learning

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

    27 min

  8. 03/19/2025

    Service is in Our DNA

    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.

    26 min
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About

Hear about the exciting things happening at ISU within the College of Arts and Letters! ISU Impact explores the programs and initiatives in the College of Arts and Letters, and how the college is impacting students and our community at large. Expect to hear from some of the phenomenal faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners who are doing stand-out work at the university and in our community.

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