Boise University: Congratulations Barbara Morgan

The Highest Civilian Honor in Idaho 

The Boise State University community is proud to congratulate Barbara Morgan, Idaho’s famous Teacher in Space and Boise State’s former Distinguished Educator in Residence, for being awarded the prestigious Idaho Medal of Achievement. Idaho Gov. Butch Otter presented Morgan with the award following the State of the State address on Monday, Jan. 9, at the Idaho Statehouse. The award is the highest civilian honor that Idaho bestows, designed to recognize citizens demonstrating exceptional, meritorious and inspirational service to the people of Idaho. 

A Visionary in STEM Education 

During her years at Boise State, Barbara provided vision and leadership to K-12 STEM teachers throughout Idaho and acted as a mentor to science and engineering students across the university. She helped prepare eight Boise State undergraduate teams for NASA’s Microgravity University, supported the Idaho Science and Aerospace Scholars program for high school students and mentored participants in NASA’s Pre-Service Teacher Institutes for teaching majors, among others.  

“Barbara Morgan is an Idaho treasure and fully deserving of this prestigious award.”
Bob Kustra, president of Boise State University

Continuing the Legacy

Former NASA Commander Steve Swanson is now Distinguished Educator in Residence at Boise State. Swanson spent six months in orbit on the International Space Station in 2014. As commander of Expedition 40, he led the entire mission and conducted science and technology experiments. Today, Swanson teaches robotics and engineering at Boise State to students interested in professions at NASA and within the aerospace industry, as well as works with students of all majors through NASA’s Microgravity University.

 https://go.boisestate.edu/congratulations-barbara-morgan/