Boise State University President Marlene Tromp’s Advice for Tomorrow’s Women Leaders

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, in 2024, women helmed 50 of the top 200 institutions worldwide, building on previous gains that saw 48 women leaders in 2023 and 43 in 2022. While this uptick demonstrates institutional openness to women’s leadership, it also underscores the continuing challenges in achieving representation at the highest levels of academic administration.

Dr. Marlene Tromp‘s leadership journey offers a master class in perseverance and adaptive leadership. From her roots as a first-generation college graduate from Wyoming to her role as Boise State University’s seventh president, Tromp’s experiences illuminate a path forward for aspiring women leaders in academia and beyond.

“I genuinely, with every fiber of my being and from the bottom of my heart, care about people,” she told Idaho Press. Tromp’s authenticity and vision have helped her conquer complex institutional challenges while breaking records in student graduation rates, research funding, and philanthropy.

The daughter of a miner and large-engine mechanic, Tromp faced many challenges on her path to academic leadership. She and her father worked many hours to pay for her college education, and she felt a profound responsibility to make her family’s investment “worthwhile.” Though she loved science, she did not go to medical school as she had initially planned—a path every working family understands would have understood as good outcome. Still, her parents were proud when she finished her dissertation on domestic violence and the early nineteenth century legal debates surrounding them. The challenges she faced waiting tables and cooking in restaurants while she attended school full time taught her about the trials many working students and first-generation graduates face.  Her experiences  continue to  influence her thinking as a university leader today.

Her philosophy, shaped by years in academia and personal challenges, emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement and open dialogue. This proved particularly valuable when she was faced with adversity early  in her presidency. Tromp took those challenges on directly and saw it as an opportunity to begin conversations and find shared commitments and shared values.

Tromp’s background gives her unique insight into the barriers facing many students and leaders. Her experiences send a powerful message about the possibilities for future generations of leaders.

“I come from a town where few people go on to college,” Tromp explained. “I’m concerned about our rural students who feel they don’t know how a college degree is going to benefit them. They don’t know what kind of degree they would pursue. They don’t know how they’re going to access it.”

Marlene Tromp: ‘I’m Proud To Be a Role Model’

Tromp firmly believes that role models matter. “I’m proud to be a woman and first-generation president,” she says, “and to offer inspiration for people to dream bigger, because, as the saying goes, ‘What you see, you can believe is possible for you.’”

“In order for us to bring the insights that we have gained from our own unique experiences and to do our work in the world, we have to be resilient. You have to find a good network that will lift you up so you can get the support you need while you pursue your goals.  You have to be determined that, in spite of obstacles, you won’t give up.”

She speaks from personal experience. Tromp shares, “People sometimes make assumptions that, because of your background or who you are that you will not be able to measure up. Some people assumed I wouldn’t be able to manage athletics, yet we’ve elevated the athletics program here under circumstances where a lot of athletics programs have struggled. They presumed that I wouldn’t understand finances, and we’ve closed a structural deficit at the university and created financial security. In fact, the  university has continued to grow its facilities and capacity at a time when universities around the country are facing enormous structural deficits.”

Tromp continues, “When you face those attitudes, you have  to keep going and doing the work. It sometimes takes years and some people never change their mind, but you can make a profoundly positive impact and begin to shift the narrative. You have to be incredibly resilient as you face these types of challenges.”

Resilience, Vision, and Grit

Tromp’s experience teaching offers valuable insight for women in leadership roles. “[Students] were often surprised to discover that I don’t have an investment in changing anyone’s belief system, but about challenging them to think more deeply and grow their understanding,” said Boise State University’s president. “Universities are about people learning and open dialogue.”

While universities face intense scrutiny, Tromp envisions academic institutions as crucial catalysts for broader social understanding. Her vision frames the valuable academic mission as a vital platform for rebuilding social cohesion through meaningful engagement.

Marlene Tromp says, “I really believe universities are critical, absolutely critical, in the work of helping us see one another as human. I really think universities can be a part of helping the world heal. That’s a huge priority for me.”

Her attitude remains unwaveringly positive despite challenges. “I’m an optimist,” Tromp said. “I believe that the world can be a better place. I believe universities can play a big part in that. I believe universities have the most amazing job — we get to change people’s lives so they change the world. I don’t think there’s a better job description out there.”

She attributes her leadership success to early life lessons. “I think the grit that I learned growing up in a place like Wyoming is part of the reason I don’t give up when I face challenges,” she reflected. “It’s part of the reason that I keep coming back and trying to solve problems, no matter how hard they are.”

Tromp’s experience demonstrates that effective leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges but approaching them with authenticity and determination. “What I want the institution to do is continue on its trajectory of success and innovation,” she said.”And I really want to support our efforts to make an impact for our students, an impact with our research, and an impact on the state.”