Distinguished Educator in Residence Barbara Morgan came to Boise State University after a 10-year career as a NASA astronaut and 24 years as a public school teacher.  Morgan was NASA's first Educator Astronaut, after serving as back-up NASA Teacher in Space to Christa McAuliffe and then as Teacher in Space Designee.  She flew on the space shuttle Endeavour in August 2007. 

Through a dual appointment to Boise State's Colleges of Engineering and Education, Morgan leads and represents the university in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, including policy development, advocacy and university advancement.  She directs Boise State's efforts to bring NASA education programs to area schools, and serves as guest lecturer and student mentor in departments across campus.  She also provides vision and leadership to the State of Idaho on STEM education.

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From Facebook to Twitter, to cell phones, and I-pods, the Internet is ubiquitous.  The Internet allows people to bridge vast distances, both geographically and metaphorically, a point which has been made numerous times in Idaho as seemingly innocent teenage friends are revealed to be middle-aged sexual predators.  In 2005, the Idaho School Boards Association joined with Attorney General Wasden in a partnership to educate, highlight and empower Idaho’s parents, teens, educators and law enforcement groups addressing the onslaught of the Internet.  Out of that partnership, came a massive education effort, the formation of the Idaho Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, and ProtecTeens.  Attorney General Wasden will share the latest version of his ProtecTeens educational video, as well as share some of his experiences with this partnership and finally look toward future partnership ideas and goals.

Lawrence Wasden is Idaho's 32nd Attorney General.  He was elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006.  Attorney General Wasden is a leader in the national effort to protect children from Internet sexual predators. He is a strong advocate for crime victims' rights.  He is strongly committed to open government and works with local government and media organizations to educate Idahoans regarding the state's open meeting and public records laws.   

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Rick Phillips, the Executive Director and Founder of Community Matters, will explain how leadership in tough times is not only about cost cutting and budget management, it's also about thinking strategically and abundantly.  This keynote will help attendees as well as students, parents, and others in your local communities to stay hopeful, be creative, and collaborative to demonstrate leadership and financial stewardship in tough times. 

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