A Versatile Career in Academia and Program Management
Dona Orr’s career is a blend of academic achievement and practical expertise. She spent 17 years as a faculty member in the Business Management & Administration program at Boise State University, where she earned the honor of Emeritus status. Following this, Dona played a key role in transitioning BSU’s Selland College of Technology to the newly established College of Western Idaho. She then joined the Division of Professional Technical Education as a Program Manager for four years before taking a faculty position at the University of Idaho College of Education.
Leading the Charge in Professional Development and CTE
In 2016, Dona returned to the Idaho State Board of Education Division of Career Technical Education and was appointed Director of Secondary Education. When the Division decided to create a Professional Development unit, Dona was the natural choice to lead the initiative. Now, as the Director of Professional Development, she oversees two critical programs: InSpIRE Ready!, a training program aimed at equipping new CTE teachers, and Leadership Institute, a leadership development program designed for upcoming leaders in Idaho’s CTE landscape.
Outside of her professional commitments, Dona has a unique personal history. She and her husband once farmed for seven years in Southern Idaho, a lifestyle to which she hopes to return one day. Until then, her focus remains steadfast on expanding career technical education opportunities, training new CTE teachers in Idaho, and supporting CTE professionals at all levels.