Program started by Robert Redford was short-lived but trailblazing

Robert Redford’s Institute for Resource Management, which operated briefly in the early 1980s at the University of Idaho and Washington State University, sought to balance environmentalism with resource development. The program, featuring 20 graduate fellows from diverse academic backgrounds, fostered interdisciplinary learning, a concept that has since become common in graduate education. Alumni like Kathryn Toffenetti and Witt Anderson credited the institute with equipping them for successful careers in environmental law and resource management. Toffenetti emphasized the importance of the broad curriculum, which included geology and law, while Anderson noted that classes in legal processes were crucial for his work with the Army Corps of Engineers. The fellows participated in field trips and seminars addressing real-world resource conflicts, enhancing their practical knowledge.

The Northwest Power Planning Council's formation around the same time highlighted the growing importance of resource management in the region. Although the institute lasted only two years, its innovative approach to graduate education left a lasting impact on participants and the academic community. The program's emphasis on cross-training and interdisciplinary collaboration continues to resonate in today’s educational practices.