Story & Design: Keeley Lackey
Since 2011, Stacy Isenbarger has changed the College of Art at the University of Idaho. She was a skilled artisan, who inspired the lives of many. Throughout the thirteen years that she started work here, she constantly worked on her personal portfolio, as well as helping students build theirs. She moved up the ladder, working her way to the first administrator of the art program. She was skilled at research and creative activity making. She was always expanding the outreach and service knowledge. Stacy passed in August of 2025, and has left a legacy that will continue on in the lives of all family, friends, and students, as well as at UI. She developed a course called the Patagochie, to help recently graduated students understand what they needed to teach as new art teachers.
“The one thing that impacted me the most after speaking to Stacy was my confidence. I no longer approach challenges with hesitation. She believed in my potential when I doubted myself. I currently approach challenges head on and fail brilliantly. I create wherever and whenever I can per Stacy’s advice. She was truly a staple to our community.” – Shannon Thompson
“I (Delphine) had a handbag that was a basket-y, and stuff was falling out of the bottom. I was going to go home to get a new bag, but Stacy insisted on me handing it over to her. She used her material knowledge and fixed it on the spot. She had high energy and was ahead of the conversation. She was a good listener, and had an approach to fix everything. She would say, “I’m gonna fix that.” and then she would fix it. She had an attitude to make sure things were in order. – Delphine Keim
“There were a few times where I was feeling unsure of my leadership and teaching abilities, and Stacy gave me some great advice. Being a first gen-college student and first-gen grad student, I often felt like I didn’t deserve to be where I was, or I would get insecure about the future. She told me “Janssen, you deserve good things. You work hard and you care deeply. Hold onto that.” When I started landing the first opportunities post-graduation, Stacy was the first person I called. She celebrated your wins with you and help see you through your loses.”
– David Janssen Jr.
Throughout all her years at the University of Idaho, Stacy created an impact that placed UI’s Art College on the maps, and created lasting memories for all that knew and loved her.
“Stacy Forever”