Chris Mathias has been hired as the new chief academic officer for the Idaho State Board of Education, replacing Selena Grace, who left in September for a post at Idaho State University. Mathias was policy manager in the office of the president at Boise State University; he’s also a former law professor and Coast Guard veteran. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from BSU, a law degree from Vermont Law School, and a Ph.D in law and public policy from Northeastern University.

Don Soltman, state board president, said, “Chris will be a great addition to the team. We are looking forward to working with him to advance the initiatives underway to improve education in Idaho.” The position pays $92,000 a year.