Boise State University has announced the hiring of astronaut Barbara Morgan for the newly created position of Distinguished Educator in Residence. School officials say Morgan will be a guest lecturer in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. She will also work with both the colleges of engineering and education at the school and help shape education policy and assist with fund-raising efforts. The university is also hopeful she can help boost efforts to bring NASA programs to Idaho school districts. The former McCall-Donnelly, Idaho School District teacher went into space last year aboard the shuttle Endeavor. She has been with the space agency since the mid-1980’s when she was selected as a backup in the Teacher in Space program. Morgan received an honorary doctorate from BSU in May. The State Board of Education unanimously approved the appointment in meetings held this week in Idaho Falls. (Idaho Statesman)