Idaho State University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Melaleuca Founder Frank VanderSloot

Melaleuca Founder and Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Idaho State University’s spring commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 9, 2026, following the university’s earlier announcement of the honor. Idaho State University recognized VanderSloot for his extraordinary contributions to Idaho’s workforce, economic development, and communities throughout the state.

The honorary degree was presented during a special ceremony hosted by Idaho State University’s College of Business, where university leaders, graduates, family members, and community supporters gathered to celebrate the occasion.

Recognizing Leadership and Impact

University leaders praised VanderSloot’s decades of leadership and his lasting influence on business growth in Idaho and beyond. Since founding Melaleuca in Idaho Falls in 1985, VanderSloot has helped build one of Idaho’s largest employers while remaining deeply committed to strengthening families, communities, and educational opportunities.

The university’s recognition highlighted not only VanderSloot’s business leadership, but also Melaleuca’s long-standing mission of helping improve the lives of families through wellness products, meaningful economic opportunity, and service-oriented values.

Dr. Sam Beldona, Dean of the College of Business at Idaho State University, read VanderSloot’s biography and formally presented the bestowing of the honorary degree during the ceremony.

“It is with deep admiration and gratitude that we bestow upon you one of the highest honors our institution can confer in recognition of your distinguished contributions to Idaho’s workforce and economic landscape,” Beldona said. “We are proud to confer upon you, Frank VanderSloot, the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, with all of the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining there to.”

A Meaningful Ceremony

Following the hooding ceremony, Idaho State University President Dr. Robert W. Wagner thanked VanderSloot for his influence across the region and the state.

“Thank you, Frank, for your deep and meaningful impact on our state, and in particular, Eastern Idaho, its citizens, and communities,” Wagner said. “We also know for you, that you have family and dear friends who have supported you and worked alongside you, and we honor them as well.”

Idaho State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Adam Bradford joined President Robert W. Wagner in presenting the hooding during the ceremony.

The commencement ceremony can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5YxlhBae0w

VanderSloot’s honorary degree presentation begins at approximately 55:40 and continues through 59:45.

Built on Purpose

Prior to commencement, VanderSloot also met with students, faculty members, administrators, and fellow honorees, where he shared personal reflections about hard work, gratitude, perseverance, and helping others succeed.

VanderSloot founded Melaleuca in Idaho Falls in 1985. Under his leadership, the company has grown into one of Idaho’s largest employers and a global wellness company serving millions of customers in multiple countries.

In addition to his business accomplishments, VanderSloot has long been recognized for his philanthropic efforts, support of education, patriotism, and commitment to strengthening communities throughout Idaho.

In remarks previously shared by Idaho State University ahead of commencement, VanderSloot reflected on the principles that have guided his life and career.

“It can’t be about the money. It has to be about improving lives,” VanderSloot said. “We built a model where the best producer wins. The hardest worker wins. And no one loses.”

His leadership and vision continue to positively impact countless individuals, families, and organizations throughout the state and around the world.

“We’ve been blessed with great people who have thrown in with us,” he said. “I don’t know why these blessings happen. Success is a blessing. Failure just means you need to change your approach.”

The company VanderSloot and his team built also reflects a commitment to enhancing lives through charitable work. The Melaleuca Foundation has raised millions of dollars to provide disaster relief in times of crisis, feed the hungry, honor veterans, soldiers, and first responders, improve education, and provide other types of humanitarian aid.

VanderSloot has also taken on a newer venture with his cattle operation, Riverbend Ranch, providing premium beef and related products to customers worldwide.

Together, these efforts reflect the principles that have guided VanderSloot throughout his career: building businesses that create opportunity, improving lives through service, and remaining committed to the communities and people who helped make that success possible.

The honorary degree represents one of the university’s highest recognitions and reflects Idaho State University’s appreciation for Frank VanderSloot’s enduring impact on the state, the business community, and generations of Idaho families.