Abstract
The Biomolecular Research Center at Boise State University was established in 2002 through a state-wide partnership with the Idaho BRIN/INBRE programs. We increased capacity through the COBRE in Matrix Biology award in 2014. NIH IDeA programs have resulted in a major shift in institutional culture and biomedical research by increasing research capacity and competitiveness. Here we present lessons learned and ongoing challenges in managing and maintaining a research center with shared core facilities as well as future plans for sustainability of cores at a primarily undergraduate institution.