LOGAN — The Utah Board of Higher Education has launched a national search for the next president of Utah State University, appointing a nine-member committee to lead the effort.
Co-chaired by Board Vice Chair Steve Neeleman and USU Trustee David Huntsman, the search committee is tasked with identifying candidates who can carry forward the university’s mission as Utah’s land- and space-grant institution. The role emphasizes student-centered education, research and community engagement.
“This search committee brings together a broad cross-section of voices from the Utah State community,” said Neeleman. “We’re committed to finding a leader whose vision and values align with the spirit of Utah State and can champion its mission of learning, discovery and service for the success of all students who attend.”
The search comes as Utah State plays a prominent role in the state’s innovation ecosystem, with recent reports highlighting its leadership in space and defense research through the Space Dynamics Laboratory and its contributions to the health and life sciences sector in Cache County. But also at a time when the university has been mired in one controversy after another.
Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell’s 18-month presidency at Utah State was marred by internal restructuring, financial scrutiny, controversies surrounding student housing, unchecked free spending to enhance her personal lifestyle and ongoing federal investigations into the university’s handling of sexual misconduct within its athletics program.
Suggestions or comments regarding the search may be shared by the public at ushe.edu/usu-presidential-search-feedback.
The committee includes representatives from the Board of Higher Education, USU’s Board of Trustees, and institutional stakeholders including faculty, staff, students, administration, alumni and community members. Members are:
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Board of Higher Education: Steve Neeleman and Cydni Tetro
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USU Trustees: David Huntsman and Clark Whitworth
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USU Representatives: Grant Cardon (2024-25 Faculty Senate President), Bill Plate (Senior VP for Marketing and Communications), Elisa Taylor (2024-25 Staff Association VP), and Matthew Richey (2024-25 Student Body President)
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Community/Alumni: Laurel Cannon Alder, former trustee and Alumni Association president
AGB Search has been retained to assist with the process. The committee will announce a position description in the coming weeks and begin accepting nominations and applications.
In accordance with state law (SB 282), the search will be conducted under enhanced confidentiality to attract a broad and competitive applicant pool. The final selection will be made by the Utah Board of Higher Education in an open meeting after finalists are presented.