Three finalists named for USU presidency – Cache Valley Daily

Finalists have been named to become the next president at Utah State University. From left to right: Rodney D. Bennett, Elizabeth R. Cantwell and Kenneth L. White

LOGAN – Utah State University could be 18 days away from naming a new president if the Utah Board of Higher Education is able to abide by a schedule it has set for itself later this month.

USU’s Presidential Search Committee completed an assignment it began in December as it recommended three finalists to the state’s board of higher education, which announced the names Monday.

The finalists are Rodney D. Bennett, Elizabeth R. Cantwell and Kenneth L. White.

Bennett retired last summer after nearly 10 years as president of the University of Southern Mississippi.

Cantwell is Senior Vice President for Research & Innovation at the University of Arizona after earlier serving as VP for Research Development at Arizona State University.

White is Vice President for Utah State University Extension, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences and Director of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station.

The three finalists will be at USU Wednesday, May 17 to meet with groups of faculty, staff, students, trustees and others. Each will participate in a meeting that afternoon where those from the USU community and the public may ask questions.

The Utah Board of Higher Education will interview the finalists Friday, May 19 in closed session. The Board may then convene a 4:30 p.m. public meeting that day at the Taggart Student Center on campus to select the president, or may convene at another time.