LOGAN — The Utah Board of Higher Education on Monday opened applications for the next president of Utah State University, kicking off a national search for a leader to guide the Logan-based research institution with a statewide mission.
The opening comes five months after former USU President Elizabeth Cantwell left abruptly to become president of Washington State University. Alan L. Smith has served as interim president since late February.
The USU Presidential Search Committee, co-chaired by Utah Board of Higher Education member Steve Neeleman, said the job posting was shaped by feedback from listening sessions with students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members.
“So today, the job posting is open for the new president of Utah State University, and we’re looking for somebody to lead with integrity and stability, but also to balance innovation,” Neeleman said.
“We feel strongly that this is more than just a job posting. It’s actually an open invitation for strong leaders to come and join the Aggie community,” he added.
While the board has no firm timeline, officials expect to name a new president sometime during the 2025-26 academic year. As allowed by state law, the search process will be confidential until three finalists are recommended to the board for a final public vote.
“We know how important leadership is on any university campus. However, we’re gonna take the time to do it right,” said Neeleman. “We will move methodically and deliberately to find the right person.”
“As we think about the right leader for Utah State University, we are looking for somebody that has integrity, vision, and truly personifies Aggie values. We know that’s important to the community,” he said.
Applications and nominations can be submitted through the search website at usu.edu/president-search. Additional comments can be emailed to usupresidentialsearch@ushe.edu or submitted anonymously online.