Utah State University Welcomes a New Leader: A Rexburg Native Takes the Helm
It's official: Brad Mortensen, a proud native of Rexburg and a graduate of Madison High School, has been inaugurated as Utah State University's (USU) 18th president. This marks a significant moment, as he's the first alumnus to hold the position since 1968!
Mortensen's vision for USU is ambitious, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the future. He stated, "The landscape blooms with a calling to serve students wherever the sagebrush grows. Our university must transcend the familiar or risk becoming an echo of the past, rather than the propulsion for the future.”
Mortensen brings over two decades of experience in higher education leadership. Before USU, he served as the president of Weber State University for nearly seven years. During his tenure at Weber State, Mortensen achieved remarkable results, including:
- Recognition for outstanding return on investment for graduates.
- Establishment of the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center.
- Development of new graduate programs, such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Expansion of the dual enrollment program to become the largest in the U.S. among four-year institutions in 2024.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox praised Mortensen, calling him "one of the best human beings in our state." He highlighted Mortensen's ability to lead USU into the future, preserve its core values, and improve the institution. Cox even revealed that Mortensen was the first person he contacted when USU began its search for a new president.
Geoffrey Landward, commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education, also expressed confidence in Mortensen's leadership, citing his proven ability to unite faculty, staff, students, industry partners, and community leaders during his time at Weber State.
Mortensen has outlined four key goals for his presidency at USU:
- Expand USU’s statewide reach: Strengthening educational opportunities, driving economic mobility, and ensuring extension vitality for every household.
- Enhance student success: With a focus on completion and a meaningful return on investment.
- Lead world-changing discovery: Applying USU’s community engagement to critical challenges like land and water, air and energy, space and defense, agriculture and AI, and the intersection of technology and human well-being.
- Instill core values: Promoting authenticity, integrity, civic-mindedness, and championing the pursuit of peace.
Mortensen's inauguration signals a new chapter for USU, one focused on continuous learning and adaptation. He emphasized the importance of self-assessment and a commitment to understanding the evolving needs of students and the state.
But here's where it gets interesting... Mortensen's focus on statewide reach could spark debate. Some may argue for a more concentrated focus on the main campus, while others will applaud the commitment to accessibility. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What do you believe is the most important goal for USU under Mortensen's leadership?
