Brad Mortensen Officially Inaugurated as USU's 18th President

LOGAN, Utah — Brad L. Mortensen was officially inaugurated as the 18th president of Utah State University on Friday in front of a packed crowd at the Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall. The event was also attended via broadcast by hundreds more throughout the state.

The inauguration celebration opened with remarks from USUSA President Brandon Sorensen, who shared what it means to be an Aggie and how he sees those traits in President Mortensen. Remarks and a gift were then shared by Jason Walker, chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation.

Utah Governor and USU alum Spencer J. Cox then addressed the crowd. In his remarks, Cox shared some insights from his time as a student at USU and the lifechanging events that “knocked off” the rough and sharp edges that he had. He then spoke glowingly of his confidence of Mortensen as the right man at the right time.

“I'm grateful to the Board who chose Dr. Mortensen for this time,” Cox said. “I truly believe that he is the man of the hour. He is an Aggie. He knows what this institution means to all of us who have been here. He knows what this institution means to all of those who will come here someday. And he is the healer and chief that this university needs right now.”

Cox was followed by Geoffrey T. Landward, commissioner of Utah Board of Higher Education, Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education, and Tessa White, chair of the Utah State University Board of Trustees. Each in turn expressed their admiration and confidence in Mortensen as the best possible person to be president of Utah State.

President Mortensen then made his remarks. He began by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead USU but quickly stated that he would work together with all to help USU become the best place it can be.

“Institutions of higher education do not depend on one person,” Mortensen said. “They thrive because multitudes believe in an enduring promise from the better angels of our nature. For our land-grant university, that promise is opportunity, discovery, and service to every corner of Utah.”

Mortensen went on to vocalize areas of focus that he and his leadership team have identified as vital first steps of his presidency. These focuses all have an eye on non-complacency and adapting to the everchanging landscape that is Utah and beyond.

Mortensen first explained the need to expand USU’s statewide reach by strengthening educational opportunity, driving economic mobility, and ensuring Extension can reach every household. Second, strengthening focus on helping students complete degrees and see meaningful returns on their educational investment.

Third, Mortensen spoke of USU driving world-changing discovery and research, especially in the areas of land, water, air, energy, space and defense, and the intersection of technology, artificial intelligence, and human well-being. Lastly, to “instill the values of authenticity, integrity, and civic mindedness, and champion the pursuit of peace in all we do.”

Mortensen then announced the launch of a new scholarship endowment called the Utah State Promise Scholarship Endowment.

“I invite you to join Camille and me in endowing this fund for our students whose talent, potential, and determination deserve opportunity,” he said.

He closed his remarks by promising to be a listening and learning president. He in turn encouraged others to emulate this commitment by being a “learning university”, an institution that is constantly learning to educate students of every background, learning to serve and enrich Utah, and learning to lead with purpose in an ever-changing and divided world.

After his remarks, Mortensen showed off his talents on the piano, playing the USU anthem “The Scotsman”. The song was then reprised, along with the USU fight song, by the Utah State Band and Spirit Squad.

Quotes from Utah and university leaders about President Mortensen

Spencer J. Cox, Governor of Utah:

“I'm grateful to the Board who chose Dr. Mortensen for this time. I truly believe that he is the man of the hour. He is an Aggie. He knows what this institution means to all of us who have been here. He knows what this institution means to all of those who will come here someday. And he is the healer and chief that this university needs right now.”

Geoffrey T. Landward, commissioner of Utah Board of Higher Education:

“President Mortensen's appointment comes at an important moment for Utah State University, and for higher education across our state. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to student success, academic excellence, and the mission of public higher education in Utah. He brings to this role extensive leadership and experience and a deep understanding of and a commitment to the state's public Higher Education System, and of how a dynamic public university best serves students and communities statewide.”

“This is a person with a giant heart and he leads with it. The president we are celebrating today is a man who will lead with his authentic heart. I think that is exactly what Utah State needs. I think that is exactly what Utah State deserves.”

Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education:

“We sought a leader who could steward one of Utah's most significant public institutions, honor its mission, and guide it forward in a time of both opportunity, a little uncertainty, and much responsibility. Throughout that process, you stood out for your clarity of purpose, your student-centered approach, and your deep understanding of Utah's public higher education system. You also distinguished yourself as a leader known for openness, approachability, and a commitment to building strong, trusting relationships across this campus community.”

Tessa White, chair of the Utah State University Board of Trustees:

“President Brad Mortensen is a leader that cares deeply about the people across Utah. He's an individual who listens more than he talks and understands that success requires all of us, not just one person. His love for this institution runs deep. He is perfectly suited for this moment.”

Brandon Sorensen, Utah State University Student Association president:

“I've been to many campus events and seen firsthand how President Mortensen shows up as himself. He is approachable, thoughtful, and genuinely invested in students and this campus. He takes time to listen, to learn from students and various stakeholders, and to build relationships that help move Utah State forward. That's what it means to be an Aggie, showing up for another, putting in the work, and building something that's bigger than ourselves.”