Chair of Trustees Named Utah's Lieutenant Governor

Chair of Trustees Named Utah's Lieutenant Governor

From "The Herald Journal" and Utah State Public Relations and Marketing

Gayle McKeachnie likely will step down as chairman of Utah State University’s board of trustees due to his appointment as lieutenant governor for Utah, university officials said Wednesday.

Gov. Olene Walker selected the Vernal attorney and long-time public servant from Vernal to become her lieutenant when current Gov. Mike Leavitt resigns next week to become head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Utah State President Kermit L. Hall said McKeachnie will serve admirably in the position, as he has served admirably during his years at Utah State University.

"He is balanced, level-headed, honest and generous," Hall said.

John DeVilbiss, Utah State University’s executive director of public relations and marketing, said that due to time constraints and possible conflicts of interest, McKeachnie is expected to resign. He has been chairman of Utah State’s board of trustees since 2001.

"Unfortunately, that’s probably going to be the case," DeVilbiss said. "There are only 24 hours in a day." 

DeVilbiss said McKeachnie would be sorely missed in Logan.

"Gayle McKeachnie is a wise choice for lieutenant governor, a good man who has unselfishly served Utah State University for a number of years," DeVilbiss said. "We’ve been fortunate to have him as chairman of the board of trustees, and the state of Utah is now fortunate to have him as our new lieutenant governor."

DeVilbiss said that despite McKeachnie’s likely departure, university officials are pleased to know they’ll have a lieutenant governor who understands the missions and challenges Utah State faces.

If McKeachnie steps down, Board of Trustees Vice Chairman L.J. Godfrey would take his place, and the board would then elect a vice chairman to replace Godfrey, possibly as soon as its next meeting Nov. 21, according to Lee Burke, secretary for the board and assistant to the president for government relations.
Lt. Gov. Olene Walker would then appoint a new board member to replace the new vice chairperson, and the state Senate would have to confirm that appointment, which would happen as early as Nov. 19, Burke said.

Godfrey also praised the selection of McKeachnie. 

"Gayle has served Utah State with absolute dedication and distinction, qualities that will make him an excellent lieutenant governor." 

McKeachnie joined to board in August 1995 when he replaced a departing board member mid-term, Burke said. That created the possibility that McKeachnie would end up serving 10 years on the board. Board members are generally expected to serve two four-year terms. 

McKeachnie was reappointed to the board in July 1997 and again in July 2001. After initially being elected chairman by the board in 2001, he was re-elected earlier this summer. His current term would have expired in June 2005. 
Burke, who spoke with the governor’s secretary about the matter Wednesday, said he agreed that McKeachnie’s departure is probable.

"We’re not absolutely certain," Burke said. "The practice has been that he most likely will not be able to be on the board and be the lieutenant governor."
"We’re still waiting to talk to Gayle. He’s in a position to determine that better than anybody."