Message From USU Interim President Alan L. Smith: Ever Forward, Ever Better

Editor’s note: The following message from USU Interim President Alan L. Smith was emailed to faculty and staff on Feb. 20.

Dear Faculty and Staff,

On my first day as interim president of Utah State University, I want to express my deepest appreciation for your dedication to our institutional mission. You bring tremendous energy and passion to meeting the needs of our students and the broader communities we serve in Utah and beyond. I endeavor to offer that level of commitment in serving you and the long-term health of our beloved university.

We are moving forward rapidly on a number of fronts. In aggressively pursuing operational efficiencies, preparing for our coming accreditation visit, and engaging in ongoing budget planning in anticipation of legislative budget reallocation, we have been laying the groundwork for our success over the next decade. Finding that success will not be painless and there are understandable anxieties about what the coming months will bring. Yet, it is also true that a degree of trust and unity will be required to maintain our momentum and ultimately thrive. I look to you to safeguard this collaborative spirit as we navigate the challenging period ahead.

In turn, I will work over the coming months to push us forward and ensure a smooth transition for our next leader. This will require centering the needs of our students and state in the long run and innovating in ways that open ever greater pathways to success.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of this great university. It will be an incredible honor to work beside you in advancing our important mission. Together, we will ensure that our institution and Utah thrive for many years to come.

Very best regards,

Alan L. Smith

Interim President