Spring 2026 Welcome Message From President Mortensen

Editor's note: The following message was sent to all USU faculty and staff on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

Dear Colleagues,

I hope you had a restful break and were able to find time to recharge and reflect. Most of mine was spent getting settled in Logan. I am so grateful for all of you who have so warmly welcomed me back to Utah State and taken time to assist in the transition.

I am excited to begin the 2026 spring semester! Together, we have the opportunity to make 2026 a landmark year for Utah State University as we strive to advance the impact of our land-grant mission. I am grateful for the dedication you bring each day to our students and communities across Utah.

I look forward to connecting with many of you during the statewide tour later this month and at additional events throughout the semester.These visits are important opportunities to listen, learn, and hear directly from faculty and staff about what is working well and where we can continue to improve together.

That week will conclude with my presidential inauguration, which I see as an opportunity to come together as a university community to recognize our shared work and look ahead to what is next for Utah State. Building on this momentum, we will begin a new strategic planning process focused on broad input from across our USU community.

The 2026 legislative session begins the following Tuesday, Jan. 20. This session, we will focus on securing funding for the MAIDAC Building while engaging in broader discussions around performance funding, campus safety, and research support.

During the session, we will also work toward responding to the findings and recommendations of the legislative performance audit of USU’s governance, leadership and culture, which will be forthcoming later this month. Our response will determine the distribution of our remaining strategic reinvestment funds.

We plan to host a town hall on March 6, the final day of the session, and more information will be shared as that date approaches.

Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to your work each day in support of our students and one another. I look forward to continuing our work together this semester and towards a bright future for Utah State University.

With appreciation,

brad