Update On Search For Utah State University's New President

Friday (Jan. 7), Board of Regents Chair Nolan E. Karras appointed a committee to develop a plan for replacing outgoing Utah State University President Kermit L. Hall. The Committee will be led by Regent Jed Pitcher, and includes Utah State University Trustee Richard Shipley and Robert Foley, who serves on the Uintah Extension Advisory Board. 

 

“This committee will be contacting constituent groups, both at the university and throughout the state, to assist in its development, and will report back to the Regents with its recommended approach no later than Feb. 1,” Karras stated.

 

In December, Hall announced he had been named as the new president of the University of Albany, which is part of the State University of New York.  Hall will continue to serve in his current capacity until his resignation is effective.

 

Hall heads to Albany following a four-year tenure as president at Utah State University. The university made advancements in many areas during that time, including an increase in the freshman retention rate, research funding and continued growth at the university's Innovation Campus. (Read more about the university's accomplishments under President Hall's leadership.)

 

In an interview with the Standard-Examiner, Hall said he would miss Utah State University. "I certainly will miss Utah State, without a doubt — the community, the staff, the students."

 

With Hall's departure and scheduling difficulties, the previously announced State of the University Address has been canceled. The speech was originally scheduled for Jan. 18.

 

Hall said he wants his presidency at Utah State to end the way it began — with no public fanfare and with the focus on students. Rather than holding a farewell reception, he has asked for additional donations to the inaugural scholarship fund that he established on his arrival four years ago. The scholarship fund began with a $10,000 personal donation by Kermit and Phyllis Hall. The fund replaced a traditional inauguration ceremony.

 

The goal today is to reach the $1 million mark in donations and a campaign is underway to reach that mark as President Hall leaves Utah State University.