USU Joins Utah Cooperation Cohort, Names Chad Ford as Campus Lead

Utah State University has committed to collaborating across differences by signing onto the Utah Cooperation Cohort, a statewide initiative focused on fostering collaboration and cooperation across differences on campus.

USU President Brad Mortensen signed a memorandum of understanding to participate in the cohort in March, joining Utah’s other eight public degree granting institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education and formalizing a collaborative effort with Interfaith America.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with our partner institutions throughout Utah in advancing a culture of cooperation and constructive engagement across differences,” Mortensen said of USU’s participation. He pointed to USU’s unique mission as a land-grant, positioning it to help strengthen cooperation, civic trust and community resilience across the state.

USU recently named Chad Ford as the university’s campus lead in the cohort. Ford is an associate professor of religious studies in the history, cultures and ideas department, specializing in intercultural and religious peacebuilding. He also serves on the faculty advising board for the Heravi Peace Institute.

“As a land-grant university, USU is committed to preparing students not only for successful careers, but also for thoughtful citizenship in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world,” Ford said. “We believe that learning to engage constructively with people of different backgrounds, beliefs, experiences and perspectives is an essential skill for both personal and professional success.”

Through the Utah Cooperation Cohort, USU will work with Interfaith America and higher education institutions throughout Utah to support innovative student-centered projects that strengthen collaboration, encourage curiosity, build understanding and help students develop the skills needed to work across political, religious, cultural and ideological differences.

USU has worked with Interfaith America since fall 2014 when the university hosted Eboo Patel on campus and offers an Interfaith Initiative through the USU College of Arts and Sciences.