The Utah Board of Higher Education has unanimously appointed Brad L. Mortensen as the 18th president of Utah State University. Mortensen, a USU alumnus, currently serves as the president of Weber State University and will begin his new role on November 10.
The appointment marks a significant leadership change for two of Utah's major public universities. Mortensen will transition from his post at Weber State, which he has held since December 2018, to lead his alma mater in Logan.
Key Takeaways
- Brad L. Mortensen was unanimously appointed as the 18th president of Utah State University.
- A USU alumnus, Mortensen has been the president of Weber State University since 2018.
- He will officially begin his duties at USU on November 10, 2024.
- His stated priorities include advancing world-class research and ensuring student success.
- The Utah Board of Higher Education will now begin a search for a new president for Weber State.
A Return to an Alma Mater
For Brad Mortensen, the appointment is more than a new job; it is a return to the institution that shaped his own academic and professional journey. As a first-generation college graduate, leading the university he once attended holds special significance.
During the announcement, Mortensen expressed his deep sense of humility and surprise at the opportunity.
"This is incredibly humbling and almost unbelievable to be here. I can't even say it's fulfilling a dream, because it's beyond any dream for a first-generation college graduate to become the president at their alma mater," Mortensen said.
His connection to the university is expected to be a cornerstone of his leadership as he prepares to guide USU into its next chapter.
A Record of Success at Weber State
Mortensen leaves behind a significant legacy at Weber State University, where he has served as president for nearly six years. Under his leadership, WSU achieved notable milestones and received national recognition.
One of his key accomplishments was the establishment of the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center. This facility was created in partnership with the Utah Legislature, the U.S. Air Force, and various aerospace and defense industry leaders, cementing WSU's role in critical state and national initiatives.
Weber State Under Mortensen
- Gained recognition for outstanding return on investment for graduates.
- Established new graduate programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice.
- Developed the largest dual enrollment program in the U.S. among four-year institutions in 2024.
Mortensen also acknowledged the difficulty of leaving his post, taking a moment to address his colleagues at Weber State directly.
"I want them to know of my appreciation and admiration for them and I can never find words to express my gratitude for those experiences," he stated. "There was only one opportunity that would have ever convinced me to trade in my purple."
A Twofold Vision for Utah State's Future
Looking ahead, Mortensen outlined a clear and ambitious agenda for Utah State University. He described his commitment to the institution as "twofold" and "unbreakable," focusing on both groundbreaking research and student empowerment.
The first part of his vision is to drive world-changing discovery, reinforcing USU's status as a premier Research I institution. The second is to ensure every student is prepared for the future.
"Every USU student is equipped with the knowledge, skills and resilience needed to define their future success and lead the next generation of innovation for our state and for the globe," Mortensen explained.
What is a Land-Grant Institution?
Utah State University is a land-grant university, meaning it was designated by the state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890. These institutions were founded to focus on teaching practical agriculture, science, military science, and engineering without excluding classical studies, making higher education accessible to a wider population.
He emphasized his goal to build a future that positions USU as a model for how higher education can transform to meet modern challenges. "Together, let's build a united, forward-looking Utah State University that is grounded in our communities and in the amazing individuals who make this place extraordinary," he added.
Leadership Transition and Next Steps
With Mortensen's official start date set for November 10, the transition process will begin shortly. His appointment leaves a vacancy at the helm of Weber State University, and the Utah Board of Higher Education is already planning its next moves.
Amanda Covington, the board chair, confirmed that the board will now focus on WSU. The immediate steps will include naming an interim president to guide the university through the transition period. Following that, a formal search process will be launched to find Weber State's next permanent leader.
Mortensen's move signals a dynamic period for higher education in Utah, with new leadership poised to shape the future of two of the state's most prominent universities.
