Weber State University has officially launched its search for a new president and is calling on the community for input. Following the departure of former president Brad Mortensen, the university's nine-member presidential search committee has scheduled public forums to gather feedback from faculty, students, and local residents on the qualities they seek in the institution's next leader.
Key Takeaways
- Weber State University is actively seeking public participation to guide its presidential search.
- The search was initiated after former president Brad Mortensen accepted the presidency at Utah State University.
- In-person and virtual public meetings are scheduled for January 12 and January 15, respectively.
- Community members can also provide feedback through email or an anonymous online form.
- A national firm, AGB Search, is assisting the university's search committee.
A New Chapter for Weber State
The search for new leadership at Weber State University is now underway, marking a significant transition for the Ogden-based institution. The vacancy arose nearly two months ago when Brad Mortensen was named the 18th president of Utah State University. In his absence, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Leslie Durham has been serving as interim president since early November.
The university is now focused on finding a permanent successor who can steer it into the future. To ensure the process is transparent and community-focused, the presidential search committee has emphasized the importance of public involvement. The committee, co-chaired by Utah State Board of Education member Javier Chavez Jr. and Weber State trustee Ally Isom, is tasked with identifying a candidate who aligns with the university's mission and values.
Leadership Transition in Utah Higher Education
The departure of Brad Mortensen created a leadership vacuum that the university is now working to fill. Mortensen's move to Utah State University was a significant development within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). The current search at Weber State is part of a broader landscape of leadership transitions within the state's public universities and colleges, highlighting the competitive nature of academic administration.
Community Voice at the Forefront
The search committee has made it clear that community feedback is not just welcome, but essential. In a recent statement, co-chairman Javier Chavez Jr. highlighted the committee's objective.
"Input from the campus community and the public is essential as we work to identify the right leader for Weber State University," Chavez said. "Our priority is selecting a highly qualified president who will continue advancing Weber State's mission while supporting affordable, high-quality education that serves students and Utah's communities."
This sentiment was echoed by co-chairwoman Ally Isom, who stressed the collaborative nature of the search. "Community input will be critical as we look for a president who can build upon Weber State's successes and meet the evolving needs of the region," Isom stated. The committee is looking for a leader who understands the unique role Weber State plays in northern Utah and beyond.
How to Participate
To facilitate public involvement, the committee has organized multiple opportunities for stakeholders to share their perspectives. These sessions are designed to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of the broader community.
Get Involved: Meeting Schedule
The university has provided specific dates and times for the public to contribute their thoughts on the presidential search, ensuring both in-person and remote participation options are available.
In-Person Session
An in-person public forum is scheduled to take place on Monday, January 12. The meeting will be held at Lindquist Hall, located at 1299 Edvalson Street on the Ogden campus. The session will run from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., allowing attendees to voice their opinions directly to members of the search committee.
Virtual Session
For those unable to attend in person, a virtual session will be held on Thursday, January 15. This online meeting is scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., offering a convenient alternative for community members to participate from home. An access link for the virtual meeting has been made available by the university.
Other Feedback Channels
Recognizing that not everyone can attend scheduled meetings, the committee has established additional ways to submit feedback. Suggestions and comments can be sent directly via email to [email protected]. Furthermore, an online portal has been created to allow individuals to submit comments anonymously, ensuring all voices can be heard without reservation.
The Path Forward
The public input phase is a crucial first step in a comprehensive selection process. According to the Utah System of Higher Education, the information gathered from these sessions will help the committee finalize the job description and call for nominations and applications in the coming weeks.
To aid in this nationwide search, the committee has retained the services of AGB Search, a national firm specializing in executive searches for higher education institutions. Their expertise will help identify a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates for the committee's consideration.
The ultimate goal is to find a president who can not only maintain Weber State's current momentum but also navigate the challenges facing modern universities. Key issues include maintaining affordability, fostering innovation in academic programs, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring student success in a rapidly changing economy. The feedback gathered from the community will directly shape the criteria used to evaluate candidates for one of Utah's most important academic leadership roles.
