CEDAR CITY – The State Board of Regents has selected Scott L. Wyatt as the 16th President of Southern Utah University. President Wyatt, who is currently leading Snow College will succeed interim-President Richard Kendell. Kendell was named to the position when Michael Benson was appointed president of Eastern Kentucky University in April of this year.
A 21-member presidential search committee, chaired by Regent Mark Stoddard with Vice Chair Trustee Eric Leavitt, conducted a national search and considered nearly 70 potential candidates. The four finalists met with constituent groups on Thursday and were interviewed by the Board of Regents on Friday.
“We are pleased with the caliber of the candidates who participated in this rigorous process,” said Bonnie Jean Beesley, Chair of the Board of Regents. “President Wyatt has expertly guided Snow College through enrollment and budget challenges to become a nationally ranked institution. We are confident that he will bring this same level of leadership to SUU and to the Utah System of Higher Education as a whole.”
President Wyatt has led Snow College in fundraising, growth initiatives, and strategic planning, including approval of its first four-year degree program, construction of the Karen H. Huntsman Library, and a new 400-bed student housing complex. His administration has raised more money for the college, over the last six years, than has been raised during any comparable time in the college’s history. He has overseen the enhancement of the college brand and led the college to a 40-percent increase in student enrollments over the past five years.
President Wyatt also guided the realignment of Snow’s career and technical education programs to better fit local workforce and economic development needs. During his tenure, Snow College has been consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of 2-year colleges in the U.S. by the Aspen Institute and number six in the nation for college completion by CNN Money.
Prior to his appointment as president of Snow College, Wyatt was a partner in the Logan law firm Daines & Wyatt, LLP. He served in the Utah legislature for two terms, where he was a member of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee. He also served on the board of trustees for Snow College and Utah State University, and was the student member of the State Board of Regents. He has taught political science, ethics and education law courses. President Wyatt holds a Bachelor of Science in philosophy and economics from Utah State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah.
“My family and I look forward to joining with the SUU family,” Wyatt said. “The university has an incredible history and great future, and we are thrilled to be part of it. I am very excited to engage with SUU students, faculty, staff, and community members to build on the university’s strengths, and chart a visionary future together.”
About Southern Utah University
From its founding in 1897, Southern Utah University has evolved from a teacher training institution to a university whose mission of core quality academics places students first by fostering small, personalized classes led by supportive professors who are top scholars in their fields of study. People throughout the state look to the university for major academic specialties, economic and business development opportunities and training, distinguished cultural programs, athletic activities, and regional archives.
About The Utah System of Higher Education
The Utah System of Higher Education includes all of Utah’s eight public colleges and universities: The University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, Snow College, Dixie State University, Utah Valley University and Salt Lake Community College. For more information on the Utah System of Higher Education, visit the Utah Higher Education website.
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