Glee Woolley

The board convened to announce and officially appoint the 18th president of Utah State University. The meeting included a motion to appoint Brad L. Mortensen to the position, followed by acceptance remarks from the newly appointed president, who emphasized a commitment to building a united, forward-looking university grounded in community and innovation.

The Board meeting included reports from various committees regarding audit, risk, compliance, academic and research approvals, and statewide mission oversight. Key actions taken included the approval of the state-appropriated budget and the President's budget for FY27, the disposal and acquisition of real property in Price, Utah, and the approval of a residence hall site change. The Board also accepted reports on athletics, external audits, and auxiliary enterprises, alongside approving amended bylaws, expedited tenure for faculty, and various academic program adjustments such as new certificates, discontinuations, and name changes. Additionally, the Board reviewed policy updates and informational reports on investments and institutional strategies.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered a wide range of university business, including the presentation of the President's report, legislative audit updates, and reports from various committees such as Audit, Risk and Compliance, Research and Academic Approval, Strategic Partnerships and Fundraising, and Student Success. Key actions included the establishment of the Utah Earthquake Engineering Center, approval of policies related to the Faculty Senate, student aid fraud prevention, and residency for tuition purposes. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved various academic program changes, name changes, and restructures, as well as the appointment of a board member to the Space Dynamics Laboratory. The meeting also addressed facility developments and institutional strategies for enrollment, advancement, and research.

The board meeting primarily focused on the formal review and approval of promotion and tenure for university faculty. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the evaluation of David Fukuda, the incoming Department Head of the Department of Kinesiology and Health Science, to grant him tenure and appointment as a professor. The board reviewed documentation, professional accomplishments, research, teaching, and mentorship experience supporting these tenure decisions.

The meeting encompassed a strategic plan preview, a report on legislative and audit updates, and a comprehensive review and approval of the 2026-2027 tuition rates and student fee adjustments. Key discussions included the transition of various student fees to tuition, athletic department budget and revenue strategies in light of the move to the Pac-12 Conference, and various academic approvals concerning administrative units, name changes, restructuring, transfers, and new program emphases. Additionally, the Board addressed policies regarding student aid fraud and residency, approved a new earthquake engineering center, accepted external audit reports, and reviewed a lease agreement.