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SALT LAKE CITY — Dave Buhler, a longtime politician and former Utah commissioner of higher education, has died at the age of 67.
"Dave Buhler was a pillar of the community who was dedicated to public service," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox wrote in a statement posted Wednesday to the social media platform X. "Abby and I are grateful for his friendship, his generosity and his commitment to our state. We send our deepest condolences to his family and offer prayers of gratitude for his life well lived."
Buhler — a Salt Lake City native and career Republican — was named Utah's eighth commissioner of higher education in 2012 after serving as the associate commissioner for the previous 12 years. He held the role of commissioner for over seven years before stepping down in 2019.
"Serving as commissioner has been the professional opportunity of a lifetime. After more than 19 years in the Utah System of Higher Education, over seven of those as commissioner, my family and I concluded it's time to begin a new chapter in our lives. I believe change is good for organizations and individuals," Buhler said in a statement at the time of his resignation.
Prior to his stint as commissioner, Buhler taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah from 1990 to 2006 and served as a Utah state senator from 1995 to 1999. He was executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce from 1989 to 1992 and served on the staffs of Gov. Norman Bangerter from 1985 to 1988 and Sen. Orrin Hatch from 1979 to 1984.
Continuing his political journey, Buhler was a member of the Salt Lake City Council from 2000 to 2008.
"Former Commissioner Buhler was an exceptional individual, committed leader, valued mentor, and a dear friend," Geoffrey Landward, Utah's current commissioner of higher education, said in a statement. "His vision, dedication, and efforts to improve higher education in Utah have created opportunities for many and left a lasting impact on countless lives. We will feel his influence and benefit from his legacy for years to come. We are deeply saddened by his passing and send our sincerest condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him."
As news of his passing spread Wednesday, more educational and political voices throughout the state chimed in to remember Buhler and offer words of support to his family.
Today, I was heartbroken to learn of the passing of Dave Buhler, former USHE Commissioner @USHECommr, state lawmaker and current Regents Professor of political science at the @UUtah. Dave was a thoughtful dedicated public servant and passionate educator. https://t.co/Yl3i2sn6Hx
— Taylor Randall, UofU President (@PresidentUofU) July 17, 2024
Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson — who ran against Buhler in Salt Lake City's 2007 mayoral race — said in a Facebook post that she is "heartbroken to hear of Dave Buhler's passing."
"Dave represents all that is good in politics, education and community engagement. He put good government before party, was an incredible mentor to students and was a wise counsel on policy," Wilson wrote. "And he did all of this with friendliness, cheer and a smile on his face. My thoughts are with Lori and the Buhler family at this time. Dave's loss is a loss to all who knew him."
Former Salt Lake County Mayor and Congressman Ben McAdams also took to Facebook to pen his tribute to Buhler, saying he is "deeply saddened by the sudden loss of my friend and longtime mentor, Dave Buhler.
"Dave encouraged my activism when I was a college student and has continued to mentor me at every opportunity since. Dave was a friend and advisor to three generations of Republican and Democratic activists and public servants. He leaves a lifetime legacy of public service and his loss will be widely felt. My heart is with Dave's wife and family," McAdams said.
