- Brad Mortensen was unanimously appointed as Utah State University's 18th president.
- Mortensen, a Utah State alumnus, has been president of Weber State University since December of 2018.
- He will begin his duties on Nov. 10 focusing on discovery and student success.
LOGAN — The Utah Board of Higher Education on Thursday unanimously appointed Brad L. Mortensen as Utah State University's 18th president.
"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 is truly just an unbelievable, unbelievable moment for me," Mortensen said.
Mortensen, a USU alumnus, has been president of Weber State University since December 2018.
Mortensen led Weber State to multiple recognitions for outstanding return on investment for graduates, established the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center in partnership with the Utah Legislature, the U.S. Air Force and the aerospace and defense industry, oversaw the establishment of new graduate education programs, including the Doctor of Nursing Practice and led the university's dual enrollment program to become the largest in the U.S. among four-year institutions in 2024.
It's safe to say that Mortensen's time at WSU made an impact on him, as he took some time during his appointment address to acknowledge his "Weber State family."
"Because of the nature of this announcement, they're kind of finding out now and I feel bad about that," Mortensen said. "But 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. There was only one opportunity that would have ever convinced me to trade in my purple."
Mortensen said that his commitment to Utah State University will be "twofold" and "unbreakable."
The first, he said, is driving world-changing discovery and the second is to ensure that 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."
"I look forward to us collectively building a bright, bright future for Utah State University. That bright future will position USU as a premier, research one, land-grant institution that relentlessly empowers its students — every student statewide — to thrive," Mortensen said.
Mortensen isn't wasting any time, either, as board chair Amanda Covington added that he will begin his duties on Nov. 10.
"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," Mortensen said. "Higher education is transforming and we can set the model for what that transformation should look like at Utah State University."
With Mortensen's departure from Weber State, Covington said the board will now turn its attention there to name an interim president and begin the search process for WSU's new president.
