Copyright Salt Lake City Deseret News
The Utah Board of Higher Education (UBHE) made a couple of key decisions Thursday — appointing Leslie Durham and Kent Thygerson as interim presidents of Weber State University (WSU) and Tooele Technical College (TTC), respectively. Durham will assume her new duties at WSU on Monday, Nov. 10. Her appointment follows last week’s resignation at the university of President Brad Mortensen, who was selected by the UBHE as the next president of Utah State University. A veteran higher education leader, Durham currently serves as WSU’s provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. She previously held roles at Boise State University (BSU), including dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, where she focused on improving student success, increasing research expenditures, launching new academic programs and stabilizing the college’s financial position amidst fiscal and political challenges, according to a UBHE release. Durham’s other leadership roles at BSU include founding director, School of the Arts and associate dean, College of Arts and Sciences. “I am honored to serve as interim president of Weber State University during this transition,” said Durham. “Weber State is a remarkable institution, and I look forward to working closely with the students and campus community to ensure continuity, stability and continued progress in the months ahead.” UBHE Chair Amanda Covington called Durham “an experienced leader” who understands WSU’s mission and strategic direction. “Her collaborative approach and background in academic affairs, performance measurement, student success, and community partnerships will ensure steady leadership for Weber State during this transition,” said Covington in the release. Durham assumes her new role at a moment of growth and evolution at the Ogden-based institution. A record enrollment was reached at WSU this academic year, with more than 33,000 students. “Other universities across the country are seeing declines in enrollment, but Weber State is seeing an uptick,” said Jessica Oyler, vice president of Student Access & Success, according to a release from the university. “That really shows the value of regional public universities like Weber. We’re serving folks right here in our community, and our community directly benefits from it.” Like other public higher education institutions, WSU is also managing a dramatic reallocation of state-provided funds to academic programs deemed of highest value to graduates and Utah industry. Thygerson takes the reins at TTC Thygerson’s appointment at TTC follows last August’s announcement that current president Paul Hacking would retire later this month. A licensed Certified Public Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor, Thygerson currently serves as the school’s vice president of finance and operations. He has played a key role in managing TTC’s finances and business operations — including the management of a recent capital development facility expansion, according to the UBHE. “It is a privilege to serve Tooele Technical College in this interim role and to work alongside our talented faculty, staff and students,” said Thygerson in the release. “I am committed to advancing the college’s mission and providing steady leadership during this transition.” UBHE Vice Chair Jon Cox said Thygerson has strengthened TTC’s reputation with “thoughtful, data-informed” decision making. “(Thygerson) will provide steady leadership and careful oversight of critical initiatives as the institution moves forward during this transition.” TTC enrolls over 1,200 students, according to the UBHE. With interim presidents in place at WSU and TTC, the UBHE will now focus its attention on hiring long-term leaders at both institutions.
