Brad Mortensen Named Utah State President

Brad L. Mortensen was unanimously selected by the Utah Board of Higher Education as the 18th president of Utah State University and will assume the post on Nov. 10, 2025. Mortensen, a USU alumnus and first‑generation college graduate, has served as president of Weber State University since 2019 and said he is humbled to return to his alma mater. At Weber State he launched accelerated bachelor’s programs, grew the university’s dual‑enrollment program into the largest among four‑year institutions in 2024, and helped secure nearly $400 million for academic, athletic and research facilities including the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center. His move will prompt Weber State to appoint an interim president and begin a presidential search, and interim USU president Alan Smith is expected to return to his dean role when Mortensen arrives. He succeeds Elizabeth R. Cantwell, who left earlier this year for Washington State University. Mortensen takes the helm as USU faces heightened scrutiny after lawmakers ordered a broad audit following concerns about spending and procurement practices.