The University of Utah President David Pershing announced to the U. Academic Senate this afternoon that he will return to a faculty position at the conclusion of a presidential search. He will remain as president until his successor is appointed by the Board of Regents.

“President Pershing has dedicated 40 years of service to the University of Utah, and has made a lasting mark on the institution,” said Board of Regents Chair Daniel Campbell. “His visionary leadership as president of Utah’s flagship over the past five years has been extraordinary. We are grateful that he will remain as president until the search is concluded.”

“Serving as the president of the University of Utah has been the greatest honor my career,” said Pershing. “I look forward to working with the campus community during what I know will be a seamless transition in the coming year.”

Utah Commissioner of Higher Education, David L. Buhler, added, “President Pershing’s storied career with the University of Utah included being named a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, serving as Dean of Engineering, and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. He has always put students and the university first. He will be missed as president, but I am grateful he is not leaving the University family and will remain as faculty.”

The Board of Regents will begin a search for the next University of Utah president, which will be co-chaired by Regent Harris Simmons and University of Utah Trustee H. David Burton. Details on the search committee and timeline will be forthcoming. The presidential search is expected to take approximately one year.