Utah Board of Higher Education

Virtual Meeting

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Committee of the whole

Minutes

Board Members Present                                                   Board Members Absent

Amanda Covington, Chair                                                     Aaron Skonnard

Steve Neeleman, Vice Chair                                                   Muskan Walia

Javier Chavez Jr.

Jon Cox

Sharon Eubank

Danny Ipson

Tina Marriott

Cydni Tetro

Office of the Commissioner

Geoffrey Landward, Commissioner

Alison Adams, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Higher Education

Brynn Fronk, Executive Assistant to the Utah Board of Higher Education

Katie Mazzie, Assistant Commissioner of Strategic and Government Affairs

Angie Stallings, Deputy Commissioner and COO

Nate Talley, Deputy Commissioner and CFO

Other

Al Smith, Professor and Dean, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, Utah State University

Chair Amanda Covington called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Committee of the Whole 

Utah State University Update

Chair Covington thanked President Cantwell for her service to Utah State University. She shared that the Board plans to appoint a search committee in the coming days to start a process to find USU’s next leader. The hope is to appoint someone later this summer, but the Board will take the time necessary to ensure the right person is found. Board member Cox moved to appoint Al Smith as interim president of Utah State University. Board member Eubank seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed. Interim President Smith thanked the Board for the opportunity. Chair Covington thanked the Board for their swift action in appointing an interim president.

Board member Ipson moved to go into closed session for the purpose of discussing the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual; impending litigation; or the sale of real property. Board member Marriott seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.

Closed Session

Vice Chair Neeleman moved to end closed session. Board member Cox seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.

Vice Chair Neeleman moved to adjourn. Board member Eubank seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.

Date Approved: March 27, 2025