8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed Session: Utah Board of Higher Education to interview Utah Tech University presidential finalists
5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Public Meeting to Select President: The Board may convene a public meeting at Utah Tech University in the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons, Zion Room 537 at 5:30 p.m. on February 26 to select the president. However, it may convene at another time, in which case a meeting will be announced at a later date.
Location
Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons, Zion Room
225 S University Ave (700 E), St. George, UT 84770
Utah Board of Higher Education
Utah Tech University
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Minutes
Board Members Present Board Members Absent
Amanda Covington, Chair Tina Marriott
Javier Chavez Jr. (absent from Committee of the Whole at 6:00 p.m.) Steve Neeleman, Vice Chair
Jon Cox Aaron Skonnard
Sharon Eubank Muskan Walia
Danny Ipson
Cydni Tetro
Office of the Commissioner
Geoffrey Landward, Commissioner of Higher Education
Alison Adams, General Counsel and Secretary to the Utah Board of Higher Education
Taylor Adams, Associate Commissioner of Student Affairs
Kris Coles, Assistant Commissioner for Student Affairs
Brynn Fronk, Executive Assistant to the Utah Board of Higher Education
Vic Hockett, Associate Commissioner of Talent Ready Utah
Katie Mazzie, Director of Student-Centered Initiatives
Hilary Renshaw, Associate General Counsel
Angie Stallings, Deputy Commissioner and COO
Utah Tech University Board of Trustees
Deven Macdonald, Second Vice Chair
Utah Tech University Presidential Candidates
Philip Cavalier
Steven Hafen
Shane Smeed
Other Guest
Kim Bobby, AGB
Chair Covington called the meeting to order at 7:45 a.m.
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 Eubank seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.
Closed Session
Chair Covington moved to end closed session. Board member Cox seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.
Committee of the Whole
Chair Covington welcomed those in attendance and provided brief comments. She addressed the presidential search process and thanked the presidential search committee members for their efforts. Utah Tech University Board of Trustees Second Vice Chair Deven Macdonald provided brief remarks. Board member Cox moved to appoint as the next president of Utah Tech University Shane Smeed. Board member Tetro seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed. Chair Covington introduced Mr. Smeed, and Mr. Smeed then addressed the group.
Board member Eubank moved to adjourn. Board member Ipson seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
Date Approved: March 27, 2025
Utah System of Higher Education
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