Utah Board of Higher Education

Virtual Conference via Zoom

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES

Board Members Present

Amanda Covington, Chair

Jon Cox, Vice Chair

Javier Chavez Jr.

Jeremy Hafen

Jodi Hart

Danny Ipson

Garrett Largent

Steve Neeleman

Board Members Absent

Aaron Skonnard

Cydni Tetro

Office of the Commissioner

Geoffrey Landward, Commissioner of Higher Education

Alison Adams, General Counsel and Board Secretary

Trisha Dugovic, Director of Communication

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

Angie Stallings, Deputy Commissioner and COO

Nate Talley, Deputy Commissioner and CFO

Others

Wayne Vaught, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, Utah Valley University

Chair Covington called the meeting to order at 1:39 p.m.

Committee of the Whole

UVU Leadership

Chair Covington shared that President Tuminez will step down as President of UVU at the end of April and that an acting president will be appointed. She provided a brief overview of Provost Wayne Vaught’s background. Board members Neeleman and Hafen expressed appreciation for Provost Vaught’s willingness to serve and for the leadership he will bring.

Vice Chair Cox moved to appoint Wayne Vaught as acting president of Utah Valley University, effective May 1, 2026. Board member Neeleman seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.

Provost Vaught expressed his appreciation for being selected to serve in this role. Chair Covington noted that the presidential search process will continue over the next several months and expressed her appreciation for Provost Vaught’s leadership during the transition.

Board member Ipson moved to adjourn. Board member Largent seconded the motion, and the Board members in attendance voted unanimously in favor. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 1:47 p.m.

Alison A. Adams, Secretary

Date Approved: March 26, 2026