Public meetings with finalists Feb. 24; presidential appointment expected Feb. 26
After a comprehensive search, the Utah Tech Presidential Search Committee has recommended three finalists to the Utah Board of Higher Education for the position of Utah Tech University president: Philip A. Cavalier, Steven J. Hafen and Shane B. Smeed.
“After an extensive and thorough search by the committee, we are pleased to announce three highly qualified finalists for the position of Utah Tech University president,” said Utah Tech Board of Trustees member and Presidential Search Committee Co-Chair Deven Macdonald. “Each finalist understands the important connection Utah Tech has in the community and each brings unique experience and leadership that will help shape the future of the institution.”
Applicants are evaluated for many qualities, including their academic credentials, leadership experience, community engagement and vision for the institution they hope to lead. Both internal and external candidates were considered. This search, as well as others in the past, was conducted on a confidential basis until finalists were selected.
“The Utah Board of Higher Education appreciates the diligent work of the Presidential Search Committee in identifying three outstanding finalists from an expansive pool of candidates,” said Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education. “This has been a rigorous and thorough process, and we look forward to engaging with the campus community and its stakeholders, as well as gathering valuable input as we move toward selecting the university’s next president.”
The Utah Board of Higher Education will interview the following finalists (listed here in alphabetical order):
Philip A. Cavalier is the provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he has served for nearly seven years. He previously held provost roles at Lyon College and Eureka College and was Interim Chancellor at UT Martin from March to August 2023. His accomplishments include leading the university’s 2025-30 strategic plan, developing a strategic enrollment plan, boosting first-year retention to a record 77%, expanding academic programs and establishing a study abroad program in Siena, Italy. In 2005-06, he was a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine where he taught American literature courses at two universities. He also delivered lectures throughout Ukraine, Estonia and Egypt. He holds a Ph.D. in English from the University at Buffalo and degrees from Northeastern University and Swarthmore College.
Steven J. Hafen is the Administration Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at BYU, overseeing Financial Services, Physical Facilities, Human Resources, Purchasing and Travel, Auxiliaries and Programs and BYU Police and Security. He chairs the Campus Planning and Use Committee, the University Investment Committee and the Human Resources Committee.
Before joining BYU, Hafen held CEO and COO roles across multiple industries, including technology, education, training and certification and consumer goods. He also spent over 13 years as an adjunct faculty member at BYU’s Marriott School of Business. He holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in Japanese from BYU.
Shane B. Smeed is the president of Park University with over 25 years of experience in higher education. A Utah native, he has championed transformative initiatives to enhance student success, institutional excellence, and workforce development. Notable achievements include launching a comprehensive fundraising campaign, implementing a new student information system (ERP/SIS), and creating strategic partnerships with local businesses to prepare students for success in the global market.
He holds a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration from Saint Louis University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in business operations from DeVry Institute of Technology. Smeed is an active contributor to regional economic and leadership efforts, serving on prominent boards like the Kansas City Area Development Council and the Command and General Staff College Foundation.
Next steps
Monday, Feb. 24, 2025: The finalists will be on Utah Tech University’s campus to meet with groups representing faculty, staff, students, deans, trustees and administration. Each finalist will also participate in a public forum that afternoon, where attendees from the Utah Tech community and the general public will have the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates.
Public forum schedule (Feb. 24, 2025)
Utah Tech University: Eccles Mainstage Theater (room 121)
225 South University Avenue, St. George, UT 84770
- 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. – Philip A. Cavalier
- 3:00 – 3:45 p.m. – Steven J. Hafen
- 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. – Shane B. Smeed
All members of the campus community and public are welcome to attend in person or watch these sessions online. The forums will provide an opportunity for individuals to pose questions to the candidates. Questions can also be submitted ahead of time through an online form for facilitators to consider presenting to each candidate. All members of the campus community and the public are also encouraged to submit feedback via an anonymous comment online or by email at UtahTechPresidentSearch@ushe.edu.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, the Utah Board of Higher Education will interview the finalists in a closed session. The Board may convene a public meeting at Utah Tech University in the Zion Room (room 537) in the Holland Centennial Commons at 5:30 p.m. that day to select the president. However, it may convene at another time, in which case a meeting will be announced at a later date.
