Utah Board of Higher Education Meeting
Virtual Conference via Zoom
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
5 p.m.
Action Item
Utah State University Update
Closed Session
Meeting of the Board 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.
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