The Utah Board of Higher Education’s Executive Committee selected Courtney R. White as interim president of Utah Tech University today to take effect on Jan. 5, 2024. The Board of Higher Education will undertake a search for a new president and begin the process of appointing a presidential search committee over the next several weeks.  

“Utah Tech University has made an incredible impact on our students and community over the last decade,” White said. “I’m excited to work with our dedicated faculty, staff, alumni and community members as we continue to prepare our students for success.” 

White is the Associate Vice President of Executive Affairs/Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Utah Tech University, where he advises the president, plays an integral campus leadership role and supervises the strategic plan implementation focused on student success and access. Since 2014, he has been adjunct faculty with the Southern Utah University Master of Public Administration program. He previously served as the lobbyist for the University of Oregon and held a similar external relations position with the Utah Education Association. His prior professional assignments include work at the Nevada, Oregon and Utah Systems of Higher Education, most recently as an Assistant Commissioner. 

White earned an associate degree from Snow College, a bachelor’s degree from Utah State University, a master’s degree from the University of Utah and a law degree from the University of Oregon. 

“We are pleased to select Courtney R. White as Interim President of Utah Tech University,” said Amanda Covington, Utah Board of Higher Education chair. “White has considerable experience within higher education, and we are confident he will successfully lead Utah Tech during this transition. We look forward to working with him in this capacity.”

Current President Richard “Biff” Williams announced his departure on Dec. 21, 2023.