The Utah State Board of Regents invites nominations and applications for the position of Commissioner of Higher Education and Chief Executive Officer.

Utah is a dynamic, fast-growing state with a young population.  The Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) consists of 10 public colleges and universities governed by the State Board of Regents, assisted by institutional Boards of Trustees.  The System includes two major doctoral/research universities, three master’s universities, a baccalaureate/associate’s college, three community colleges, and one applied technology college with eight campuses.  Currently, the System enrollment is approximately 140,000 students (with another 95,000 non-credit enrollments).  Over the next 10 years, credit enrollment is expected to exceed 175,000, a cumulative increase of about 25 percent, with non-credit enrollment increasing at about the same rate. The total System budget is approximately $3.2 billion, including contracts and grants, as well as state tax fund appropriations. In addition, the Office of the Commissioner and the Board of Regents are responsible for the Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority student loan program, which manages approximately $2 billion, and the Utah Educational Savings Plan, which holds $2.3 billion in college savings accounts.

The Commissioner is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Regents and is responsible to the Board to:

1. Provide statewide leadership, collaboration, coordination, strategic planning, policy development, standardized reporting procedures, information dissemination, program administration, and formulation of consolidated operating and capital budgets,
2. Recommend key policy initiatives, and
3. Ensure that the Board’s policies and programs are properly executed. The Commissioner is a key higher education spokesperson with the State Legislature, the U.S. Congressional Delegation, the Governor, and the leadership of the public education community.

The Commissioner also chairs the Council of Presidents and assists the Board in presidential searches, appointments and evaluations.

Candidates should have broad administrative and academic experience, a proven record of achievement in higher education, and possess leadership qualities essential for carrying out the responsibilities of the position.  An earned doctorate or equivalent terminal degree and demonstrated experience in dealing with policy-makers are required.  Nominations and applications with resume, five references, and other supporting materials should be sent to: 

Chair Jed H. Pitcher
State Board of Regents
60 South 400 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84101-1284
Fax (801) 321-7156
commissioner2008@utahsbr.edu

The Board will begin reviewing nominations and applications in late August.  Candidate information will be held in the strictest confidence.  Only the names of finalists will be publicly released.  Potential candidates desiring more information about the Utah System of Higher Education should access the System’s Web site at www.utahsbr.edu.

The Utah System of Higher Education is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits, in all employment – related practices and decisions, discrimination, harassment or prejudicial treatment against any person based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy related conditions, age, disability, veteran status, or otherwise as provided by federal, state or local law.