New USU realignment aims to shrink the gap in university leadership 

In a university-wide email, Utah State University President Brad L. Mortensen announced a strategic leadership realignment aimed at strengthening connections between the university’s statewide work and its core academic mission. The changes, which include the departure of two long-standing vice presidents from their administrative roles, are designed to reduce bureaucratic layers and foster a more transparent, accessible cabinet, according to the email. 

As part of the realignment, Ken White, former senior vice president of the statewide enterprise stepped back into a faculty role in the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences on March 6.  

Simultaneously, James Taylor, vice president of regional campuses, will step down June 30 to return to his role as a faculty member in wildland resources. 

USUSA President Brandon Sorensen noted these shifts have been part of an ongoing plan for Mortensen to create access within his cabinet. By removing titles like “senior vice president,” Mortensen is effectively leveling the playing field. 

“The lines of contact to get to President Mortensen have shrunk significantly,” Sorensen said. “There’s no senior VPs or VPs or you have to go through this person to get to this person.”  

Sorensen said the move aligns with Mortensen’s commitment to the statewide system, which is often a “hidden secret” of the university.  

“I love that he’s wanted to dive into the statewide experience,” Sorensen said. 

While national searches begin for permanent leaders as vice president of USU Extension and vice president of statewide campuses, two interim appointments took effect March 6 to ensure continuity. 

Pam Dupin-Bryant, currently the vice provost of statewide campuses, now serves as interim vice president for statewide campuses. With 32 years of experience at USU, Dupin-Bryant said her primary focus remains on the student experience during this transition. 

“My most simplistic yet equally important goal is to make sure that I keep everything steady and provide a seamless transition,” Dupin-Bryant said. “I just don’t want students, faculty or staff ever to feel any adverse effects in the restructuring.” 

Dupin-Bryant said that the new dual reporting line, where she will report to both the president and the provost, elevates the leadership of statewide campuses.  

“It does elevate the statewide campuses’ leadership, and it will sort of strengthen those relationships with the academic side,” Dupin-Bryant said.  

Justen Smith, current director for extension agriculture and natural resource programs, will serve as interim vice president for USU Extension. 

“Extension now is on its own,” Smith said. “We’re not combined with the College of Ag. We’re not combined with statewide campuses. We’re our own unit now.” 

Smith said he plans to prioritize the faculty and staff who serve as the “face of USU” in every county across the state.  

“I definitely want to focus on our people — make sure we are retaining our good people and also for new positions, trying to recruit the best of the best,” Smith said. 

The return of experienced leaders to the classroom is being met with enthusiasm by faculty. Abby Benninghoff, ADVS department head, highlighted the “profound impact” White has had on the ADVS department, particularly in securing resources for what became the professional veterinary medicine program. 

“We are truly excited to welcome Ken back to a more direct faculty role,” Benninghoff wrote in an email to The Utah Statesman. “Our department has seen firsthand how valuable it is when experienced academic leaders return to teaching, research, and Extension.” 

Benninghoff said White’s presence will be an “extraordinary asset” for the department, particularly for graduate students and early-career faculty.  

“Ken embodies the land grant mission in his work and his values,” Benninghoff wrote. “He cares deeply about students, believes strongly in public service, and is committed to strengthening our community.” 

The realignment marks a departure from the “statewide enterprise” umbrella that combined extension and statewide campuses. While the two will now be separate units, they remain under the overarching USU umbrella with an expectation to work together closely. 

Sorensen said while large structural changes can bring hiccups, the shift is a step in the right direction.  

“I think just because something has traditionally been happening doesn’t mean that it’s effectively and efficiently still happening,” Sorensen said. “I think that this is a great step forward and being operated as one team.”