OUR VIEW: USU in search of a president

The news that President Kermit L. Hall will leave Utah State University was surprising and certainly unexpected to many. Much will be said over the next few weeks about Hall and the work he has done during his four years at USU. Some considered him progressive, while others felt he has been too aggressive. Regardless of varying opinions on Hall’s administrative style and policies, it can’t be argued he has made huge political strides for the university.

It is for this reason we feel Provost Stan Albrecht is the best person for the job. Hall is leaving USU at a politically crucial time. Facing a 43 percent tuition increase and further state-funded budget cuts, USU needs Hall’s politically popular voice to fight for its best interests when the Utah Legislature reconvenes next week. When Hall leaves, it is critical to USU’s future that its president be active in the political arena of the state – and have knowledge of what is going on.

Albrecht has already received the endorsement of the deans and many faculty of USU. Hall himself has deemed Albrecht as the “logical” choice for the job. Albrecht has already been through USU’s interview and background search before he was named provost when he came in as the No. 2 choice for president.

From the growing debt USU’s utility bill has incurred to plans for Innovation Campus and the new library, USU needs someone who is aware of both its needs and goals, as well as the political atmosphere of the state that funds it. Albrecht is just the person.

We encourage the Board of Trustees to bypass a national search. It seems unlikely the expensive and time-consuming process of a national search would yield anyone better for the job than Albrecht.