USU appoints new executive vice president, provost
Starting July 1, Utah State University Executive Vice President and Provost Frank Galey will retire and Robert Wagner will take over as executive vice president and Laurens—Larry—Smith will take over as provost.
This position change reflects the university’s considerable growth and changing needs, allowing for the executive vice president and provost to better attend to USU and its students’ needs.
Wagner has been with USU since 2007, working with the statewide campuses as a dean, vice provost and executive vice provost.
He specializes in supporting the student lifestyle, which he defined as the process of helping students to be successful and get the help they need from the moment they’re recruited to the day they graduate.
“I love seeing the impact that education and Utah State University can have on students. That is really where I find my greatest pleasure—seeing students be successful and seeing the impact that education can have on their lives while they’re here at Utah State University, even after they leave,” Wagner said.
Wagner plans on carrying out the vision that USU President Noelle Crockett has for the university, including helping students to have what they need to be successful.
One important way of doing that, according to Wagner, will be using remote learning and face to face experiences to help the diverse population of students at every campus.
“I hope what remains at the center of Utah State University is that idea of engagement,” he said. “Student engagement with each other, with faculty and our staff, and that community that we have in our university all across the state to really help and support each other.”
Wagner said he is truly excited for this new role and is grateful to continue with the Aggie community.
“It’s going to be a pleasure to continue to serve with my colleagues across the university system whom I respect tremendously and who are all doing an incredible job,” he said.
But Wagner isn’t the only one looking forward to this new experience.
Smith has worked in the Provost Office for 11 of his 19-years at USU and is currently the vice president of statewide campuses.
As provost, Smith will be responsible for the academic enterprise of the university, a goal he is familiar with after his time spent with the Provost Office.
“We want to create the best possible environment for the success of both students and faculty. We want to make sure that we do everything possible for students to be successful so they can get the education they come here for and are well-prepared for successful careers,” Smith stated.
He emphasized the need for USU to adapt and grow with society, including current workplace requirements, changing national trends in higher education and difficulties that stand between students and successful careers.
Smith explained how the university can offer the “best menu of credentials and degrees” to help serve students as best as possible.
“We need to convey clear and strong messages about the worth and value of postsecondary education on career success and quality of life,” he said.
Clara Alder, USU student body president, explained the value of academic leadership and said a good leader is someone who is genuine, personable, and passionate.
She went on to explain how the division of these two roles at the university can help USU to thrive in the future.
“Robert Wagner and Larry Smith are both exceptional. They both have the experience and the drive to truly make an impact,” she said.
Wagner and Smith will both start serving in their respective positions on July 1.
-Ryker.Eggenberger@usu.edu
Featured photo from: Utah State Today