Jeffrey Landward has been appointed Utah Secretary of Higher Education.
The Utah State Board of Higher Education voted unanimously Thursday to appoint Landward. Appointments must be approved by the Utah State Senate.
Mr. Landward has served as interim commissioner since September 2023, when Commissioner Dave Woolstenhulme abruptly resigned to pursue other professional opportunities.
Mr. Landward previously served as vice chair and secretary of the Higher Education Commission. Mr. Landward, who graduated from BYU's J. Reuben Clark School of Law, has his 20 years of legal expertise in administrative law, education law, and employment law.
Utah Higher Education Commission Chair Amanda Covington said in a statement that Lundward's “exceptional accomplishments, particularly during the 2024 legislative session, and his relationships with the entire state make him the right leader for this role.” ” Our decision to appoint Director Landward confirms our confidence in his ability to lead the system with vision, alignment, and effectiveness into the future. ”
Utah Governor Spencer Cox said Landward has demonstrated an ability to navigate the complexities of higher education in Utah in recent months as interim and is well-positioned to assume the role. Stated.
Following his appointment, Mr. Landward thanked the board for its confidence in him.
“The teams I work with, the level of respect and in some cases the intimidation I feel when working with you are indescribable. Knowing that I have earned your trust and confidence “This is the greatest honor I could hope for in my professional career. Thank you very much. I hope to live up to the expectations placed on me,” he said.
During his six months as Interim Commissioner, Mr. Landward provided state-level leadership on higher education issues, including establishing legislative strategy, managing the state budget, and advocating for the value of higher education locally and nationally.
Senate Majority Whip Ann Milner, R-Ogden, a former president of Weber State University, said Landward's selection is “a great appointment for the Utah system of higher education.”
She continued, “Jeffrey Landward has a deep understanding of higher education and the nation and has proven that he has the skills to advance the system in remarkable ways. I look forward to working with Secretary Landward in the future. I’m looking forward to it.”
Rep. Karen Peterson (R-Clinton), chair of the House Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, said in a statement that Landward “has led with integrity and ingenuity and has earned the respect and respect of his colleagues across the country.” He said he has been observing “the ability to gain trust” for nearly 10 years. state. “
Previous higher education commissioners include G. Homer Durham — 1969-1976; TH Bell — 1976-1981; Arvo van Alstyn — 1981-1985; Hmm. Rolf Carr — 1985-1993; Cecilia H. Foxley — 1993-2003; Richard E. Kendell — 2003-2007. William A. Cederberg — 2008-2012; David L. Buehler — 2012-2019 and Dave R. Woolstenhulme — 2019-2023.