Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah System of Higher Education on Thursday announced its governing board unanimously named Geoffrey Landward as Utah's newest commissioner of higher education.
Landward brings experience to the role, having served as interim commissioner since September and deputy commissioner and secretary to the Utah Board of Higher Education prior to that. In total, he has eight years of experience working with the system and over a decade of public policy work under his belt.
"In Commissioner Landward's eight years with the Utah System of Higher Education, he has shown a strong commitment to the success of our colleges and universities, their students, faculty and staff and the state of Utah," Utah Board of Higher Education Chairwoman Amanda Covington said in a statement. "His exceptional work, especially during the 2024 legislative session, along with his statewide relationships, make him the right leader for this role. Our decision to appoint Commissioner Landward underscores our confidence in his ability to lead the system with vision, collaboration and effectiveness into the future."
While serving as the interim commissioner, Landward worked on a wide breadth of higher education issues, including establishing legislative strategies, navigating the budget landscape, advocating for the value of higher education locally and nationally, and advancing strategic priorities through policies and partnerships, according to the System of Higher Education.
His eight months as interim commissioner "deepened the board's confidence in Landward's leadership and capabilities" so much that the board elected not to conduct a national search to fill the position.
Still, he went through a "thorough" leadership vetting process, including interviews with stakeholders across the system's network.
"I am deeply honored and grateful that the Utah Board of Higher Education has placed their confidence in me to lead the Utah System of Higher Education," said Landward. "While the unprecedented challenges facing higher education are significant and daunting, I am optimistic and confident about its future because of the character and commitment of those who serve in our campus communities. Higher education has the capacity to drastically improve the lives of Utah's students, and I am thrilled to contribute toward their success."
The appointment is still subject to the approval of Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and the advice and consent of the Utah Senate, but Cox spoke glowingly of Landward in a System of Higher Education release Thursday.
"Geoff Landward has demonstrated an ability to navigate the complexities of higher education in Utah over the last several months as interim, and he is well-positioned to fully take on the role of commissioner," Cox said. "With his leadership, we can anticipate innovative strategies and collaborative efforts that will elevate the quality and accessibility of higher education for all Utahns. Congratulations to Commissioner Landward on his appointment."
Senate Majority Whip Ann Millner, R-Ogden, called the move a "great appointment" for the System of Higher Education.
"Geoffrey Landward possesses a deep understanding of higher education and the state and has proven he has the skills to move the system forward in remarkable ways. I look forward to working with Commissioner Landward in the future," Millner said.
