SALT LAKE CITY — A new legislative audit found what auditors call "very serious" financial missteps and weak oversight at Utah State University, involving millions of dollars in questionable spending.
The report was presented Friday at the Utah Capitol before lawmakers. Significant spending concerns during the 18-month tenure of former USU President Elizabeth Cantwell, who spent at least $660,000 in university funds for personal projects and benefits, prompted the audit.
Among the findings: a president's office remodel that grew from a $10,000 project into nearly $300,000, including a $750 bidet. Funds were also used to purchase new cars, an apartment in Salt Lake City and a heated golf cart.
The audit also found broader financial, cultural and accountability issues across the university. In one case, auditors found a university department "did not go through the proper procurement channels" when renewing contracts with a vendor, costing the university $12 million.
These concerns had led lawmakers to withhold funding from the university while they waited for the audit's release.
The report makes dozens of recommendations, including creating a formal accountability system for university purchases and calling on the Utah System of Higher Education to provide additional oversight and coaching for university presidents.
New USU President Brad Mortensen, who was inaugurated just two weeks ago, said the university will use the audit as a roadmap for improvement, focusing on stronger oversight and accountability.
"We have to earn that trust back, and that takes some time," he said. "There's still a lot of work to do, but it's good to be at this point and know that we have a clear path forward."
Mortensen added that USU will comply with each of the 26 recommendations outlined in the audit. It remains unclear when the remaining withheld funding will be released.
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Emma Benson
