Utah State University appoints Brad L. Mortensen as its new president

LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) — Utah State University (USU) has named Brad L. Mortensen as its new president.

On Thursday morning, USU announced that the current Weber State University (WSU) president will become the 18th president of USU. He will take office on Nov. 10. 

The USU alumni has a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics. Mortensen also has a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University and a PhD in educational leadership in policy from the University of Utah.

Since 2019, Mortensen has served as the WSU president. Under his leadership, WSU earned multiple recognitions for outstanding return on investment for graduates. He launched Utah’s first accelerated bachelor’s degree programs and led WSU’s dual enrollment program— the largest in the nation among four-year institutions.

“I am truly excited to connect with Aggie Nation,” Mortensen said. “Through listening, learning, and leading with transparency, integrity, and love, I look forward to us collectively building a bright, bright, future for Utah State University.”

Mortensen said that the bright future will position USU as a premiere research one land-grant institution that empowers students statewide.

The new presidwn5t shared that his commitment to the school will be two-fold. First, USU will drive world-changing discovery. Second, he will ensure that every single student is equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for their future success.

“There was only one opportunity that would have convinced me to trade in my purple,” said Mortensen.