Utah Tech University welcomes Shane Smeed as their new president, who previously held the same position at Park University.
In an unexpected turn of events, Park University President Shane Smeed has announced that he will be departing from his role at the institution, effective as of yet undetermined. This news comes following the announcement made by the Utah Board of Higher Education on February 26, revealing Smeed's appointment as the 19th president of Utah Tech University, located in St. George, Utah.
Smeed has been a dedicated leader at Park University since September 2015, assuming the presidency in November 2020. During his tenure, he has been instrumental in driving the university's strategic initiatives, such as Vision 2030, a comprehensive strategic planning process, and the Student Success and Enrollment Growth Plan.
The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will make Smeed's transition the primary agenda item of its March 6 meeting. A letter from Terry Calaway, Ed.D, Chair of Park University's Board of Trustees, was written to students, faculty, and staff regarding the announcement, expressing gratitude for the dedication of the Park University community during this period of transition.
Efforts to strengthen shared governance under the Shared Governance Commission are ongoing at Park University, and more information about Smeed's transition will be shared as it becomes available. The announcement marks a new opportunity for President Smeed, and no start date has been determined for his tenure at Utah Tech University.
In the meantime, the Park University community is encouraged to continue their focus on the university's ongoing initiatives, such as the strategic planning process and shared governance efforts. The university remains committed to its mission of providing accessible, high-quality education to students from all walks of life.
For more information about President Smeed's departure and the appointment process for his successor, please visit the official Park University website or consult recent announcements for the latest updates. The news release about the appointment can be found at news.utahtech.edu/2025/02/26/president.
- Amidst the ongoing strategic planning process at Park University and the ongoing efforts to strengthen shared governance, the general news regarding Park University President Shane Smeed's departure has been shared.
- In addition to the ongoing initiatives at Park University, the education-and-self-development implications of Smeed's transition extend to his new role as the 19th president of Utah Tech University, as highlighted in the recent general news announcements.
