SUU Board of Trustees Elects New Chair and Vice Chair
Published: July 13, 2022 | Author: David Bishop | Read Time: 2 minutes
The Southern Utah University Board of Trustees made history Wednesday when it elected Jodi Hart-Wilson as its chair. It marks the first time in university history that a woman has served as chair of SUU’s Board of Trustees. Hart-Wilson, also an SUU alumna, was first appointed as a Trustee in 2017.
“I am absolutely humbled by the confidence my fellow trustees have placed in me,” said SUU Trustee Chair Hart-Wilson. “As an SUU alumna, I remember hoping at my graduation that one day I would be able to give back to a university that has given me so much. Everything that I learned at SUU has been a springboard for my life. This is an exciting time at SUU and I’m thrilled to be in a position to make a difference for future generations of SUU T-Birds.”
Since 2019, Hart-Wilson has served as vice chair of SUU’s Board of Trustees. She replaces Chair Rich Christiansen, who leaves the board after being appointed by Governor Spencer Cox to the Utah Board of Higher Education.
“It’s been a delightful time to serve on the SUU Board of Trustees and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish,” said outgoing Chair Christiansen. “During my tenure, the university saw unprecedented growth and had a renewed focus on innovation. As I leave the board, I have the highest confidence in Jodi Hart-Wilson’s leadership and I look forward to seeing SUU continue to move forward.”
The Trustees also elected Eric Schmutz as vice chair. Schmutz is an SUU alumnus and a Cedar City native.
“This is a great opportunity and an honor to be able to give back to my alma mater,” said Vice Chair Schmutz. “This is an exciting time with a new president being named. I also think the ties between SUU and the community are critical. When one thrives, the other benefits as well. It’s impossible to separate SUU and Cedar City.”
The members of the SUU Board of Trustees are appointed by the Governor for a four-year term.