Utah Tech University to host campus visit for presidential candidates on February 24

The UT Presidential Candidates Forum 2025 took place on February 19, 2025, in Washington County, Utah, focusing on the selection process for the next president of Utah Tech University. The meeting highlighted the strong interest in the position, with over 40 applicants narrowing down to three finalists who will visit the campus on February 24.

The three candidates are Philip Cavalier from the University of Tennessee at Martin, Steven Hafen from Brigham Young University, and Shane Smead, the current president of Park University in Missouri. The forum will allow the public to engage with the candidates from 2:00 PM to 4:45 PM at the Main Stage Theater in the Eccles building. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be available online, and questions can be submitted via email to the Utah Tech presidential search team.

The meeting emphasized the importance of community feedback in the selection process. Attendees were encouraged to participate and share their thoughts, which will be considered by the Utah Higher Board of Education during private interviews with the candidates on February 26. A decision regarding the new president is expected to be announced by the end of the following week, with updates provided as soon as possible.

Overall, the forum underscored the commitment to an inclusive selection process, valuing input from faculty, staff, students, and the broader community in choosing a new leader for Utah Tech University.