Meet the President

Chris Mallett is the 14th president of Weber State University, his alma mater and the place that shaped his belief in the life-changing impact of higher education. 

Mallett spent 25 years helping build two of America's most innovative universities — Western Governors University and Northeastern University — working with talented colleagues to expand access to higher education, deliver pathbreaking programs and services, and connect learners to personal prosperity and economic opportunity.
 
At WGU, he was a member of the founding leadership team that pioneered online, competency-based education at the dawn of the commercial internet. Over 13 years, he helped establish personalized learning programs and methods that have since served more than half a million learners — predominantly working adults and first-generation students pursuing credentials in technology, education, nursing, and business.
 
Over 12 years at Northeastern, Mallett led initiatives that connected the university's teaching, research, and experiential learning programs to regional economies and employers. As senior vice chancellor for regional campuses, he led the launch and growth of six campuses across North America, working closely with university leadership and faculty to build differentiated academic programs relevant to each market. He simultaneously led Northeastern's online experiential learning division, driving robust expansion and growth of the university's online program portfolio.
 
In 2020, Mallett and his colleagues launched Northeastern’s Roux Institute in Portland, Maine — a graduate education, applied research, and entrepreneurship innovation hub developed in close partnership with more than 300 organizations. He served as chief administrative officer. The Roux Institute is now widely recognized as an effective model for how universities can drive regional talent development and economic growth.
 
Across institutions, Mallett has helped develop and steward significant organizational partnerships, philanthropic support, and new governmental funding. He works regularly with elected officials, civic leaders, and industry leaders to advance shared priorities at the intersection of education, workforce, and economic development.

His priorities at Weber State are to focus on experiential learning opportunities, expand partnerships, and keep the university’s shared mission and goals at the forefront. 
 
Mallett holds an Ed.D. from Pepperdine University, a Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah, and bachelor’s and associate degrees from Weber State University. He and his wife are the parents of three children.