Weber State University
Presidential Search
Presidential Search
WSU President Announcement
The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Chris Mallett as the next president of Weber State University at its public meeting on May 21.
Mallett has deep Utah roots and brings decades of experience in higher education innovation, workforce development and industry partnerships, and student-centered learning, along with a strong commitment to expanding educational opportunity and preparing students for a rapidly evolving economy.
Throughout his career — which includes nearly 14 years at Western Governors University as part of its founding team, and his current position as chief administrative officer at Northeastern University's Roux Institute — Mallett has led teams focused on enrollment growth, faculty operations, academic innovation, and workforce-aligned education. He has also helped launch new educational models and partnerships designed to strengthen connections between higher education and industry.
Our Wildcat community is excited to welcome our 14th president. Together, we will continue to amplify the great, Great, GREAT work happening at Weber State!
About Weber State University
Weber State University is known for student-focused teaching, personalized educational experiences, and its transformative impacts in Utah and beyond. WSU was founded 137 years ago with the purpose of providing “educational advantages” and a “well-rounded education” to “every aspiring young person.” Over the years, we have stayed true to our founding principles, offering our community a place to learn, to find their brilliance, and to feel welcome. We’ve done that through our dual focus as a regional university that retains a community college mission, today offering 275 certificate and degree programs.
Our Students
Weber State is home to more than 33,000 students: certificate-seekers, undergraduates, graduate students, doctoral candidates, and concurrent enrollment students. Among them you’ll find local first-generation college students and students who are married, have children, or are working full time. We also welcome a number of out-of-state and international students. Across our several campuses and centers, students have access to personalized teaching and flexible programs to help reach their goals. We’re proud to continue our legacy of expanding opportunity by delivering high-quality education at a cost students can afford.
Core Themes
Three core themes lie at the heart of Weber State’s mission:
Access
As an open-enrollment university, we welcome everyone who is looking to learn, grow, discover their passion, or provide for their families.
Learning
With innovative programs, engaging experiences, and personalized opportunities, we offer an environment where students thrive.
Community
Forging strong connections in our community, we provide educational, economic, and service partnerships, and contribute to local culture through the arts and athletics.
Timeline
May 2026 — On May 21, the Utah Board of Higher Education named Chris Mallett as Weber State's 14th president.
April 2026 — The application period closed and the search committee began reviewing candidates.
February 2026 — Job posting is published and qualified candidates could begin submitting applications as of Feb. 2. (Candidate applications and information are confidential.)
January 2026 — The search committee hosted two public input sessions to help shape the presidential leadership profile, which guides the committee in reviewing and evaluating candidates.
November 2025 — The Utah Board of Higher Education appointed the Weber State Presidential Search Committee
Additional announcements, timeline details, and updates will be posted on this website throughout the process.