WSU grad works among giants as zookeeper

Chris Mallett AA ’97, BS ’01 found a home as a Weber State University student. As the incoming president, he plans to keep WSU’s welcoming spirit alive.

The Utah Board of Higher Education selected Mallett as president on May 21 to fill the role vacated by Brad Mortensen in 2025. He started on Aug. 1.

“Years ago, I was a 22-year-old carpenter in Davis County. My wife, Charlet [BFA ’97], was a Wildcat before me. Watching her grow as a student inspired me to believe that I could succeed here, too,” Mallett wrote in an address to students, faculty, and staff. “I enrolled in evening courses and was immediately welcomed by talented faculty and staff who helped build my confidence and abilities. That was the spark that changed my life.”

Following his WSU education, Mallett earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah and a doctorate in education from Pepperdine University. He spent nearly 14 years at Western Governors University as part of the institution’s founding team, helping pioneer online competency-based education and expanding access to postsecondary education for hundreds of thousands of learners. He then served as chief administrative officer at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, where he worked with industry, higher education, community partners, and donors to strengthen workforce development and economic opportunity.

Throughout his career, Mallett has led teams focused on enrollment growth, faculty operations, academic innovation, and workforce-aligned education.

“I know firsthand the varied responsibilities, commitments, and goals all students and WSU colleagues must balance to create a prosperous future for themselves and their families. That’s why this is deeply personal for me,” he wrote.