Q&A with Chris Mallett, Weber State University’s new president
OGDEN, Utah — On Aug. 1, Weber State University will welcome its new president, Chris Mallett.
Mallett first came to WSU as a student, where both he and his wife earned bachelor’s degrees. Now, he’s returning home and bringing ideas for growth and innovation shaped by 25 years of leadership experience at Western Governors University and Northeastern University.
WSU’s public relations team recently spoke with Mallett to learn about his background and his plans to lead the university.
Q: Tell us about your path to the presidency.
A: I began my journey as a nontraditional learner and working adult, taking my first college course at age 22. Through Weber State, I found new opportunities and abilities that led to an exciting career in higher education.
I’ve worked with organizations that succeed because they respect students’ challenges as well as their dreams. At Western Governors University, my colleagues and I pioneered online competency-based education. At Northeastern University, we built a global network of campuses and launched one of the university’s signature initiatives — the Roux Institute in Portland, Maine.
Returning to Weber State isn’t just my next job. This means so much more to me. My wife and I began our lives together here. Weber State shaped who we are and have become. The opportunity to join our community of outstanding faculty and staff — it’s more than I could’ve dreamed of. It's a storybook situation to lead Weber State’s next era.
Q: How has your experience as a WSU student impacted your focus as president?
A: I earned my bachelor’s degree while working full time. Many of our students are doing that same thing today. I know balancing a job while trying to focus on education and career progression isn’t easy, and that informs every decision I make as a university leader.
Q: How would you describe your leadership style?
A: Great organizations are led by great teams. My approach centers on collaborating with the faculty and staff who are changing students' lives.
I’m mindful, too, that it’s my responsibility to inspire members of our teams to achieve even greater innovation and impact. Together, we can steward the long-term success of our university and those it serves. We'll get there by working as a united Wildcat community. There’s no single person responsible for our mission and results. All of us have the opportunity to influence the decisions that move us forward.
Q: You’ve helped build and lead innovative institutions. How will WSU benefit from that experience?
A: Growth and innovation are the clearest signs that an organization is listening to its community and making smart decisions. As we lean into new innovation and partnership opportunities, we can ensure the programs we offer are consistent with the needs of employers and our region.
For example, as we work together to expand our approach to experience-based learning opportunities, build more robust pipelines with regional employers, and partner with more organizations to fulfill our mission, all students and alumni will benefit.
Q: You’re an advocate for experiential learning — the idea of learning by doing. If you could participate in a day-long internship at the university, what field would you explore?
A: I’d love to be a faculty member and work directly with our students to create the transformational experiences that so many faculty have created for me. I haven’t had enough opportunities in my career to do that, and I’m eager to learn from Weber State faculty colleagues. I’ll be looking for ways to help participate in our educational mission in the classroom and beyond.
Q: Now that you’re back in Ogden, what activities or places are you most looking forward to?
A: My wife and I love to ski and spend time outdoors. This is a homecoming that brings us back to family and so many things that are important to us. We also really enjoy live music and community events, so I’m excited to meet Wildcats as we attend university gatherings, from theater and arts to athletics.
Q: What else should the university and community know about you?
A: I'm humbled and honored to come home to be part of this community, and I know we can take advantage of future opportunities because you’re already doing these things. In the coming days, you can find me in my office in the Miller Administration Building, but not as often as I’ll be out and about on campus and in the community that I’m so grateful to be returning to.
To hear more about Mallett’s vision and priorities, listen to the remarks he shared during the Utah Board of Higher Education’s presidential announcement in May.
Marketing & Communications
- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Public Relations Director
801-626-7948, rachelbadali@weber.edu