Noelle E. Cockett Named Interim Provost at Utah State, Provost Search Begins

Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht named College of Agriculture Dean Noelle E. Cockett interim provost Tuesday [Feb. 1] subject to final approval by the Board of Trustees. Cockett will assume the position formerly occupied by Albrecht, who was appointed university president by the state Board of Regents Jan. 18.

 

“Dean Cockett is an exceptional administrator and researcher, and we are pleased that she has agreed to lead in this capacity during this period of transition,” said Albrecht.

 

While Cockett serves as provost, H. Paul Rasmussen will be appointed as interim dean of the College of Agriculture. Rasmussen is currently the college’s associate dean for research, director of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station (UAES) and Utah State’s associate vice president for research.

 

“Dr. Rasmussen has a deep understanding of the College of Agriculture and is widely respected as an outstanding administrator,” Cockett said. “We are fortunate to have someone with his skills to lead the college in a time when we are working toward building new facilities that will help us better serve our students and people throughout the state.”

 

Cockett was appointed dean in 2002. She joined Utah State as an assistant professor in the department of animal, dairy and veterinary sciences in 1990 and was promoted to full professorship in 1996. She has previously served as interim dean of Utah State’s School of Graduate Studies and vice provost for academic affairs. Cockett is an internationally renowned researcher in animal genetics and received the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology in 2004.

 

“I am honored to have this opportunity to help build on the legacy that’s been established and continue the momentum toward the future,” said Cockett.

 

Rasmussen earned degrees in plant pathology and horticulture. He came to Utah State as associate director of the UAES in 1988 and was named director in 1989.

 

Albrecht appointed H. Scott Hinton, dean of Utah State’s College of Engineering, to chair a committee consisting of faculty, student, staff and trustee representatives to conduct a national search for the university’s next provost. Committee selection is in progress.

 

Albrecht said he hopes to fill the position by summer.