USU Announces Leadership Changes
Gary S. Straquadine has been appointed vice chancellor for the USU Eastern campuses and continues his role as vice provost at USU.
Utah State University Interim Provost Laurens H. Smith announced appointments to several key positions within the university’s academic administration.
Gary S. Straquadine has been appointed vice chancellor for the USU Eastern campuses and continues his role as vice provost at USU. In his new role, he will build upon previous academic leadership positions at three different land-grant universities that include Utah State University, Ohio State University and New Mexico State University. Straquadine will be responsible for program design and development in southeast Utah and assist USU Eastern chancellor Joe Peterson to advance the academic programs at the institution and focus on economic and community development. Straquadine replaces Peter Iyere as vice chancellor, who resigned in December 2016 to pursue other opportunities in higher education closer to his home.
“Gary is uniquely suited for the position of vice chancellor at USU Eastern and vice provost,” said Smith. “During his nearly three-decade career as an academic leader, he has proven to be an outstanding development strategist and researcher – both of which serve USU well.”
Richard C. Etchberger has been appointed vice provost, replacing David R. Woolstenhulme, who was confirmed as the first commissioner for the Utah College of Applied Technology in October 2016. Etchberger was named Utah’s Carnegie Professor of the Year in 2015 and is recognized as one of the preeminent authorities on wildlife management. Etchberger brings with him more than 20 years experience in both the classroom and in various leadership roles.
In his new position, Etchberger will focus on professional development of faculty throughout the state and will expand efforts to promote student achievement and success in the regional campus system. In addition, he will engage in regional campus student recruitment and retention.
“Rich is a strong, dynamic leader whose qualities are often emulated by peers and subordinates,” said Smith. “He is one of those uniquely inspiring professionals that continually seeks ways to improve existing norms in order to more effectively teach both undergraduate and graduate students.”
Edward M. Reeve has been appointed interim vice provost, replacing Smith upon his selection as interim provost at USU. Reeve has been at Utah State University for more than 26 years where he has worked to advance knowledge in the fields of technology and engineering education and career and technical education. He is considered an expert in areas related to educational standards, curriculum development in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, competency-based education, improving teaching and learning and internationalizing the curriculum.
As interim vice provost, Reeve will be responsible for curriculum management and support. He will also be responsible for new faculty orientation and development and general education appeals. Additionally, Reeve will serve in the capacity as the academic liaison with the Utah System of Higher Education, faculty policy consultant and chair of the Education Policies Committee - a subcommittee of the USU Faculty Senate.
“Ed’s deep commitment to student success, curriculum development and academic leadership are areas that will help enable USU as it continues to provide students with thriving research opportunities and access to a world-class education, Smith said about Reeve.
Straquadine, Etchberger and Reeve’s appointments were approved by the USU Board of Trustees in early January and take effect immediately.
Contact: Eric Warren, (435) 881-8439, eric.warren@usu.edu
Richard C. Etchberger has been appointed vice provost at USU.
Edward M. Reeve has been appointed interim vice provost at USU.
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