Utah State Professor Dwight Israelsen Nominated President

The Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters (UASAL) recently nominated Utah State professor of economics Dwight Israelsen as the new president of the academy for the 2003-2005 term.


The UASAL, chartered in 1908, is the oldest scientific organization in Utah and is affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Israelsen has been a member for 30 years and said he got involved because of his association with Leonard J. Arrington, a former president of the academy and a former professor to Israelsen.

"Dr. Israelsen is an outstanding teacher, highly respected scholar and stalwart leader in academic governance at the department, college and university levels," said Keith Criddle, head of the economics department at Utah State. "Because the academy represents all 11 of Utah's public and private colleges and universities and all academic disciplines, it is an honor to have one of our faculty elected as president."

Before joining the faculty at Utah State, Israelsen served on the faculties of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brigham Young University and Harvard University. As president of the academy, Israelsen will preside over all the affairs of the academy, including the annual meeting, executive committee meetings, the awards meeting, the excursions and the finances. He is also responsible for the development of new UASAL programs designed to recognize and encourage scientific and artistic excellence throughout Utah.

"I think the most exciting part of being president will be the opportunity to extend and expand the influence of the UASAL in recognizing and promoting excellence in the sciences, arts and humanities in the state of Utah," said Israelsen. "I am honored to be elected."