Utah State University-Uintah Basin Names New Executive Director
Dr. James Taylor will head USU's Uintah-Basin campus beginning June 1, 2016.
James Taylor has been named executive director of USU-Uintah Basin’s regional campus for Utah State University. He will oversee operations of its Roosevelt and Vernal locations. Taylor will begin his new role at USU-Uintah Basin June 1.
“After careful deliberation, we are confident that Dr. Taylor will bring a unique set of leadership traits to our Uintah Basin campuses,” said Dave Woolstenhulme, executive vice provost for Utah State University. “With his strong record of leadership and experience managing geographically dispersed campuses, we look forward to continuing a great path of success at USU-Uintah Basin.”
Taylor brings administrative leadership and a background in environmental science to the Uintah Basin campus that boasts more faculty in the science discipline than any USU regional campus. He spent the last two years serving as vice president of Colorado Mountain College and dean of Timberline Campus where he oversaw the operations of three locations: Leadville, Buena Vista and Salida. During his tenure at CMC, Taylor increased enrollments and reduced expenses by 20 percent while reallocating the savings toward student learning and developing a student-centric culture.
In addition to a record of strong institutional leadership, Taylor brings practical experience serving as a biologist and wilderness researcher in Yellowstone National Park and high elevation climbing guide. Taylor has visited more than 30 countries while serving as a guide.
“I’m excited to bring an energetic and optimistic leadership style to the Uintah Basin,” said Taylor. “Through my experiences travelling the world I believe I’ll be able to bring a broad diversity of perspectives. I’m excited to be a part of the Uintah Basin community and further explore the region’s amazing geography.”
Taylor brings experience in the K-12 setting after starting his career in academics at Carden Memorial School in Salt Lake City. He served as part-owner, headmaster, chief executive, board member and science teacher. He went on to work as the vice president of campus education and the executive campus director for Ameritech College in Salt Lake City. He also spent time at Ameritech as dean of academic affairs and as an adjunct professor. Taylor has taught at Brigham Young University Idaho, Grand Canyon University, Ashford University, Montana State University and DeVry University.
He earned his master’s in earth sciences from Montana State University and a bachelor’s in biogeography from the University of Utah. Taylor completed his doctorate in educational leadership and organizational development from Grand Canyon University.
Taylor’s passions include volunteering as a technical rescue team member and running. His team was nationally recognized as the top trained alpine rescue team. He has led and participated in numerous rescues in extreme conditions — including avalanche, alpine rock and ice, desert and mountain situations. He’s participated in several marathons and ultramarathons, including one more than 100 miles.
Taylor will succeed Boyd Edwards, USU-Uintah Basin’s former dean who returned to USU in Logan to pursue his passion of teaching physics.
Related link:
Utah State University Uintah Basin
Contact: Dana Rhoades, 435-722-1788, dana.rhoades@usu.edu
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