(KCPW News) Dr. David Pershing is the new president of the University of Utah. In a unanimous vote this afternoon, the State Board of Regents selected Pershing, who was previously the university’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, as its 15th president. In a brief speech at Rice Eccles stadium, he began by praising the faculty, but then turned his attention to students.
“And I want to be absolutely clear about this: improving undergraduate education is going to be a top priority for my team and my administration,” he said.
Pershing added that the university will raise its admission standards.
He said the U of U will do everything it can to ensure students graduate in a timely manner.
“And this something we’ve got to work harder on and do better at. We’re going to promise the entering class that we will give them the opportunity to be seriously engaged with us,” said Pershing “That doesn’t just mean go to class and drive to your job.”
Dr. Pershing first joined the University of Utah as an Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering in 1977. He succeeds Michael Young, who left to become president of the University of Washington.
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