Presidential Initiatives

Land acknowledgments are formal statements that recognize that the land an institution is on originally belonged to Indigenous peoples and shows respect to them as the original inhabitants. It recognizes the long history and enduring connections Indigenous peoples have to their traditional homelands and honors their resiliency and continued vitality.

A cultural initiative that fosters a caring community that elevates the academic experience and prepares Aggies to become global citizens and leaders. Aggies value respect for diversity, human dignity, social responsibility.

President Cockett prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion and has led USU in efforts to create the Latinx Cultural Center; develop and expand the annual Inclusive Excellence Symposium; expand staffing, funds and gathering space for the USU Inclusion Center; create the Center for Intersectional Gender Studies and Research; double the staffing of the Office of Equity; facilitate a new community-campus partnership in the annual Community Diversity Dinner; and expand the impact of the Aggies Think Care Act Initiative.

President Noelle Cockett formed a campus Greenhouse Gas Reduction Steering Committee charged to develop specific options for USU to deliver on a commitment to reduce its carbon footprint. In addition to the steering committee, three working groups provide input on: USU’s energy portfolio, air travel and internal price on carbon, and education on best practices.

Addressing declines in mental health requires an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. In January 2020, the university joined a program created by the Jed Foundation (JED) that provides both a framework to review USU’s existing programs and expert guidance to develop a strategic plan based on best practices.

The program aims to increase the number of academic leaders from the arts and humanities, specifically those historically excluded and underrepresented from the ranks of chairs, deans and university presidents. Fellows will receive training and mentorship and attend a series of high-level meetings to simultaneously learn and apply new skills and observe how seasoned leaders engage.