David Vernon Named Senior Associate VP for Wasatch and Southwest Regions

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah State University has announced that David Vernon, who currently serves as associate vice president for the USU Wasatch Region, will be promoted to senior associate vice president for the Wasatch and Southwest Regions for USU Statewide Campuses, effective July 1.

The Southwest Region is currently led by associate vice president Nancy Glomb, who has announced her retirement effective June 30. On July 1, Vernon will assume leadership of both regions.

“David is a dynamic leader, and he has done an incredible job leading our Wasatch Region,” said James Y. Taylor, vice president for Statewide Campuses. “With this leadership merger, we will continue to see these campuses flourish and provide the students in these regions with accessible, affordable and quality education. We also foresee continued development of our partnerships with other Utah System of Higher Education institutions across the state, working together to help fill workforce needs throughout Utah.”

According to Taylor this new change bolsters operational efficiency within Statewide Campuses but can also create synergy as USU looks to further strengthen its collaboration and partnerships with other USHE institutions across the state to fill regional workforce needs in counties where USU is not the primary service institution.

Vernon has been the AVP for the Wasatch Region since 2014. When Vernon assumed the leadership position, the headquarters was in the Granite School District building in Salt Lake City. After the lease was up, Vernon was instrumental in coordinating the purchase of the Salt Lake Center building in Taylorsville, which saved more than $5 million in lease payments. Under Vernon’s leadership, the building layout was redesigned and operational within six months, opening in the spring 2018 semester. He was also a proponent of building the campus’ greenhouse, which supports the campus’ horticulture program. Above all, Vernon is proud to lead the region that produces the most USU Statewide Campus graduates.

Vernon’s leadership has not only impacted the Wasatch Region but all USU Statewide Campuses. He spearheaded the effort to offer Career Design for all students outside of Logan. He also worked to expand the modernization of digital tactics, working closely with University Marketing & Communications and the Strategic Enrollment Management offices.

“I did not achieve any of this on my own,” Vernon said. “Every accomplishment was the result of collaboration with talented colleagues in our region and across the state who share a relentless commitment to build upon the strengths of USU in order to serve our students.”

Vernon began his career as a teacher in the Granite School District. In 2002, he decided to pursue his master’s degree in education, and he enrolled as a student at USU in Salt Lake. As a student, he was encouraged by one of his professors to apply for an adjunct professor position at the old USU Salt Lake center. He became a full-time faculty member in 2007, teaching in the USU alternative routes to teacher licensing program. He pivoted to campus administration in 2012, first serving as associate director for the Wasatch Region. He was then chosen to lead the Wasatch Region in 2014.

“I love working at USU,” Vernon said. “There are so many talented and passionate individuals dedicated to enhancing both the student and employee experience, and I am grateful to be part of this team. Nancy has been a great friend and colleague, and, in my new role, I am especially honored to ensure her legacy of serving students in the Southwest Region live on.”

During this transition of leadership, Vernon will visit the 11 locations throughout the Southwest and meet with site coordinators. He said he is thrilled to meet with local leaders and students as he looks to best serve the areas under his new purview. He will continue to foster a working environment of empowered people who collaborate, innovate and contribute. He also believes in maintaining a local presence and integrating local knowledge.

“Nancy has built a strong team to help students successfully navigate their educational journey in the 11 counties in the Southwest Region and I am looking forward to see what we can accomplish together in this new structure,” he said.

The combined Wasatch and Southwest Regions cover 15 of the 29 counties of Utah, spanning more than 41,000 square miles. USU has locations in Beaver, Bicknell, Cedar City, Delta, Ephraim, Heber, Junction, Kanab, Nephi, Orem, Panguitch, Park City, Richfield, Salt Lake City, and St. George.

Utah State University’s Statewide Campuses create impact by bettering the lives of the people and places they serve. From career and technical certificates to doctorate degrees, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. With multiple locations across 85,000 square miles, USU can be the hometown university to anyone, no matter where they live. Learn more at statewide.usu.edu.