Stephen R. Covey Dies; Huntsman School Loses Mentor and Friend

The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University lost a great friend, mentor and colleague when Stephen R. Covey died July 16.

In 2010, Dr. Covey became the first Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair in Leadership at the school.

“We are deeply saddened by the news that Dr. Stephen R. Covey has passed away,” said Douglas D. Anderson, dean of the Huntsman School of Business. “While his contributions to the world have been remarkable, we know he measured his success in the individual lives of those he taught. We are grateful for the time and effort he invested here with each of us as the first Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair in Leadership, sharing his insights, talking with our students and helping us refine a vision of the kind of leaders we can all be. He has left a legacy that will continue to inspire individuals and organizations to lift and bless the lives of others. The Huntsman community hopes, in some small way, we can do our part to continue his work by modeling the timeless principles he so effectively taught. We are grateful to call him our friend and mentor. Our deep sympathies are with Sandra and Dr. Covey’s family, who have been so supportive of our work at the Huntsman School of Business.”

Dr. Covey’s impact was felt around the world at so many levels, said USU President Stan Albrecht.

“We at the university know him best, of course, as a scholar and mentor to students, professors and our leadership teams over the course of many years,” Albrecht said. “But Dr. Covey touched the lives of people around the world in very personal ways. He was an inspirational leader who was always a powerful voice for individual integrity, strong character and extreme trustworthiness in every aspect of life. This is sad news for the world community.”

On Feb. 18, 2010, Dr. Covey became the first Jon M. Huntsman Presidential Chair in Leadership. As a research professor, he visited campus to speak with students and offer invaluable advice to Huntsman School leaders.

“While Dr. Covey was best known for the book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, his insight offered in the many other best-selling books he has authored cannot be overlooked,” Anderson said. “In fact, his latest book, The 3rd Alternative: Solving Life’s Most Difficult Problems, is this year’s required reading for all Huntsman students.”

Dr. Covey earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Utah, an MBA from Harvard University, and a doctorate degree from Brigham Young University. He is also the recipient of eight honorary doctorate degrees, including one from Utah State University in 2001. The Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence, which is part of the Huntsman School of Business, inducted him into the Shingo Academy in April 2002.

Contact: Steve Eaton, 435-797-8640, steve.eaton@usu.edu