USU Responds to Legislative Audit

LOGAN, Utah — The Utah Legislative Auditor General presented today the findings of the performance audit of Utah State University’s governance, leadership, and culture to the Utah Legislative Audit Subcommittee. The audit was ordered by the subcommittee after a limited review raised concerns about presidential spending during the tenure of former president.

In the university’s response to the audit and its recommendations, USU President Brad L. Mortensen concurred with the findings and emphasized that the audit presents an opportunity to build better systems for the future. He noted the audit’s acknowledgment of recent progress, including actions to update policies, strengthen controls and increase oversight even prior to receiving the final audit report.

In an email to employees, Mortensen highlighted that our response is about more than compliance.

“Our focus is on strengthening how we govern, manage risk, and move the institution forward. At its core, this work is about building solid systems of governance, oversight, and leadership accountability that protect public resources, support our statewide land-grant mission, restore confidence in institutional decision-making, and better serve our students.”

Mortensen noted the consistency of the message of the audit report: “that strong policies alone are insufficient without clear leadership expectations, consistent oversight, and a culture that reinforces accountability at every level of the institution.”

Towards that goal, the president emphasized that the university leadership is “committed to learning, improving, and moving forward in a way that builds trust and confidence in Utah State.”