Utah State Names New Business and Finance VP

President Stan Albrecht announced the appointment W. Glenn Ford as Utah State's new vice president for Business and Finance April 11.

 

Ford, who currently serves as associate vice president for Business and Finance and Student Affairs Administration at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., succeeds Ron Godfrey, who is leaving Utah State to serve a three-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

 

"We are excited to have Glenn join us," said Albrecht. "He brings with him a great deal of experience to benefit the university. His is a demanding job – one that requires a great deal of focus, expertise and energy. I believe we have just the person for the challenge."

 

Ford, who assumes his new duties July 11, was one of two finalists for the position prior to naming Godfrey in the fall of 2003. Because Ford participated in a national search for the position as a finalist, Albrecht chose to forgo another lengthy search and directly appoint him to the position.

 

Ford said the university made a lasting impression on him when he first interviewed for the position in November 2003.

 

"Utah State possesses incredibly talented and productive faculty and outstanding students," he said. "I am proud to become a member of this team."

 

Ford added that he and his wife, Tammy, "fell in love" with Cache Valley and both look forward to becoming better acquainted with the community.

 

A native of Yakima, Wash., Ford earned both bachelor's and MBA degrees from the University of Idaho. He served in various administrative positions at the University of Idaho, before joining Washington State University as a senior budget analyst in 1986. Ford has held in his current position since 2001.

 

Ford has served at both the regional and national levels of the Association of College and University Business Officers organization. He has made multiple presentations at regional and national conferences, including the Northwest Association of Student Affairs Professionals, National Association of College Auxiliary Services, Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Services Business Officers, USDA Administrative Management Conference and Western Association of State Agricultural Experiment Station Business Officers.

 

Godfrey, who joined Utah State in January 2004, will depart at the end of June to serve as president of the LDS Tennessee Knoxville Mission. He succeeded Fred R. Hunsaker who retired from Utah State in 2003 and currently represents House District 4 in the Utah Legislature.

 

"Ron Godfrey will be greatly missed," said Albrecht. "He worked tirelessly on behalf of Utah State and has done a superb job. He knows numbers, but he knows people, too. That is an extremely valuable combination that has helped the university make great strides, while nurturing human relationships at the same time."

 

Albrecht praised Godfrey's accomplishments during his tenure at Utah State, which include a major role in procuring funding for and administering construction of the new living/learning center, library and recital hall, as well as future renovation of Romney Stadium. In addition, Godfrey coordinated efforts to enhance the university's energy efficiency and obtain funding to reduce the institution's fuel and power deficit.

 

Godfrey said he is impressed with recent efforts by the university's board of trustees. "It has been marvelous to see them get excited in carrying out their visionary and fiduciary duties that are helping the university grow," he said. "If Utah State University continues to address its core values, it will be here for a thousand years."