They've worked with legislators to develop a common student identifier to track students through the system no matter what school they choose to attend, as well as found funding for many new and updated facilities across all of Utah's 10 public college and university campuses.

He plans to put extra attention on funding options, finding ways to provide more scholarships to Utah's students.

"We see higher education as maybe the most important investment Utah can make in driving its future economy," Kendell said. "Educated people will drive the economy. Uneducated people will drain the economy."

The search for a new commissioner has yet to begin, but the regents will begin looking soon. They hope to have someone new in place in time for the 2008 legislative session in January, which Kendell said wasn't a factor in the timing of his retirement. Details of the search have not been announced.

Board of Regents Chairman Jed Pitcher said it will be hard to lose Kendell, as he was "the best fit for the position.

"He's done a great job and brought great experience to the job that has proven to be incredibly valuable," Pitcher said. "We will miss him, but understand and support his reasons for retiring."

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com