"When a committee forwards only one name for consideration, it's not really a shared decision," she said. "This had happened more than once. It was just a pattern that was not healthy for the institution."

Wilson, who chaired the UW-L Faculty Senate at the time of the censure, said Hitch's actions were the "straw that broke the camel's back" in a long-running power struggle between faculty and administration.

A court case alleging Hitch rejected the committee-recommended candidate based on age and gender discrimination is still wending its way through the court system. Hitch declined to comment on the case.

Hitch said she expects her time as UVU interim president to go more smoothly.

"UVU is in good shape," she said. "It has the advantage of added state funding ... and the support of the community."

President Sederburg echoed her sentiments.

"I am very pleased with the appointment," he said. "In the year she's been at UVSC, Liz Hitch has earned the respect of the faculty and staff. I know she'll continue the advancement of UVU."

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E-mail: estuart@desnews.com