Utah gets new higher-education commissioner

Richard Kendell, named Thursday to be the state's new commissioner of higher education, will dive right into helping prepare a budget proposal to have on the governor's desk by Nov. 3.

"Now, get to work, we need the money," Utah Board of Regents Chairman Nolan Karras said with a smile to Kendell.

Regents voted unanimously to name Kendell as successor to current Commissioner Cecelia Foxley, who has held the position for 10 years. Foxley announced earlier this year she would step down in December.

Foxley will guide Kendell through his transition from being Gov. Mike Leavitt's deputy for higher education, public education and economic development. With the outlook grim for state funding, Foxley said she'll meet with Kendell in the coming weeks on how to approach the Legislature.

"We don't want students to have to pay more than their fair share," she said, hinting that tuition increases are on the horizon if lawmakers aren't able to free up more money.

Presidents from nine universities and colleges met with regents last week to prioritize their building needs, which total more than $160 million. But they've already heard from state fiscal analyst Kevin Walthers that there's "no cash."

State funding and finding other revenue sources for higher education are issues Kendell said he's ready to tackle, but in the moment of Thursday's announcement, feelings of excitement took precedent.

With his wife, Joan, at his side, Kendell told regents, "Well, I have to tell you, I'm just a little overwhelmed at the moment." He said he will lead with his "heart" and be a strong advocate for higher education.

Kendell and his wife thought following interviews of three finalists Thursday that the regents might say, "We'll call you."

Instead, he got the appointment.

Karras said regents could have thrown a dart at a board with about eight candidates and come away with the right person for the job. The fact that Kendell has been so deeply embedded in Utah's public and higher education systems at the ground level and on Capitol Hill helped his cause.

University of Utah President Bernie Machen was influential in the regents' nationwide search. Kendell, he said, is someone regents can more easily drop into Foxley's position.

"He is absolutely tailor-made for this job at this time," Machen said.

The role of commissioner is to serve as the CEO of the state's higher-education system, answering to regents, helping Utah's 10 colleges and universities implement board policies and coordinating with legislators, congressional delegates and the governor.

Foxley leaves as the country's longest-serving senior state executive officer for higher education. She received a standing ovation from regents.

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com