Higher ed boss a good pick

It took him 30 years to get back to the place where his successful career in education started: the offices of the Utah System of Higher Education. Richard E. Kendell, who had been an administrative intern to Utah's first commissioner of higher education, was named head of the state's higher education system last week, succeeding long-time Commissioner Cecelia Foxley.

Kendell, 60, has a vast background in education and the private sector. Most recently, Kendell has served as Gov. Mike Leavitt's education deputy, but he also has been an English teacher at Ogden High School, a research and planning analyst for the state higher education system, a university professor and the superintendent of the Davis School District. In the private sector, Kendell was a project manager for The Boyer Co. and a director of research and development for WICAT Systems.

Kendell's rich experience in Utah's education circles should suit him well in the very challenging role of higher education commissioner. While many people were quick to offer their accolades to the widely respected and well-liked Kendell, Board of Regents Chairman Nolan E. Karras acknowledged some of the overwhelming challenges facing Utah's higher education system. "That's enough good stuff to say — now get to work. We need some money," he said, half joking.

Funding and finding a parking space are universal challenges at any college or university in any state in the union. As Utah's system of public education undergoes reforms, there will be considerable pressure to ensure that Utah's higher education system is training the appropriate numbers of students in disciplines that somewhat match work-force demands.

Utah faces additional challenges, such as the ongoing fight over concealed weapons on college campuses. The University of Utah recently won an important court decision that enables it to uphold its longtime weapons ban, but pro-gun rights legislators will undoubtedly attempt to undo the court ruling through the legislative process. It will take a deft touch to work through this difficult issue.

Kendell said he prefers to "work in an environment of trust — that's not the same as agreement," which should bode well in this new era of his career. We wish him well.

This page thanks Foxley, the longest serving higher education commissioner in Utah history, for her 10 years of service as commissioner and another eight as a deputy under Commissioner Rolfe Kerr. Last spring, Foxley announced she would step down as commissioner. She will serve as commissioner until the end of December, in part to facilitate Kendell's transition.

The Board of Regents is to be commended for releasing the names of the three finalists for the commissioner's position. Each brought impressive credentials to the table, which speaks well of their respective talents and the substantial effort that the regents expended in selecting finalists of such exceptional quality.