New higher-ed chief has high energy

In describing Richard Kendell, his current boss, Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt, uses words like "capable," "competent," "pleasant" and "unflappable."

Those are qualities that prompted Leavitt to practically hunt down Kendell to become the governor's deputy over higher education, public education and economic development. The two have known each other for 20 years.

"I had always hoped for a chance to work together," Leavitt told the Deseret Morning News. "He succeeds at virtually everything he undertakes. He has a pattern of success that's unmatched."

The state Board of Regents apparently felt the same way. It rewarded Kendell recently with the job of state commissioner of higher education. He'll take over for Cecilia Foxley, who is giving up the post after 10 years of service.

"I've always thought he was the most outstanding individual in education," Foxley said.

Kendell has been a high school English teacher, a college professor and an administrator in both public and higher education. As Davis School District superintendent, he was the state's superintendent of the year and one of four finalists for the national superintendent of the year. He also has experience in the computer and commercial development industries. Education, though, is his first love.

When Leavitt was looking for a deputy, Foxley told him there was one "logical" choice.

"There is no one that I know who can work as effectively with people from all areas," she said. "And they like him.

"He's just so likeable. He's just so easy with people," she said. He doesn't get "puffed up" about his background, and he even has a "delightful" sense of humor.

Kendell will need what he dubs his "robust" sense of humor in dealing with an already familiar Legislature, which Leavitt calls the "ultimate" funding source for higher education.

"I feel confident he's well respected in the Legislature," Leavitt said. "He has the capacity to be firm, in a very pleasant way."

Many talks between the two have centered around "bold" reforms and changes Kendell has in mind.

Kendell said he wants to change the trend of decreasing state funding and to get the Legislature to give a higher priority to higher education.

"I want to be visible among legislators," Kendell said. "I want to work with them.