Robert Brems' passion for career and technical education has seeped into every corner of his life.

Since starting his career as a construction teacher more than 20 years ago, his two children have pursued degrees at Mountainland Applied Technology College, his wife teaches business education and Brems' resume is replete with leadership roles in the state's applied technology education sector.

Now, Brems' self-proclaimed "addiction" to career and technical education has landed him at the helm of the Utah College of Applied Technology as the institution's second president.

The Utah State Board of Regents announced Brems' appointment Monday to the statewide system of nine campuses offering career and technical training.

"UCAT has a bright future and I'm look forward to providing statewide leadership to our nine campuses," Brems said after his appointment Monday. "Most of Utah's citizens can benefit from work-force training and education provided through UCAT."

Brems, who currently serves as the campus president of the Mountainland College of Applied Technology on the Orem campus, was selected from more than 33 candidates.

Brems will replace interim UCAT President Darrell White, who took the position in 2005 and extended his stay to nearly 18 months as the Board of Regents searched for a permanent replacement.

"It's been a great experience for me and to be able to leave with someone with Robert's experience and background is very comforting," White said.

Brems' life-long commitment to technical education earned him the post, Board of Regents Chair Nolan Karras said. Brems previously served as associate superintendent at the Utah State Office of Education and as the state director of Applied Technology Education Services Division.

"I told them I would maintain the mission of UCAT — technical training — and we would never veer from that," Brems said.

Lionel Blau, a member of the search committee, said the candidate selection "boiled down to someone who was acquainted with the system, knew applied technology education and felt strongly about applied technology education in Utah."

---

E-mail: estewart@desnews.com