Panel to pick new chief of technology college

The state Board of Regents on Thursday appointed a five-member search committee to assist in selecting a new president for the Utah College of Applied Technology.

The committee will be co-chaired by regents Sara Sinclair and Katherine Garff. Other members include former Lt. Gov. Gayle McKeachnie; Collette Mercier, president of the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College; and William Prows, UCAT Board of Trustees member.

Representatives from public education and the business community, as well as UCAT faculty and staff, will also provide input during the search.

Regents Chairman Jed Pitcher said the board expects to appoint a new president before the end of the year.

"UCAT is an important institution within the Utah System of Higher Education and serves both secondary and adult students," he said. "The Regents are looking for a president with understanding of, commitment to, and experience with career and technical education."

The committee will begin reviewing applications and nominations for the position by the end of this month. The new president will replace Robert O. Brems, who resigned Sept. 19.