UVU's Sederburg named higher-ed chief

As the new commissioner of higher education, Utah Valley University President William A. Sederburg is prepared with energy, wit, experience — and a pocketful of goals.

The State Board of Regents announced Sederburg's new position Tuesday afternoon. It was a unanimous vote. He succeeds former commissioner Richard E. Kendell, who retired in December.

"It's a great honor to accept this position," Sederburg said.

Sederburg, 60, will transfer to his new job on Aug. 18. He will make $235,000 annual salary. Kendell was earning approximately $210,000.

Sederburg was a Michigan state senator and president of Ferris State University in Big Rapids before he came to lead the then-Utah Valley State College in June 2003.

The new commissioner received a standing ovation as he entered the room Tuesday, with a fresh celebratory red rose pinned to his lapel. He was joined by his wife, Joyce, who sported a multicolored corsage.

"Both Joyce and I look forward to putting all we have into making this a successful endeavor," Sederburg said.

Sederburg and his wife, a retired school psychologist who worked in Provo School District, have two grown children: Matthew and Kari. The couple plan to move from Orem to Salt Lake City soon for the new employment.

Within the next 30 days, UVU will form a search committee and also name an interim president. A new university president could be named as early as Jan. 1, 2009.

The goals and direction of UVU will continue, said Val Peterson, vice president for administration and legislative affairs. "We expect a smooth transition," he said.

The university now offers 57 bachelor degrees and dozens of associate degrees, plus diplomas and certificates. This fall, the school will welcome its first master's degree cohort in education. A master's degree in nursing is expected to follow in fall 2009, and a master of business administration degree sometime after that.

UVSC officially became UVU with a celebration last week, which included the ribbon-cutting for the school's new library.

Sederburg said he has four main goals as higher education commissioner.

First, he aims to conduct himself and the office with integrity. Second, he wants to seek ways to develop a clear strategic vision and goals for the regents and higher education. Third, he wants to work collaboratively and partner with related institutions, especially public education. Fourth, he plans to produce innovation and change.