Benson appointed to court panel

Southern Utah University President Michael T. Benson was recently appointed by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to the state's Appellate Court Nominating Commission.

As a representative on the seven-member panel, Benson will nominate judges to fill vacancies on the Utah Supreme Court and the Utah Court of Appeals. Following a review of candidates, the commission makes a recommendation to the governor, and if appointed, the names are sent to the Senate for confirmation.

The commission is comprised of members of the Utah State Bar and the public. Benson, appointed as a public representative, will serve a four-year term beginning immediately.

"Given his background and interests, and considering that he is not a lawyer himself, Benson's outside perspective should prove helpful on the committee," said Josh Reid, an environmental and energy lawyer and former member of the committee.

Benson has been serving as SUU's president since 2006 and was president of Snow College prior to that.

— Wendy Leonard