Brems returns to president's post at UCAT

Former Utah College of Applied Technology President Robert O. Brems, who in 2007 resigned from his post amid controversy and allegations of corruption, has again been named as the top leader for the post-secondary career and technical-education institution.

The move is now being questioned by the state's commissioner of higher education, who says proper protocol may not have been followed in the selection process.

Brems will replace Richard L. White, who has served the institution since November 2007. White had replaced Brems, who had resigned in September of that same year, weeks after a state audit questioned Brems' involvement in illegal transactions involving state legislators, as well as questionable accounting practices.

Financial practices of the Mountainland Applied Technology College, where Brems previously had served as president, were called into question by an employee at the college. The audit found multiple expenditures, including more than $1,000 spent on supplies for a parade float for the Utah County Republican Party, as well as an early-retirement package Brems had crafted for himself when he left MATC to become UCAT president. That package was a violation both of state law and the rules set by the governing board of directors.

At the time, Brems issued an apology "for any mistakes I may have made," adding that he was unaware his actions were improper or violated any law or policy. "I acted with a good-faith belief that my conduct was entirely legal, proper and well-intentioned," he said in 2007.

UCAT Vice President Jared Haines said Brems was one of two candidates considered for the job this year after an internal search was completed, although the names of the candidates were not publicly disclosed before the final announcement, as is required by Utah code. The other finalist was Michael J. Bouwhuis, current president at the Davis Applied Technology College, located in Kaysville.

"I was concerned about the process and the selection made today by the UCAT Board of Trustees, on which I now serve as a voting member," said William Sederburg, commissioner of higher education in Utah. "For instance, the full UCAT board did not have an opportunity to interview any of the finalists, but instead, this was done by only the executive committee."

Sederburg also said that according to code, public input is required on such appointments.

White delivered a letter of resignation to the UCAT Board of Trustees two months ago, stating that he would no longer be serving as president as of Dec. 1.