Utah Tech University Executive and Leadership Team

Ian Kingsley, the President at Utah Tech University, architects the overarching vision and strategic direction for the institution. Kingsley manages relationships with state legislators, donors, and community stakeholders to secure funding and support for academic expansion. Overseeing the university executive team, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on student success and regional economic development. Ian Kingsley drives initiatives that increase the availability of bachelor and master degrees, positioning the university as a leader in the Dixie region. This leadership role involves balancing fiscal responsibility with the need for innovative campus infrastructure. By championing academic excellence, the President fosters an environment where research and teaching thrive. Kingsley maintains a clear focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring that the institution continues to provide high-value educational opportunities that meet the evolving needs of the modern workforce and the broader public.

Kelli Lunt, the Alumni Chapter President at Utah Tech University, directs engagement strategies to connect graduates with current institutional goals. Lunt organizes networking events and fundraising campaigns that strengthen the bond between the university and the global alumni network. Overseeing regional outreach efforts, the Alumni Chapter President facilitates mentorship opportunities that bridge the gap between academic study and professional practice. Kelli Lunt collaborates with the university advancement office to ensure that alumni contributions support scholarships and campus development projects. This leadership role involves cultivating a culture of lifelong learning and institutional pride among former students. By leveraging the collective influence of the alumni base, the Alumni Chapter President enhances the university reputation and expands its reach. Lunt executes communication plans that keep graduates informed about institutional progress, ensuring that the alumni community remains a vital partner in the ongoing success of the university.

Thomas Verdine, the Utah Technology Rocket Propulsion Lab President & Founder at Utah Tech University, architects the technical vision for advanced aerospace research. Verdine manages the development of propulsion systems, providing students with hands-on experience in complex engineering projects. Overseeing the lab operations, the Utah Technology Rocket Propulsion Lab President & Founder ensures that all research activities adhere to safety standards and academic rigor. Thomas Verdine collaborates with industry partners to secure funding and resources for experimental testing. This leadership role involves mentoring student researchers and guiding the design of innovative propulsion technologies that push the boundaries of current engineering knowledge. By fostering a culture of technical excellence, the Utah Technology Rocket Propulsion Lab President & Founder contributes to the university reputation for innovation. Verdine drives the lab toward achieving milestones that demonstrate the practical application of academic theory in the competitive aerospace sector.

Mandy Gulbrandsen, the Assisstant To the President at Utah Tech University, coordinates executive communications and manages the daily operations of the presidential office. Gulbrandsen facilitates the flow of information between the President and various university stakeholders, ensuring that key priorities receive appropriate attention. Overseeing administrative projects, the Assisstant To the President supports the execution of strategic initiatives that impact the entire campus. Mandy Gulbrandsen organizes high-level meetings and prepares briefings that assist the President in making informed decisions regarding institutional policy. This leadership role involves maintaining strict confidentiality and managing sensitive matters with professional discretion. By optimizing the presidential schedule and workflow, the Assisstant To the President enhances the efficiency of the executive leadership team. Gulbrandsen ensures that all administrative functions align with the university mission, providing the necessary support to maintain smooth operations across the institution.

Chad Mckenzie, the Stampede President at Utah Tech University, directs student engagement and campus spirit initiatives. Mckenzie manages the organization of events that foster a vibrant community atmosphere, encouraging student participation in university life. Overseeing the Stampede leadership team, the Stampede President coordinates activities that promote school pride and support for athletic programs. Chad Mckenzie collaborates with student government and administrative departments to ensure that campus events align with the university values and goals. This leadership role involves developing strategies to increase student involvement and retention through meaningful extracurricular experiences. By creating inclusive environments, the Stampede President strengthens the connection between students and the institution. Mckenzie executes marketing and outreach campaigns that highlight the benefits of campus life, ensuring that the student body remains active and engaged in the ongoing development of the university community.

Richard VanAusdal, the DXATC President at Utah Tech University, directs technical education and vocational training programs that serve the regional workforce. VanAusdal manages the integration of certificate and endorsement programs, ensuring that students gain practical skills relevant to current industry demands. Overseeing the technical training facilities, the DXATC President maintains high standards for equipment and curriculum development. Richard VanAusdal collaborates with local businesses to identify skill gaps and tailor educational offerings to meet regional economic needs. This leadership role involves managing faculty and staff dedicated to vocational excellence, ensuring that students receive high-quality instruction. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the DXATC President supports the university mission of providing accessible pathways to career success. VanAusdal executes strategic plans that expand the reach of technical education, ensuring that the institution remains a vital resource for professional development in the Dixie region.

Stephen Nadauld, the President at Utah Tech University, architects the long-term strategic framework for institutional growth and academic development. Nadauld manages the university relationship with state government entities, ensuring that public funding supports the expansion of degree programs. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President drives initiatives that enhance the university standing in the higher education sector. Stephen Nadauld collaborates with the Board of Trustees to establish policies that promote fiscal health and academic integrity. This leadership role involves guiding the institution through periods of transition, ensuring that the core mission remains focused on student success. By fostering partnerships with industry leaders, the President creates opportunities for research and professional development. Nadauld maintains a commitment to excellence, ensuring that the university continues to provide high-quality education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern global economy.

Shane Smeed, the President at Utah Tech University, directs the overall operational and academic strategy of the institution. Smeed manages the implementation of programs that align with the university mission of providing diverse degree options to a growing student population. Overseeing the university administrative and academic divisions, the President ensures that all departments work toward common goals of excellence and innovation. Shane Smeed collaborates with community leaders to strengthen the university presence in the Dixie region, fostering partnerships that benefit both students and the local economy. This leadership role involves managing complex budgets and resource allocation to support campus infrastructure and faculty development. By championing a student-centered approach, the President enhances the educational experience and prepares graduates for professional success. Smeed executes strategic initiatives that position the university as a leader in public higher education, ensuring long-term institutional stability and growth.

Henrie Walton, the Chief of Staff at Utah Tech University, coordinates high-level administrative initiatives to ensure institutional alignment with strategic goals. Walton manages complex workflows between the executive office and academic departments, facilitating efficient communication across the campus. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff supports the university mission of providing accessible higher education. Henrie Walton monitors operational performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that resources align with long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Trustees to implement policy changes that enhance the student experience. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational stability. Walton drives cross-departmental projects that improve institutional effectiveness, ultimately strengthening the university position within the competitive landscape of public education in the United States.

Suzette Yaezenko, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Utah Tech University, directs all talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational culture initiatives. Yaezenko designs comprehensive programs to attract top-tier faculty and staff, ensuring the university maintains a high standard of academic instruction. Overseeing the entire human capital lifecycle, the Chief Human Resources Officer implements policies that promote workplace equity and professional growth. Suzette Yaezenko manages complex labor relations and benefits administration, providing essential support to the diverse workforce across the Dixie region. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with department heads to align staffing needs with the university strategic plan. By fostering a supportive environment, the Chief Human Resources Officer enhances employee retention and institutional productivity. Yaezenko executes initiatives that modernize HR technology, ensuring efficient operations that directly support the broader mission of delivering quality education to students.