A Six Month Success Story: Thank You Interim President Kendell

Published: January 10, 2014 | Read Time: 1 minutes

Today marks the end of President Rich Kendell's tenure as Southern Utah University's interim president. 

As we bid him farewell, we express our gratitude and take note of the progress and growth that Kendell encouraged during his brief tenure as commander in chief of SUU which began in July, 2013. 

In the first days of his administration, Kendell encouraged faculty and staff to not slow down during the presidential transition phase, recognizing the positive momentum and spirit gained throughout the 6-year term of President Michael T. Benson. 

True to his word, Kendell's approach was not a leisurely one and in fact, he put forth the rigorous challenge of expanding enrollment by 2,000 students within the next five years. 

Kendell's campaign, Smart Growth, promoted expansion while still preserving SUU's hallmark offerings of personalized learning, experiential education and academic excellence. 

Also central to Kendell's vision for SUU was strengthening associations between the community and the University, recognizing the symbiotic relationship that exists between SUU, the Cedar City region and its residents. 

A long-time advocate for education in Utah, Kendell served as Commissioner of Higher Education from 2003 to 2008 and has made his mark on college campuses and in school districts across the state. 

Southern Utah University extends its gratitude and warmest regards to President Kendell and his wife, Joan, and wish them the very best as they move to a new chapter in their lives. 

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