SUU Names New Deans For School Of Business And College Of Arts

Southern Utah University (SUU) Provost Dr. Jon Anderson recently announced the appointments of two distinguished individuals to key leadership positions within the university. Ken Hall, appointed as the new Dean of the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business, and Michael Schmidt, appointed as the Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, were selected following a comprehensive national search process.

Ken Hall brings a diverse background to his new role, having served SUU in various capacities, including lecturer, associate dean, and MBA director. His extensive experience in strategic enrollment planning and leadership roles in corporate entities such as Bain & Company, Exxon, and PetSmart, positions him well to lead the School of Business into its next phase of growth and development. Hall, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Harvard Business School, officially assumed his role as Dean on May 1, 2024.

Meanwhile, Michael Schmidt, currently serving as the interim dean of the College of the Arts and Tenured Professor of Art at Valdosta State University, brings over two decades of scholarly and creative experience to his new position at SUU. Schmidt's dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment aligns seamlessly with SUU's ethos of positivity and progress. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and a Master of Fine Arts from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Schmidt's leadership will undoubtedly enrich the College of Performing and Visual Arts. His tenure as Dean is set to commence in early July 2024.

Provost Anderson expressed his confidence in both appointees, emphasizing their shared commitment to advancing SUU's mission and enhancing the student experience. He extended his gratitude to all who participated in the search process, acknowledging the dedication and diligence of the search committees.

The appointments of Ken Hall and Michael Schmidt mark an exciting new chapter for SUU, reflecting the university's dedication to academic excellence and student success. With their visionary leadership, SUU looks forward to continued growth and innovation in the years to come.