USU Board of Trustees Stands in Support of University Leadership

Editor’s Note: This statement was provided by Jacey Skinner, chair of the USU Board of Trustees

As Trustees of Utah State University, we are responsible for and committed to the university’s short- and long-term success. We love this university and our investment in its success is the driving force that fuels the entire Board.

As an Aggie community, the last few weeks have been challenging. The impact of the changes in Athletics have been difficult and frustrating for some in our campus community, and we know that. In light of this, we feel it is important to state publicly that we support President Elizabeth Cantwell’s and Vice President & Athletics Director Diana Sabau’s leadership and the difficult decisions they have had to make. We agree this was the right course of action.

In the recent past, USU has had too many instances of individuals minimizing and failing to comply with important policies, as well as failing to support USU’s values and its commitment to building a community of respect, preventing sexual misconduct, and appropriately responding to issues of misconduct when they occur. This has come at a significant cost to the students and employees impacted and to the reputation of our school and athletics program.

We know that the lack of details from the university has been frustrating, and we understand that frustration, but until permitted grievance processes are complete, USU policy and public records laws prevent us from sharing more.

Our university administration has worked hard to put in place appropriate policies, procedures, trainings, and culture change to address these issues and, as the Board of Trustees, we have pushed them to do so.

AD Sabau was hired less than a year ago through a highly competitive national search process. She rose to the top of a very competitive field, and we are very fortunate that USU has the opportunity to benefit from someone with her experience, skill, and talent. When hired, AD Sabau was charged with helping create a respectful and winning culture within our athletics program. Both she and President Cantwell have our full support.

As a Board, our duties and charge extend to all corners of USU. It has not been fair to the university community that many of its accomplishments and successes have been repeatedly overshadowed by scandals, negative headlines, and lawsuits. Our employees and students deserve to be defined by their expertise, skills, and achievements. Our student-athletes deserve to be defined by their hard work, resilience, and what they bring to the field or court. We all deserve better. By holding everyone to a higher standard, we will help Athletics meet its mission to guide, strengthen, and support our student-athletes as they strive for excellence.

As we move forward, the Board is fully engaged with university administration and committed to supporting the Aggie Nation. We know that some of you may disagree with the decisions made, but we also know that above all you are Aggies, and our teams and athletic staff need to feel your support now. This fall, we hope you all will join us to cheer for our student-athletes and to keep USU Athletics the strong, competitive program we love to show up for!