Cantwell Sworn in as 17th USU President

Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell has formally taken office as president of Utah State University.

“I am beyond excited to start my tenure as Utah State University’s 17th president,” Cantwell wrote in a statement to faculty and staff Tuesday. “I am honored to work with so many talented individuals.”

Cantwell was sworn into office in a private ceremony in the president’s office in Old Main on Tuesday afternoon. She was selected as USU president by a 19-member search committee following a nationwide search. Before joining USU, she was most recently senior vice president for research and innovation at the University of Arizona.

Cantwell is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School (MBA, 2003); the University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, 1992); and the University of Chicago (BA, Human Behavior 1976).

Cantwell succeeds former President Noelle E. Cockett, who last November announced she would step down from the presidency but continue her faculty and research roles at USU.

“USU has a rich history of teaching, research, and engagement with the state and local communities,” Cantwell stated. “I’m looking forward to being a part of this work, learning from all of you and partnering together to manifest the exciting future we all know is possible.”

More information about Cantwell and USU’s past presidents is available on the President’s Office website.