After months of searching, Utah Valley University named a BYU professor to lead the new university.

The Utah State Board of Regents selected Matthew S. Holland Friday afternoon as the new president of UVU.

The search for candidates consisted of a four-stage process, Board of Regents chair Jed Pitcher said.

There were a variety of techniques used to try to recruit qualified candidates from across the nation for this position, Pitcher said. These techniques included advertising, making numerous phone calls and reading through recommendations from faculty and community members.

After reviewing 46 applications and resumes, the candidates were narrowed down to 10, and the finalists were invited to Orem for personal, in-depth interviews.

Two of the five candidates decided to drop out, leaving Kim Cameron of the University of Michigan; Jack Christianson, executive director of UVU’s Center for Engaged Learning; and BYU’s own Matthew Holland, associate professor of political science. All three of the finalists graduated from BYU. Holland is the son of LDS Church Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.

Final interviews were held on Friday afternoon, leading up to the final decision, which occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m.

Commissioner of higher education and former UVU president, William Sederberg, welcomed Holland to his new position and said he was excited for the future of the school.

“We wanted to find a person who could move the school to a new level,” Sederberg said.

Sederberg also gave thanks to Elizabeth Hitch, who served as interim president.

Hitch received a standing ovation from the audience.

Hitch said she enjoyed serving in the temporary position, especially during a time of “hacking budgets.”

UVU students Tyler Babb and Jeff Stacy said they attended the event at the recommendation of their international business professor.

Babb, a junior majoring in international business, said he saw Holland as young and energetic.

“He’s going to bring a lot of energy to the students,” Babb said.

Stacy said he sees Holland as knowledgeable and well-educated.

“He’s definitely going to know what he’s talking about,” Stacy said.

After graduating from BYU in political science, Holland continued at Duke University, where he received his master’s and doctorate degrees, in political science.

Holland currently serves as the chairman of the American Heritage Faculty Group at BYU. He was also the associate director of BYU’s London study abroad program.

Having served a number of years teaching at BYU, Holland didn’t forget to mention the transition he’ll have to make from BYU to UVU.

“We’re going to change from BYU blue to Wolverine green as a family,” he said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 8 Mar 2009