UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY: New Provost Named at Utah State University

Dr. Francis D. Galey
Dr. Francis D. Galey | Source: Utah State University

Utah State University issued the following announcement on April 17.

A veterinarian, researcher, author, teacher and administrator over the past 34 years has been selected to be the new executive vice president and provost of Utah State University.

Francis D. Galey, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Wyoming, accepted the offer Monday from USU President Noelle Cockett. He fills the position she left vacant upon becoming the university’s 16th president in January 2017.

“We are so pleased to welcome Dean Galey to Utah State,” Cockett said. “He has had a distinguished and successful career as a faculty member and in university administration. The knowledge and experience he brings with him is a great next step for him and us.”

Galey, who will be second in command and the university’s chief academic officer, said his many years of working at land-grant institutions, including 17 years as dean, and his oversight of the University of Wyoming Extension and Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, has prepared him well for the job.

“Of course, as soon as you get on the horse, you’ll find out just how well prepared you are,” he quipped. “But I am so excited for this opportunity.”

He saddles up August 1.

Galey describes USU as a vibrant university that is running on all cylinders with enviable programs and links across the state. “It’s a strong institution and very mission driven, which fits my goals, as well.”

He has more than 22 pages of biographical accomplishments demonstrating his personal penchant for goal-setting, including director of the Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, and teaching and administrative posts at both the University of California at Davis and the University of Illinois. He has been teaching since 1988, received a dozen honors, has refereed 72 publications, produced 27 non-refereed publications and books, authored or contributed to 17 books, presented 129 papers, and has led 11 major research projects during his career.

“I am considered by many to be high-energy,” he wrote when describing himself to the search committee over the summer. “And it’s about to get busier,” he said during a phone interview Monday. “But that’s a good thing, right?”

Larry Smith, who has been interim provost for the past 18 months, said he is confident Galey is up to the task.

“Frank will be a great fit for USU because of his land-grant and regional experience,” Smith said. “I’ve enjoyed all the time I’ve spent with Frank and find him to be very bright, insightful, energetic, compassionate and gracious. I think he will complement the university administration and partner with President Cockett to help USU students, faculty and staff achieve greater success for years to come.”

Listening and collaborating is key to that success because that is how visions are shaped and shared, Galey said. “I plan to get out and get to know people on and off campus. I’m going to try my best to immerse myself in all things USU. I want to do lots of listening.”

Galey, born in Big Horn, Wyo., earned a bachelor’s in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University in 1981 and a doctor of veterinary medicine at CSU two years later. He earned a doctorate in veterinary biosciences from the University of Illinois in 1988.

He is married to Donna Brown. They bring with them their two cats. Their four adult children, however, will remain in the Laramie and Denver areas for school and work.

Original source can be found here.