Higher Ed Utah

SALT LAKE CITY – Elizabeth Hitch has been named the associate commissioner for academic affairs for the Utah System of Higher Education.

Hitch has more than 30 years of higher education experience. Since 2007, she has served as the vice president for academic affairs at Utah Valley University, as well as a stint as the university’s interim president. Prior to her time at UVU, she was the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for four years. She also served as the interim chancellor during her tenure at UW-L. In addition, she has held academic leadership positions at Eastern Illinois University, Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan.

“Dr. Hitch will provide great leadership to the state of Utah on numerous policy issues, including building strong ties between higher education and K-12 education, improving student retention on campus, ensuring academic quality and in overseeing academic programs,” said William Sederburg, commissioner of higher education. “She has provided strong academic leadership to Utah Valley University. She will bring the same leadership skills to the new job.”

In 1980, Hitch earned a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Michigan. Her bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in family ecology from Michigan State University.

A search committee consisting of representatives from every type of public higher education institution in Utah – research, regional and community college – conducted a national search resulting in 30 strong candidates, from which Hitch was chosen.

Hitch will start her new role the first week of July. She replaces Lucille Stoddard, who retired from the position at the end of 2009.

Visit higheredutah.org for more news about the Utah System of Higher Education.

Contacts:

Elizabeth Hitch, associate commissioner for academic affairs
801-863-8700 • elizabeth.hitch@uvu.edu

William Sederburg, commissioner of higher education
801-321-7102 • wsederburg@utahsbr.edu

Travis Clemens, director of communications
801-321-7110 • tclemens@utahsbr.edu