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

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Dr. Lucille Stoddard has been serving as Utah’s Associate Commissioner of Higher Education since 2004. Prior to her service in the Commissioner’s Office, Dr. Stoddard served as the interim President of Utah Valley University twice, Vice President of Academic Affairs for 20 years, and as Dean of the Schools of Business and General Studies.

In addition to her time at Utah Valley University, Dr. Stoddard has served as a Commissioner on the Board of Northwest Commission for Colleges and Universities and is recognized widely as an expert on accreditation standards. She has served as State President and National Board member of the American Association of University Women, as well as many other national and state commissions and associations.

Dr. Stoddard has authored numerous educational publications and is frequently asked to address groups on educational topics. Dr. Stoddard has a reputation for always putting students first and making decisions that will increase opportunities for students. During the last couple of years she has been giving leadership to Utah’s K-16 Alliance and under her direction the Alliance is make a real impact.

Dr. Stoddard’s education background includes earning a bachelor of science degree from Utah State University in Business Education, a master’s degree from Brigham Young University in Business Education and a doctorate degree from Utah State University in Business and Education

The impact that Dr. Stoddard has had on the Utah System of Higher Education is hard to measure.  We will miss her leadership here in the Commissioner’s Office.

And yes, “You Picked a Fine Time to Leave us Lucille!!