Utah State University is ushering in a new era with the merging of two of its colleges, and Professor Grant Cardon has stepped into the spotlight as the interim dean to navigate the changes. This leadership announcement comes after USU Interim President Alan L. Smith divulged plans last month to unite the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences with the Quinney College of Natural Resources into one consolidated college.
In his ascent, Cardon has earned the esteem of his peers, having previously served as president of the USU Faculty Senate. His multifaceted role at the university, which spans from overseeing the USU Soil Testing Lab to teaching and advising as an Extension soils specialist, has laid down a robust groundwork for his latest challenge. "We could not be more pleased that Dr. Cardon has accepted this leadership role,” USU's Provost and Executive Vice President Laurens (Larry) H. Smith said, according to USU Today. “Given the many changes happening with higher education in the state and nationally, I am confident Grant will provide the necessary stability and strong guidance to help the new college find its footing and launch successfully."
Cardon brings to the table his history with USU, proudly voicing his allegiance as an alumnus and a faculty member who has witnessed the institution's transformation firsthand. "My own department has gone through three different iterations since I graduated in 1986, each time working through challenges to rise and thrive," Cardon said, as per USU Today. He added, his connection to the earthy materials he so often studies imbues him with a unique perspective as he states, "I absolutely agree with Interim President Smith when he said this new college will align USU with other thriving land-grant institutions and will help us meet the evolving needs of our students and Utah."
