1. (1)

   1. (a) The board, upon approval from the governor and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint a commissioner of higher education to serve at the board's pleasure as the board's chief executive officer.

   2. (b) The following may terminate the commissioner:

      1. (i) the board; or
      2. (ii) the governor, after consultation with the board.

   3. (c) The board shall:

      1. (i) set the salary of the commissioner;
      2. (ii) subject to Subsection (3), prescribe the duties and functions of the commissioner; and
      3. (iii) select a commissioner on the basis of outstanding professional qualifications.

2. (2)

   1. (a) The commissioner may appoint associate commissioners.
   2. (b) An associate commissioner described in Subsection (2)(a) is not subject to the approval of the board.

3. (3) The commissioner is responsible to the board to:

   1. (a) ensure the proper execution of the policies, programs, and strategic plan of the board;
   2. (b) furnish information about the Utah System of Higher Education and make recommendations regarding that information to the board;
   3. (c) provide state-level leadership in any activity affecting an institution of higher education;
   4. (d) in consultation with the board's executive committee and in accordance with Subsection 53H-1-203(2), evaluate and provide support and guidance to an institution of higher education president; and
   5. (e) perform other duties the board assigns in carrying out the board's duties and responsibilities.

4. (4) The commissioner is responsible to the governor to:

   1. (a) inform the governor about the board's strategic plan and progress on accomplishing the strategic plan;
   2. (b) inform the governor of significant issues impacting the Utah System of Higher Education; and
   3. (c) provide other information and updates as requested by the governor.

Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 8, 2025 Special Session 1