David W. Pershing

David W. Pershing
15th President of
University of Utah
In office
March 1, 2012 – April 2, 2018
Preceded by Michael K. Young
Succeeded by Ruth V. Watkins
Personal details
Born (1948-10-02) October 2, 1948
Anderson, Indiana
Spouse(s)
  • Lynn Kennard Pershing (m. 1978–2004)
  • Sandra J. Pershing (m. 2009)
Alma mater Purdue University (B.S.)
University of Arizona (Ph.D.)
Profession University Administrator
Scientific career
Fields Chemical engineering
Institutions University of Utah
Thesis Nitrogen oxide formation in pulverized coal flames (1976)
Doctoral advisor Jost Wendt

David W. Pershing was the 15th President of the University of Utah.[1][2] He received a bachelor's degree from Purdue University in 1970[3] and a PhD from University of Arizona.[4]

Pershing joined the faculty of the University of Utah in 1977 as a professor of chemical engineering. He was named a Presidential Young Investigator by the National Science Foundation in 1984 and became dean of the College of Engineering in 1987. He was named a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1995. In 1998, university President Bernie Machen named Pershing as senior vice president for Academic Affairs.[5] In March 2012, Pershing was named president of the University of Utah,[5][6] where he also holds an appointment as a distinguished professor of chemical engineering.[7]

During his tenure, Pershing has emphasized pursuit of excellence, equity and diversity, creation of a sustainable future and affordable academic and health care programs. He has been reported to focus on engaged student experiences at every stage of learning, strong support for research, creative work and scholarship and opportunities for meaningful endeavors that make a positive difference in the state, nation and world.[8]

Under Pershing, the university has nearly doubled scholarships, added more on-campus jobs, increased resources for academic counselors and advisers and expanded online course and degree offerings. Numerous state-of-the-art facilities have been built or begun during Pershing's tenure, a testament to his exceptional ability to enlist help of private donors and the Utah Legislature in supporting the university's mission. These 31 buildings and structures range from the Lassonde Studios and Spencer F. Eccles Business Building to the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education Complex and the Carolyn and Kem Gardner Building,[9] set to open in 2018.

In April 2017, he was involved in the controversial firing of Mary Beckerle, CEO and director of the university's Huntsman Cancer Institute.[10] Pershing soon reinstated Beckerle following protests from members of the university community and the Huntsman family. On 28 April, the university's senior vice president for Health Sciences, Vivian Lee, announced her resignation in the wake of the Beckerle incident. During a meeting of the university's Academic Senate on May 1, Pershing announced his own resignation, stating that it was in part "so that the person picking the new VP [of Health Sciences] is the new president."[11] Pershing continued serving as president during the search for his successor. Ruth V. Watkins was selected, and succeeded Pershing on 2 April 2018, at which time he rejoined the faculty of engineering.[11]

References

  1. ↑ Benson, Lee. "About Utah: Q and A with U. President David W. Pershing". Deseret News. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  2. ↑ University of Utah (January 20, 2012). "David W. Pershing named new President of the University of Utah". University of Utah Press Release. Retrieved January 20, 2012.
  3. ↑ Purdue University. "1999 DEA". Purdue University College of Engineering. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  4. ↑ Pershing, David Walter (1976). Nitrogen oxide formation in pulverized coal flames (Ph.D.). The University of Arizona. OCLC 3833122 – via ProQuest. (Subscription required (help)).
  5. 1 2 Maffly, Brian. "David Pershing is new University of Utah president". sltrib.com. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 21 January 2012.
  6. ↑ Leonard, Wendy. "'Family man' David Pershing begins job as 15th president of the University of Utah". deseretnews.com. Deseret News. Retrieved 11 March 2012.
  7. ↑ "University of Utah Distinguished Professors" (PDF). Academic-affairs.utah.edu. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  8. ↑ "Boots on the Ground | Continuum". continuum.utah.edu. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
  9. ↑ Cortez, Marjorie (October 27, 2016). "Generous gift by Carolyn and Kem C. Gardner will make new U. classroom building possible". Deseret News.
  10. ↑ "Huntsman says University of Utah 'power grab' is behind firing of acclaimed researcher from cancer institute top post".
  11. 1 2 Stuckey, Alex. "University of Utah president stepping down; successor will pick permanent Health Sciences V.P." sltrib.com. The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 1 May 2017.
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