Brad Mortensen Leaving WSU to be President at USU

I think the Weber State University Family was deeply saddened by the announcement that Dr. Brad L. Mortensen was leaving WSU to be President at Utah State University.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Brad L. Mortensen, Ph.D., as the next president of Utah State University at its meeting today. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Mortensen brings a demonstrated focus on affordability, value and access. Mortensen will assume the position on November 10, 2025. With his transition to Utah State University, the Board will soon appoint an interim president and initiate a presidential search for Weber State University to ensure continued leadership and momentum.“

It is incredibly humbling and almost unbelievable as a first-generation college graduate to be named president of my alma mater, Utah State University,” Mortensen said. “I am excited to connect with Aggie Nation and collectively build a bright future for USU. From the three generations of my family who lived in Cache Valley before moving to Idaho to the five Aggie alumni in my immediate family, I am deeply committed to ensuring the impact of our university continues to rise.”

A USU alumnus, Mortensen has served as president of Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, since 2019, where he has led WSU to multiple recognitions for outstanding return on investment for graduates, established the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions (MARS) Center in partnership with the Utah Legislature, the U.S. Air Force and the aerospace and defense industry, and overseen the establishment of new graduate education programs including the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Other leadership accomplishments include:

• Pioneering the first accelerated bachelor’s degree programs in the Utah System of Higher Education, gaining approval for WSU to launch 90- to 94-credit bachelor’s degrees.
• Leading WSU’s dual enrollment program to become the largest in the United States among four-year institutions in 2024.
• Securing nearly $400 million during his career at WSU to enhance academic, athletic and research facilities.

“Dr. Mortensen is a visionary leader who understands the potential and responsibility of leading USU,” said Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education. “He has a proven record of delivering value for students and Utahns, ensuring mission-critical decisions lead to improved student outcomes and a thriving economy. The Board looks forward to his leadership at Utah State University and believes its future is bright.”

“Brad Mortensen stood out for his practical, student-centered approach and his deep understanding of Utah’s higher education landscape,” said David Huntsman, co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee and member of the Utah State University Board of Trustees. “He’s a leader who listens, collaborates and delivers results—qualities that will serve USU and its communities exceptionally well in the years ahead.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Brad Mortensen to Utah State University as president,” USHE Commissioner Geoffrey Landward said. “President Mortensen is a remarkable leader and selfless collaborator who always puts students first. He has the vision to reimagine what a thriving land grant university can be.”

Pleasant View 10th Ward Halloween Party

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, we gathered at the church for our Pleasant View 10th Ward Annual Halloween Party.  As always, there was plenty of food and fun for everyone!

John Mortensen Passed Away

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, John Mortensen passed away.  John was only 69 years old.  He had been suffering with COPD for years and then developed pancreatic cancer which took him within 3 weeks.  John has always had a bad back and suffered with pain.  I am glad he didn't suffer with the cancer too long.

I have fond memories of John in Beaver.  His mother Betty Hodges Mortensen had a heart attack at the age of 33 and passed away.  She was pregnant with a baby girl at the time.  So sad.  She and my mom were best friends.  I can't even imagine what a wonderful reunion John had with his mother.  She died when he was 10 years old.

Rest in Peace John!

Visit from Jamie, and Fall Clean-up Begins...

Jamie flew into Utah to get her hair done on October 18th.  On Sunday afternoon, we visited Eva at the Care Center.  

Keith and I started the Fall Clean-up on Monday afternoon, after Jamie left for the airport.  Pruning our large acre is a lot of work.  Sadly, the leaves haven't fallen off the trees yet, so we have lots of work ahead of us.

What A Week! General Conference, Endoscopy and Colonoscopy, Lunch with Forever Friends and Temple with MaKanzee Hammond

This past 11 days has been very busy.  On Saturday, October 4, 2025-Sunday October 5, 2025, we enjoyed the many wonderful messages from General Conference.  It was sad that President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet passed away on September 27, 2025 at the age of 101.  We knew conference would be different and it definitely was.  No temples were announced and a new First Presidency was not in place yet.  I baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread for Shelley and DeeAnn (Ministering Sisters) and Wilma and Marilyn too.  I put a cute saying with the bread.

We watched the prophet's funeral on Wednesday (It took place on Tuesday).

On Monday, I had to prepare for my surgical procedures, so I had a clear diet all day and night.  In the evening around 6:00 p.m., I started the Colonoscopy Prep.  I don't remember ever getting so sick--the last two times were awful, but I honestly thought I would die this time.  It was rough.

On Tuesday, I had the procedures done.  My colonoscopy was good-only one polop which they removed.  But my stomach is another story.  I have erosive gastritis.  Dr. VanderSteen showed us the pictures of a normal stomach and then mine.  (I will spare everyone the pictures).  My stomach has a lot of damage.  He upped my meds for acid reflux and we are hoping that will help.  I have also cut out caffeine - no more dietcoke for me!

On Wednesday, I woke up at 3:00 a.m. with pain in my jaw.  It was from biting on the device for the endoscopy.  My ribs were so sore and I felt like someone had beaten me up.  I watched the prophet's funeral and rested.

This week Grandma Eva took a turn for the worse.  Keith visited her on Wednesday and her health was really failing.  He went to spend time with her at 10:30 p.m. and stayed until 2;30 a.m.  We were preparing ourselves for her passing.  We also picked apples - we got two very small boxes of apples from 36 apple trees.  Pathetic.  I haven't decided whether or not I will dry any or not.  I am not sure it is worth the hassle of getting all of the preparation for so few apples.

On Thursday, I had lunch with my forever friends at the Outback in Layton.  It was so fun to visit with everyone.  Shawna, JoAnn, Jana, Debbie and Susan joined me for lunch.  I baked sugar cookies on Wednesday night and brought everyone a bag of dried apples.  They were excited to get the cookies and apples.  We talked and laughed for about 3 1/2 hours.  Then I headed home.  I shared a lot of the pictures of our fun parties at my house in High School and Jr. High.  We all got a good laugh.  I am so grateful for these beautiful ladies whose good influences on me shaped who I am today.

On Friday, we visited Eva at the Care Center.  She had made a dramatic comeback.  She was wide awake and alert and was talking.  Chase, Mikela, Denise, Faith, Keith and I visited with her for a few hours.  

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, we met Bishop and Sister Minnoch at the Ogden Temple, as well as Makanzee Hammond.  Keith and I had the opportunity to teach Makanzee the temple prep lessons.  We sure do love her and we are so proud of her desire to attend the temple again.  We stopped at the care center to visit Eva.  She was awake and alert.

This weekend is our Stake Conference.  We will most likely be watching from home.  I am praying for a less hectic week next week.  We received this beautiful thank you from Makanzee.