Ogden, Utah — In a swift leadership transition, longtime liberal arts advocate Leslie Durham has been appointed as interim president of Weber State University, effective Monday, November 10, 2025. The Utah Board of Higher Education made the announcement Thursday, selecting Durham just three months after she joined Weber State as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
From Boise State to Weber State Leadership
Durham arrived at Weber State in August after more than two decades at Boise State University, where she held multiple academic leadership roles — most recently as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Her career at Boise State began in 2001 as a theater professor, later expanding into administrative positions including associate dean and interim department chair.
At Boise State, Durham led through turbulent years that included pandemic-related enrollment declines, budget challenges, and political debates over the role of higher education in state policy. She frequently emphasized the value of liberal arts education during those times — a stance she continues to defend in Utah’s evolving academic environment.
Filling the Vacancy Left by Brad Mortensen
Durham’s appointment follows the departure of Weber State’s longtime president Brad Mortensen, who will assume leadership at Utah State University in Logan starting next week. The board chair, Amanda Covington, praised Mortensen’s record but acknowledged the urgency of filling the leadership gap.
“To ensure a smooth transition, our executive committee unanimously selected Dr. Durham,” Covington said. “She brings deep experience, collaboration, and a proven commitment to academic excellence.”
Championing the Liberal Arts Amid Budget Cuts
Durham’s career has been defined by her defense of the arts and humanities. On her LinkedIn profile, she describes the liberal arts as vital in preparing students to “think critically, develop empathy, and engage creatively with the world.”
Her appointment comes at a challenging time for higher education in Utah. Earlier this year, state lawmakers cut $60.5 million from public university budgets statewide, including $6.7 million from Weber State’s funding. Critics of the cuts argue that programs in the arts and humanities have faced the deepest reductions.
Durham, however, sees the current moment as an opportunity to reaffirm the liberal arts’ relevance. “Higher education is in a period of profound disruption,” she wrote. “I’ve never been more convinced that the liberal arts are uniquely suited to respond to today’s daunting challenges.”
A Leader Known for Collaboration
Colleagues describe Durham as a collaborative leader who encourages faculty and staff to share ideas and innovate. In a recent Q&A with Weber State, she said, “One of my administrative superpowers is elevating people’s work — helping them take it to the next level.”
The Utah Board of Higher Education echoed that sentiment, with board member Jon Cox noting that Durham has “the right temperament for this particular position.”
What’s Next for Weber State
Durham said in a statement that she is “honored to serve as interim president” and aims to focus on “continuity, stability, and continued progress in the months ahead.” It remains unclear whether she will be eligible to apply for the permanent presidency.
Her leadership begins as Weber State faces not only financial pressures but also a broader conversation about the purpose of higher education in Utah. For now, Durham’s appointment signals stability — and a continued defense of the liberal arts at a time when they are under scrutiny.
