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The University of Utah board of trustees now includes businessman and U. alumnus James Lee Sorenson, the school announced Friday.
Sorenson, whose $13 million donation to the university in 2013 helped create the James Lee Sorenson Global Impact Investing Center, is the co-founder of Sorenson Capitol and a leader in the field of digital video compression.
In a prepared statement, Sorenson praised the university's status as the state's flagship institution of higher education.
"I am honored to serve on the board of trustees for my alma mater, alongside people who have truly devoted their lives to improving their communities and the lives of their fellow human beings," he said.
Sorenson has previously served on the boards of Art Works for Kids, Gallaudet University, the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business and the Governor's Office of Economic Development.
His appointment to the board of trustees follows a nomination by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and confirmation by the Utah Senate.
In a prepared statement, University of Utah President David Pershing said Sorenson's influence would be felt across campus.
"His legacy as an entrepreneur and a community servant is such a great example to our students," Pershing said. "We're grateful for his eagerness to serve and welcome him to the board."
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