This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
On Wednesday, President Stan Albrecht, Utah State University's long-time president, announced his retirement. This paper ran a story on the announcement, but it was a swing-and-a-miss for The Tribune.
The article focused on rare sideshow events that had little, if any, to do with Albrecht's leadership at USU. It also missed several important elements that make Albrecht a legendary university president not only for Utah State University but in the state of Utah and for all of higher education.
Under Albrecht's guidance, USU expanded its reach to thousands of rural and non-traditional students throughout the state by way of its distance learning and regional campuses. Aggie athletics has thrived and maintained competitive programs, producing championship teams and even better student-athlete citizens.
Research funding continues to set historic records, driving the quantity and quality of research done in Utah to greater heights. The Logan campus has undergone big changes to improve existing, historic buildings and adding new ones for both instruction and research. The new Caine College of the Arts was created.
Stan Albrecht has left an historic mark on Utah State University and the communities it serves. He deserves every Aggie's respect and gratitude. It's unfortunate that the Tribune missed an opportunity to showcase the legacy of this great leader.
David Butterfield
Logan