David W. Pershing named new U president

New U President David W. Pershing

The Utah State Board of Regents on Jan. 20 announced that David W. Pershing has been selected to be the new president of the University of Utah. Pershing has served as senior vice president for academic affairs at the University since 1998.
       “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the University of Utah into its next growth phase,” said Pershing. “When I arrived at the U three decades ago my sole ambition was to become an effective teacher in the Chemical Engineering Department. I never dreamed that I would be given so many wonderful opportunities—to teach bright, inquisitive students, pursue exciting research and, in my most recent role overseeing academic affairs, help shape the remarkable trajectory of this institution. Now I am eager to work with our superb faculty, deans, cabinet, trustees and staff to accelerate our efforts. I am committed to ensuring that the U sustains its focus on academic excellence, outstanding health care, and cutting edge scholarship and research, while finding innovative ways to support our amazing students and maximize our economic contribution to the State of Utah.”
       Pershing joined the U as an assistant professor in chemical engineering in 1977. 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 has more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, more than 20 research grants, and five patents to his credit. Pershing has won both the Distinguished Teaching and Distinguished Research Awards and is the 1997 recipient of the Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence. He was the director of the U’s Center for Simulation of Accidental Fires and Explosions, fueled by a $40 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy of Utah. Pershing holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University and a Ph.D. in the same field from the University of Arizona.

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