Utah Legislature honors Millner's service to WSU

Wed, 02/27/2013 - 1:16am

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The Utah Legislature on Tuesday celebrated the contribution of F. Ann Millner, who served as Weber State University president for a decade before stepping down from that post in December. A long list of Millner’s accomplishments was read before the House and Senate, then Millner was congratulated and thanked once again, this time by Gov. Gary Herbert (right). (ASHLEE BUCHHOLZ/Governor’s Office)

The Utah Legislature on Tuesday took time out to celebrate the contribution of F. Ann Millner, who served as Weber State University president for a decade before stepping down from that post in December. A long list of Millner's accomplishments was read before the Utah House and Senate, then Millner was congratulated and thanked once again, this time by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (right). WSU's new president, Chuck Wight (second from right), also attended. (ASHLEE BUCHHOLZ/Governor’s Office)

The Utah Legislature on Tuesday honored F. Ann Millner for her decade of service as Utah’s first female university president.

Millner, whose resignation was effective Dec. 31, was praised for both her 10 years as president and for her 20 years, and counting, as a professor at Weber State University. Millner has said she will return to teaching after a break.

“I was honored to be invited, because I saw the legacy she has built at Weber State,” said Andrew Gardiner, WSU’s student body president who attended the legislative ceremonies.

“She stood in front of the whole House, and they read off her accomplishments,” Gardiner said. “Then they went to the Senate and did the same, and that was even cooler.

“We were there for 10 minutes, because senators kept standing up, thanking Ann for what she had done. One said it was hard to think of Weber State without thinking of Ann.”

Next, Millner’s group was invited to meet with Gov. Gary Herbert and Lt. Gov. Greg Bell, who thanked her for her contribution.

“She most definitely deserves everyone’s thanks, but I’m sure people had to talk her into doing this,” Gardiner said.

“She’s not the kind of person who likes to focus on her accomplishments. She talked about how her team had been responsible for the good things that have happened at Weber State. She always says it’s a team effort.

“To me, her leadership exemplifies what it means to be a university president. It was an honor to serve with her, to learn from her and to utilize some of the leadership principles I have seen her exemplify.”

Chuck Wight, the new WSU president, was present for Millner’s legislative honors.

“The celebration today reminds me of how big Ann’s shoes are that I have to fill,” he said. “I’m just really happy for her, and glad we could celebrate her achievements.”