As of August 1, 2026, he will have a new title at WSU: President.

Meeting on the Weber State Campus Thursday morning, the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) unanimously selected Mallett as the university’s next president.

“With deep Utah roots, Mallett currently serves as chief administrative officer at Northeastern University’s Roux Institute, where he works with industry, higher education, community partners, and donors to strengthen workforce development and economic opportunity across Maine and the nation,” said a USHE press release announcing the appointment. “He previously spent nearly 14 years at Western Governors University as part of the institution’s founding team, helping pioneer online competency-based education and expand access to postsecondary education for hundreds of thousands of learners.

“Throughout his career, Mallett has led teams focused on enrollment growth, faculty operations, academic innovation and workforce-aligned education. He has also helped launch new educational models and partnerships designed to strengthen connections between higher education and industry.”

During Thursday’s introduction, Mallett said his first day of class at WSU had a huge impact on him.

“This university changed my life as a 22-year-old carpenter 30-plus years ago,” he said. “I started my first course at Weber State University on a Tuesday night at Clearfield High School It was an American National Government course and I was maybe more nervous than I was just a few minutes ago walking in here, but a member of faculty put me at ease immediately, welcomed me, made me feel at home, like I belonged at this university. The rest evolved in ways that I couldn’t have imagined.”

According to the release, “Mallett has a personal journey with Weber State University, earning his undergraduate degrees — associate and bachelor’s — from the institution, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah, and a doctorate in education from Pepperdine University.”

Mallett said he was greatly honored that WSU and USHE have put their confidence in him.

“I will work every day to earn and deliver on that confidence with all of you to take this great university to its next and most significant impact,” he said. “We are just getting started because of the phenomenal work that all of you have built and created. The momentum of this university is incredible — record enrollment, an enduring mission to change people’s lives and communities for the better, a collective commitment to that mission. … We are here for the same thing and I cannot wait to learn from you and be able to express that in service of our students and the people that count on us to help them create a better life for themselves and their families.”

Amanda Covington, chair of the USHE touted Mallett’s history in academics.

“President Mallett brings a strong track record of innovation and partnership-building that aligns well with Weber State University’s mission,” she said in the release. “He endorses a strong higher education system in Utah and will be a collaborative and thoughtful partner for all USHE presidents and leaders. The Board is impressed by his understanding of the evolving role universities play in preparing students for long-term success while supporting workforce and community needs. He is a bright, hands-on leader who values a connected campus culture. We are excited about the next chapter for Weber State and know the university and Utah System of Higher Education will thrive under his leadership.”

Ally Isom, Weber State University trustee and co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee, said feedback was sought from several angles.

“Our process was grounded in insights from students, employees, alumni and community members,” she said in the release. “President Mallett emerged as a collaborative, student-focused leader with the vision and experience to accelerate Weber State’s impact. His own journey as a Weber Wildcat demonstrates what is possible for students and our greater community.”

Mallett said that, as a community, WSU will continue to serve leaders of tomorrow long into the future.

“We are one Weber State University community,” he said. “We are coming home to be a part of this community with all of you and all of us together — our colleagues from the board, the state, our trustees, our partners, our students, our faculty, our alumni — we are one Wildcat community and we can do these things. You’re already doing these things.”

Chris Mallett will officially take over the position on August 1.