OGDEN — The Weber State leader who helped oversee university programs that included initiatives to bolster outreach to students of color has stepped down.

Adrienne Andrews, vice president of equity, diversity and inclusion, resigned effective Oct. 2, according to university officials. Such programs have become a target of inquiry by lawmakers in Utah and around the country but there’s no indication that figured in her decision to depart after nearly 19 years with the university.

“I don’t have details on why Adrienne resigned and she hasn’t shared that information with me,” Bryan Magaña, the university spokesman, said Wednesday.

Whatever the reason, Weber State officials will keep on with the equity, diversity and inclusion initiative. “Our plan is to designate an interim vice president for equity, diversity and inclusion by the end of October and then begin the search for a replacement. In the meantime, our work continues through the many programs and personnel that support EDI efforts at Weber State,” Magaña said.

In a universitywide message issued Oct. 3, the day after Andrews stepped down, university President Brad Mortensen offered thanks for her years of work at Weber State, noting her “inherent kindness and concern for others.” He also praised “her tireless efforts to assist our university in becoming a more welcoming environment for all.”

Like Magaña, Mortensen expressed commitment moving forward to equity, diversity and inclusion, or EDI, efforts. “My thanks to each of you for your continued commitment to being a more inclusive university. Together, we will make Weber State a leader in transforming lives by meeting all students where they are, challenging and guiding them to achieve their goals academically and in life,” Mortensen said.

Though all university students fall under their purview, EDI programs aim broadly to help minority and marginalized students thrive by prioritizing their well-being in the college setting. Under the umbrella of the Weber State EDI office are other offices and programs geared to Latino, Black, Native American, Asian, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, among others.

EDI programs at Utah’s public universities have been targeted by Utah Sen. John Johnson, a North Ogden Republican. He had sought to eliminate them in legislation earlier this year and aims to revisit the issue in the 2024 session, though now he has said he only wants to investigate ways to tweak them or pare them back.

Johnson, like conservatives elsewhere, worries such programs promote the interests of some to the detriment of others.

“How do we structure things so instead of creating a race war we actually create opportunities?” he said last July. “Let’s think about how we can provide support without crossing the line of being exclusive of other students.”

Newsletter