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Utah's longest-serving university president of any currently in office is retiring

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 8:47 GMT by The Salt Lake Tribune
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New Leadership at Westminster College: Dr. Mark T. Henderson Takes the Helm

In a move that signals a new chapter for the private liberal‑arts institution located in West Valley City, the Westminster College Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Dr. Mark T. Henderson as the college’s 11th president, effective July 1, 2025. The decision, formally announced on the college’s website and amplified by a press release distributed to local media, comes after a two‑year, nationwide search that drew over 30 candidates, including two current university presidents and a handful of senior administrators from the higher‑education sector.

A Distinguished Background

Dr. Henderson earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Michigan in 2010 and has spent the last decade shaping student‑centered programs at several mid‑size institutions. Prior to Westminster, he served as the Vice President for Student Success at Pacific University in Oregon, where he oversaw a 15‑percent increase in graduation rates and the launch of a campus‑wide online learning initiative. Earlier, as Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin‑Eau Claire, Henderson was credited with transforming the college’s campus climate through inclusive programming and a campus‑wide diversity task force.

His ties to the region are deep. Dr. Henderson is a native of Salt Lake City and earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, majoring in Sociology with a concentration in Social Justice. He has worked in public service for the City of Salt Lake City’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges facing Utah’s growing, increasingly diverse student body.

Vision and Priorities

In the inaugural remarks delivered during the board’s September 1, 2025, meeting, Dr. Henderson outlined a multi‑pronged strategy designed to build on Westminster’s strengths while addressing emerging challenges. His plan emphasizes the following:

1. Academic Excellence and Innovation – “Our mission is to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable but also adaptable,” he said. Henderson plans to introduce a new interdisciplinary curriculum that aligns with the demands of a rapidly evolving job market, including a partnership with the Salt Lake City Center for STEM Innovation to offer joint certificates in data analytics and sustainable engineering.

2. Inclusive Campus Culture – Building on the college’s legacy of modest diversity, Henderson pledged to increase representation of under‑represented minorities and international students. He announced a $3 million endowment fund, earmarked for scholarships and hiring initiatives aimed at expanding faculty diversity by 20 percent over the next five years.

3. Financial Sustainability – Facing a modest decline in net tuition revenue over the past three years, Henderson will prioritize fundraising and alumni engagement. He cited the recent “Westminster Legacy Fund” campaign, launched in 2024, as a foundation upon which to grow the college’s endowment by 30 percent in the next decade.

4. Digital Transformation – In light of the post‑pandemic shift to hybrid learning, the president will oversee the integration of a campus‑wide learning management system that incorporates artificial‑intelligence‑driven analytics to track student progress and tailor interventions.

Reactions from the Community

Board of Trustees

The board’s statement, available in full on the college’s website, lauded Henderson’s “visionary leadership” and his track record of “driving transformative growth in student outcomes.” Dr. Lisa K. Murdock, chair of the board, said, “We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Henderson. He embodies the values that have long guided Westminster—excellence, integrity, and a commitment to community.”

Faculty and Staff

A faculty association email, forwarded to the college’s news outlet, echoed the board’s enthusiasm. “Dr. Henderson’s background in student success and his commitment to equity align perfectly with the direction we need to take,” wrote Dr. Angela Ortiz, associate professor of Sociology.

Students

Student representatives at the September 2025 Board meeting highlighted the excitement among the student body. “He’s a fresh face in leadership but also a Salt Lake City local, so he knows the unique challenges and opportunities we have,” said a senior biology major named Joshua Lee. Students are looking forward to new internship programs and expanded online course offerings.

Alumni

On the college’s alumni portal, a dedicated forum saw a flurry of posts celebrating the new appointment. Long‑time alumni expressed optimism that Henderson’s fundraising acumen could elevate Westminster to new heights. “He’s the kind of leader who will make our alma mater a national name for student‑first education,” wrote 2017 graduate Maya Patel.

Additional Context and Resources

Readers interested in the broader context of this appointment can find a detailed profile of Dr. Henderson in a recent feature article on the Salt Lake Tribune’s “Higher Education” section, which examines his prior impact at Pacific University. The college’s own “About Westminster” page provides a deeper dive into the institution’s history and current strategic priorities, highlighting its commitment to inclusive excellence and community engagement.

A press release on the college’s newsroom further outlines the specific initiatives planned for the first year of Henderson’s tenure, including:

• Launch of a “Westminster Innovation Fund” aimed at supporting student‑initiated research projects.
• Expansion of the college’s partnership with the Salt Lake City Public Library system to create a community learning hub.
• Development of a campus‑wide wellness initiative focusing on mental health resources.

The official launch ceremony is scheduled for October 2025, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Henderson, alumni remarks, and a showcase of the new academic programs. The event will be livestreamed on the college’s website and shared via the college’s official social media channels.

Looking Ahead

Westminster College’s new president, Dr. Mark T. Henderson, arrives at a time of both promise and challenge. With a comprehensive plan to elevate academic offerings, strengthen campus inclusivity, and secure financial health, Henderson is poised to guide the college toward a future that balances tradition with innovation. As the institution embarks on this next chapter, stakeholders across the campus—students, faculty, alumni, and the wider Salt Lake City community—will be watching closely to see how these ambitious goals translate into tangible outcomes.