Utah Tech University has appointed Dr. Michelle Sabick as the new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs following a national search. Sabick began her tenure with the university on Aug. 3.
Utah Tech President Shane B. Smeed stated that Sabick's commitment to academic excellence and student success will serve students and elevate the institution. Smeed noted that Sabick's experience and vision align with the university's polytechnic model, specifically regarding interdisciplinary collaboration, workforce alignment, and advancing applied learning.
Sabick joins Utah Tech from the University of Denver, where she has served as the dean of the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science since March 2021. She has over 25 years of experience in academic leadership and faculty roles, including serving as a professor, dean, and department chair.
As a fellow of the American Society of Biomechanics, Sabick is an advocate for inclusive STEM education and has championed mastery learning, alternative assessments, and evidence-based teaching practices. She also serves as a principal investigator for a National Science Foundation-funded initiative focused on fostering belonging among undergraduate computer science students.
Sabick holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa. She began her academic career at Boise State University, where she co-founded the Center for Orthopaedic and Biomechanics Research and served as chair of the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering.
Sabick expressed excitement about joining the Utah Tech community and noted that the institution's emphasis on active, applied learning provides opportunities to increase access and prepare graduates for real-world impact.
Utah Tech University provides 300 academic programs with an emphasis on hands-on learning across disciplines such as business, STEM, health sciences, education, arts, and humanities. Students gain experience through internships, undergraduate research, industry partnerships, clinical experiences, and service learning.
