Utah Tech University has selected Dr. Michelle Sabick as its new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs following a national search. Sabick officially began her tenure with the university on Aug. 3.
Utah Tech President Shane B. Smeed expressed excitement regarding the appointment, stating that Sabick's commitment to academic excellence and student success is expected to elevate the institution. Smeed noted that Sabick's vision aligns with the university's polytechnic model, specifically in areas such as 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 possesses more than 25 years of experience as an academic leader and faculty member, having previously held roles as a dean, department chair, and professor.
As an academic, Sabick is a fellow of the American Society of Biomechanics and an advocate for effective and inclusive STEM education. She has championed mastery learning, alternative assessments, and evidence-based teaching practices. Additionally, she serves as a principal investigator on 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, along with 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.
In a statement, Sabick said she is excited to join a community committed to the future of higher education. She noted that Utah Tech's identity as a polytechnic institution and its emphasis on applied learning provide opportunities to increase access and prepare graduates for real-world impact.
Utah Tech University provides 300 academic programs with a focus on hands-on learning. The university's curriculum spans disciplines including business, health sciences, education, arts, humanities, and STEM.
