Southern Utah University has codified the governance structures for two major state-affiliated organizations, establishing specific bylaws for the Utah Shakespeare Festival Board of Governors and the Utah Summer Games Board of Commissioners. Both bodies serve as advisory and recommending organizations under the authority of the university president and the Board of Trustees to support artistic excellence and statewide athletic competition.
Shakespeare Festival Governance
The Utah Shakespeare Festival Board of Governors is designated as a body politic of Southern Utah University and the State of Utah. According to university policy, the Governors act as an advisory body dedicated to the artistic excellence and long-term fiscal sustainability of the Festival. Their responsibilities include oversight, advocacy, and fundraising to promote the value of live professional theatre.
Shakespeare Festival Duties
The governance of the Shakespeare Festival is subject to the authority of the President of Southern Utah University, the University Board of Trustees, and the Utah State Board of Higher Education. The Governors are tasked with approving annual strategic, operational, and financial plans, which are then forwarded to the SUU administration for review and to the Trustees for final approval. These operational plans may include departmental plans from marketing, development, production, facilities, finance, and education.
Shakespeare Festival Membership
Membership on the Shakespeare Festival Board of Governors must consist of a minimum of 12 members, though the total number may be increased as necessary, provided it does not exceed 25. Members are appointed by the Trustees and are drawn from university administrators and individuals of state, national, or international stature. Nominations for membership can be made by the Governors, the University administration, or the Festival administration to the Governors Nominations Committee.
Shakespeare Festival Terms
Terms for Shakespeare Festival Governors are set at three years, beginning in July. To ensure continuity, the initial terms are staggered so that no more than one-third of the members' terms expire during any single year. Governors may be reappointed for one additional term following a recommendation from the Nominations Committee and the Governors. While a former Governor may be re-nominated after two years have passed since their previous tenure, they must have completed their previous service before starting a new term.
Shakespeare Festival Leadership
The Shakespeare Festival board includes both voting and non-voting members. The Festival's Executive Director and Artistic Director(s) serve as voting, ex-officio members. Non-voting ex-officio members include one member of the Trustees, the President and/or a Vice Presidential designee, and the Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts. Additionally, an individual may be named an honorary member of the Governors upon recommendation by the Governors and approval by the Trustees.
Summer Games Governance
The Utah Summer Games Board of Commissioners serves as a recommending, development, and public relations organization for the Utah Summer Games. As a body politic of Southern Utah University and the State of Utah, the Board is created to support the Games' public relations, marketing, and development. Its mission focuses on promoting amateurism, sportsmanship, and athletic excellence through statewide competition and fostering health and fitness among Utah residents.
Summer Games Duties
The Board of Commissioners is authorized to recommend policies and procedures regarding the governance of the Games. This includes establishing procedures for Board business and developing strategic plans for marketing, fundraising, publicity, and regional competitions. The Board also works with the Executive Director, Sports Director, and individual Sports Coordinators to evaluate operations, programs, facilities, and long-range plans to ensure consistency with the Games' mission and financial stability.
