New position to bring new focus on higher education’s outreach strategies

July 2, 2009
Contact: Spencer Jenkins (801-321-7110)

SALT LAKE CITY - SALT LAKE CITY – William A. Sederburg, Commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), announced the appointment of Melissa Miller Kincart as Assistant Commissioner for Outreach and Access. This newly created position will help ensure a better alignment of the strategic priorities of the Board of Regents and the state's colleges and universities.

Kincart will focus specifically on working with the state’s colleges and universities in exploring ways to improve college participation rates. She will work closely with schools to build new and existing programs that help underserved populations better prepare for and succeed in college.

“Over the years both the Board of Regents and schools have identified access and participation as critical areas to build a stronger pipeline of students coming into college, however this is the first time the Commissioner’s Office has had full-time staff dedicated entirely to coordinate and support  the outreach and access activities across our campuses.” remarked Commissioner Sederburg.

“Kincart is an excellent fit for this position,” observed Dave Buhler, Associate Commissioner for Public Affairs, “She has several years experience working at multiple institutions and her recent endeavors with the Utah Campus Compact, and before that at Utah State University, highlight her commitment to the success of students on Utah’s campuses.”

This position was created through staff re-organization within the Commissioner’s Office and does not require any new funds.

Melissa Miller Kincart earned a masters degree from the University of Maryland in higher education policy and leadership. Before that she earned a bachelor’s in finance from the University of Utah. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of the Utah Campus Compact, a statewide organization that promotes civic engagement on college campuses. She also has held numerous campus positions including the Assistant to the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at Utah State University, the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions at American University, and Assistant Coordinator for Programs and Training at University of Maryland.

Melissa and her husband Joel B. Kincart live in Salt Lake City with their son and daughter.

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