After conducting a national search, Utah Tech University has selected Dr. Michelle Sabick as its new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. Sabick starts her tenure with Utah Tech on Aug. 3.
“I am beyond excited to welcome Dr. Sabick to the Utah Tech University community and am confident her strong commitment to student success and academic excellence will not only serve our students well but elevate our institution as a whole,” Utah Tech President Shane B. Smeed said. “Dr. Sabick’s experience, shared values and vision align closely with Utah Tech’s polytechnic model, particularly in advancing applied learning, workforce alignment and interdisciplinary collaboration.”
A consistent advocate for innovative teaching practices and learning environments that support student achievement, Sabick comes to 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 brings more than 25 years of experience across public and private institutions with experience as a faculty member and academic leader, having served as a professor, department chair and dean.
Additionally, Sabick is a fellow of the American Society of Biomechanics and advocate for inclusive and effective STEM education. Sabick has championed evidence-based teaching practices, alternative assessments and mastery learning. She currently serves as principal investigator on a National Science Foundation-funded initiative aimed at fostering belonging among undergraduate computer science students.
Sabick, who holds a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University and master’s and doctoral degrees in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa, launched her academic career at Boise State University. There, she co-founded the Center for Orthopaedic and Biomechanics Research and chaired the Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering.
“I am excited to join Utah Tech University and be part of a community that is clearly committed to building the future of higher education,” Sabick said. “Utah Tech’s emphasis on active, applied learning and its identity as a polytechnic institution create powerful opportunities to increase access, strengthen student success and prepare graduates to translate their learning into real-world impact. I look forward to working alongside President Smeed and the broader community to expand the ways that we serve both our students and the region.”
Utah Tech University offers 300 academic programs with a focus on hands-on learning across all disciplines – humanities, arts, education, health sciences, business and STEM. UT students make, create and innovate in the classroom and online while gaining real-world active learning experiences through internships, clinical experiences, undergraduate research, industry partnerships and service learning. Students graduate prepared for rewarding careers and enriched lives with the technical, critical thinking and collaborative skills needed to excel in an ever-changing global economy. Learn more at academics.utahtech.edu.