Utah Governor Spencer Cox appointed two new University of Utah trustees, Katharine B. Garff and Steve Miller, both of whom were approved by the Utah Senate. Both Garff and Miller began their terms at the trustee board meeting on Sept. 9. They fill the seats left by Christian Gardner and Steven Price.
Katharine B. Garff
Garff is the Board Chair of Garff Enterprises, Inc., a director of the Robert H. and Katharine B. Garff Foundation, and the former chair of the Utah State Board of Education. The Honors Tower of the Kahlert Village dormitories is named for her.
“Today, the four of us represent women who promote education. We joined together to encourage and facilitate young students to be curious, to excel, to collaborate, to network, to study and to grow,” Garff said about herself and the three other women the Kahlert Towers are named for in a dedication ceremony. She is also an active member of the University of Utah’s national advisory council and a University of Utah alumnus.
“The University of Utah has done so many things statewide. Not just locally, but statewide. I think they have a statewide perspective,” Garff said in her Senate hearing.
Garff also recalled advice from a former colleague that she said embodies how Utah’s institutions should function. “We have an obligation in the state of Utah to educate all students. All means all. It doesn’t mean just the wealthy, or just white students or one race of people. Or people who have never been in trouble. Or people who maybe don’t look the same way,” Garff said.
“He had the best attitude. And I have loved his attitude because I think that’s what our institutions throughout the state should be. That we educate all students. And all means all. No matter where they come from, or how they get there.”
Garff was confirmed by the senate on Aug. 15.
Steve Miller
Miller comes into the position as the chairman of the board for the Larry H. Miller Company. The family investment firm revolves around the values of business leadership, community and philanthropy. Miller also serves as the governor for Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals FC.
Miller graduated from the U in 1996. He said he has a lot of great memories on campus.
“I feel very honored,” he said about being appointed to the position.
The role of a trustee is to “help guide decisions to support the president of the school,” Miller said. “We bring our best thinking and ideas to the table, and council together to give The U the best footing.” He said being a trustee is “all about the students and keeping the U relevant and safe.”
Miller’s term officially began during the September board meeting and was confirmed by the Utah state senate on Aug. 8.
To be confirmed by the Senate, the process begins with a nomination from the Governor of Utah. The governor nominates candidates who allow for representation of various businesses, industries and labor. Then, the nomination is sent to the Utah state Senate for confirmation and committee review. After review, the Senate votes on the candidate. Full consent from the Senate is required for the appointment to become official. If the candidate is confirmed, they must take an oath of office to begin their service.
“There are so many exciting things happening in the world of education right now,” Miller said. “Knowledge is power, and once you are educated, nobody can take that from you.”
An Inside Perspective
Director of Board Governance, Policy and Operations Annalisa Purser commented on the new trustees’ long-standing connections with higher education in Utah. “They’re committed to education and the transformative power it has on the lives of individuals and communities,” she said.
Garff and Miller both fill the seats of two long-term trustees, Christian Gardner and Steven Price. Both Price and Gardner served for 10 or more years on the board. “I think they’ll have a lot of passion and commitment to their roles on the board and governing the institution,” Purser said. “I have really appreciated in this role the opportunity I’ve had to see how much our trustees care about the University of Utah and about the students, and how committed they are to their roles and supporting those ideals.”
The board of trustees works to facilitate communication between the university and the community. They approve all candidates for the University of Utah who have earned degrees and diplomas while also overseeing the University president’s powers.
“I would just encourage people to participate, to get to know more about [the board]. The meetings are open and accessible. They’re available online as well,” Purser said.
“Kathi and Steve believe in the transformational power of education and in the U’s role in changing lives and communities. Their experience and perspectives are valuable additions to the Board of Trustees, and we’re grateful for their willingness to serve with us,” said Board of Trustees Chair Katie Eccles in an email statement.
The next trustee board meeting is on Nov. 11.
Editor’s note, Oct. 6, 11:30 p.m. • A previous version of this article misstated the date of the next trustee board meeting. The correct date is Nov. 11.
