Why Every Utah Public University President’s Spending Will Be Audited: What You Need to Know

How each president of Utah’s public colleges has used taxpayer money is now under official scrutiny. This audit is a response to concerns about extravagant spending, particularly by former Utah State University President Elizabeth “Betsy” Cantwell. Her purchases included a $750 bidet and a $28,300 climate-controlled golf cart, sparking outrage.

The Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) will guide this comprehensive review, marking the first major audit of presidential spending in over a decade. This initiative comes as salaries for college leaders have grown. Commissioner Geoff Landward mentioned that the audit aims to identify any gaps in state policy regarding what a president’s office can purchase.

Right now, individual schools set their own spending policies, but new regulations might be established if necessary. Landward sees this audit as a chance to implement better practices across the board.

The USHE review will coincide with a separate audit focused solely on Utah State University, stemming from concerns raised by whistleblowers about Cantwell’s lavish spending during her 18-month tenure. Reports indicate she spent $661,800 on new cars, travel, and even an apartment in Salt Lake City.

Cantwell resigned in March to take the presidency at Washington State University. After investigations, auditors found a troubling pattern of unchecked spending at USU, revealing a “culture of policy noncompliance.” Key staff members reportedly approved contracts worth up to $430,000 without following proper purchasing processes.

This scrutiny comes amid rising public concerns over “administrative bloat” in higher education. This year, Utah lawmakers mandated significant budget cuts for public colleges, with Utah State facing $12.6 million of those cuts. Landward expressed frustration over Cantwell’s spending, reminding leaders that they should focus on essential purchases, especially during budget constraints.

The goal of the audit is to enhance accountability and transparency. It will examine how well universities follow their spending policies, especially for fiscal year 2025.

Interestingly, USU will also conduct its assessment of spending, with new board chair Tessa White stating they are aware of issues and are taking steps to improve. Currently, spending policies for presidents are minimal. For example, there are restrictions only on vehicles and travel, while other expenses remain largely unregulated.

Cantwell’s spending came under scrutiny shortly after an expensive Toyota Highlander and a Chevy Suburban were purchased for her use, raising eyebrows among the public and lawmakers alike.

Comparing Cantwell’s spending to her predecessor Noelle Cockett shows stark differences. In Cantwell’s first operational year, the president’s budget was $547,330, while the year before it was just $287,330.

Cantwell’s salary also surged above her predecessor, starting at $581,585, plus benefits. This placed her among the highest-paid university presidents in the state, trailing only the University of Utah president.

In short, this audit could reshape the landscape of financial oversight within Utah’s higher education system, emphasizing the need for accountability and prudent spending practices. As the audits progress, the outcomes will likely influence policy changes and spending behaviors among college leaders in the state.



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