Utah legislative audit of Utah State University finds leadership bypassed procurement rules and policy
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A January 2026 performance audit by Utah's Office of the Legislative Auditor General reviewed Utah State University's governance, leadership and culture, which lawmakers ordered six months earlier. The audit found several instances where leadership and staff bypassed requirements in Utah Code and university policy, including a purchase from an individual with prior professional connections to the university that went through a sole source process; the initial cost estimate of $30,000 grew to over $100,000 in four months. It also found the Utah Board of Higher Education had not provided adequate supports and oversight for university presidents. Utah Public Radio, reporting on the audit, says it followed concerns that former president Elizabeth Cantwell had spent about $660,000 of university funds on personal projects and benefits; that figure is the outlet's account of the allegations, not an audit finding. UPR reports the university concurred with each recommendation.
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