LOGAN – Still four months away from her pending retirement, Utah State University President Noelle Cockett delivered her final “State of the University” address on Monday with a comprehensive accounting of the past 12 months at USU, plus projections for the school’s future.

She told a crowd at the Eccles Conference Center that at the end of her term in July, as a tenured faculty member, she will re-join the Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences at USU.

Responding to a question about recent delays in administrative hirings, including three interim vice presidents serving over athletics, statewide campuses and student affairs, she said if she filled those positions before she left, she would be hiring someone else’s close administrative team.

“It’s not really fair on both sides,” Cockett replied. “We have incredible people in those interim positions right now. It would take away the new president’s opportunity to fill those positions. Those three interims have agreed to stay on for now.”

She lauded the way USU continues to advance in national rankings of research universities, recognized the school’s most successful fundraising year ever and pointed out the advances made in diversity, equity and inclusion.

She concluded with an emotional thank you.

“No matter where I go or where I am or what I’m doing, my heart will be filled with pride and love for this incredible university,” she said. “It is incredible because of the people, the students, the staff, the faculty, administrators, the alumni and the supporters of this university. You have made this so exceptional. And thank you for letting me be your president.”