Audit Uncovers 'Very Serious' Leadership Issues at Utah State University

Significant spending concerns during former president's tenure prompt legislative audit

Jan. 31, 2026 at 10:15am

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A new legislative audit has found 'very serious' financial missteps and weak oversight at Utah State University, involving millions of dollars in questionable spending during the 18-month tenure of former USU President Elizabeth Cantwell. The audit uncovered issues such as a president's office remodel that grew from a $10,000 project into nearly $300,000, including a $750 bidet, as well as the use of university funds to purchase new cars, an apartment in Salt Lake City, and a heated golf cart. The report also found broader financial, cultural and accountability issues across the university.

Why it matters

The audit findings have led lawmakers to withhold funding from the university while they waited for the audit's release. The report makes dozens of recommendations, including creating a formal accountability system for university purchases and calling on the Utah System of Higher Education to provide additional oversight and coaching for university presidents. This highlights ongoing concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of accountability at public universities.

The details

The audit found that a university department 'did not go through the proper procurement channels' when renewing contracts with a vendor, costing the university $12 million. Auditors described the issues they uncovered as 'very serious'. New USU President Brad Mortensen, who was just inaugurated two weeks ago, said the university will use the audit as a roadmap for improvement, focusing on stronger oversight and accountability.

  • The audit was presented on January 31, 2026 at the Utah Capitol before lawmakers.
  • The audit covered the 18-month tenure of former USU President Elizabeth Cantwell.

The players

Elizabeth Cantwell

Former president of Utah State University whose spending concerns during her 18-month tenure prompted the audit.

Brad Mortensen

New president of Utah State University who was inaugurated two weeks ago and said the university will use the audit as a roadmap for improvement.

Utah System of Higher Education

The organization that the audit recommends should provide additional oversight and coaching for university presidents.

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What they’re saying

“We have to earn that trust back, and that takes some time. There's still a lot of work to do, but it's good to be at this point and know we have a clear path forward.”

— Brad Mortensen, President, Utah State University

What’s next

It remains unclear when the remaining withheld funding will be released to Utah State University.

The takeaway

This audit highlights ongoing concerns about financial mismanagement and lack of accountability at public universities. The findings have led to recommendations for stronger oversight and accountability measures, as well as a need for the new university leadership to rebuild trust with lawmakers and the public.