Utah lawmaker Fred R. Hunsaker, vice president for administrative affairs at Utah State University, has resigned from both positions to accept a new job as associate commissioner for finance and facilities for the Utah System of Higher Education.
Hunsaker's appointment was announced Monday during a meeting of the state Board of Regents on the USU campus.Hunsaker, R-Logan, has served in the House of Representatives since 1991.
"The House is a great experience. I don't leave it easily. I've thoroughly enjoyed the Legislature and I've thoroughly enjoyed working at Utah State. It was one of the toughest decisions in my life," he said.
In his new position, Hunsaker will oversee finances, facilities, data collection and general business affairs for the state's nine public universities and colleges. The new position will pay approximately $117,000 a year.
"We are delighted Fred is willing to serve higher education in this key state level. His strong financial and administrative experience will serve well as we address the many challenging issues before us," said Cecelia Foxley, Utah commissioner of higher education.
Hunsaker, 57, has worked extensively in banking and finance. In 1991, he was named a vice president at USU.
Dale C. Hatch, who has served as the associate commissioner for budget and finance, will work in the student financial aid area. Foxley told the regents that Hatch is "exploring many opportunities."
As for Hunsaker's's District 4 legislative seat, the Central Committee of the Cache County Republican Party will submit to Gov. Mike Leavitt three names of nominees, from which Leavitt will select Hunsaker's replacement.