SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah President Michael K. Young is seeking a divorce from his wife of 38 years, Suzan. He filed his petition Friday in 3rd District Court.
Suzan Young is the executive director of The Tanner Lectures on Human Values at the U. Her attorney, David Dolowitz, said he did not know if she would continue in that role.
The petition cites "irreconcilable differences" but does not provide specifics. It calls for Michael Young to pay a "reasonable sum" of alimony each month and for him and his wife to bear their own attorney's fees.
The couple has three adult children.
The U.'s Board of Trustees reiterated its confidence in the president and his job performance. Randy Dryer, the board's chairman, said Young enjoys the board's "complete and unequivocal support." Dryer cited Young's role in steering the U.'s entrance into the Pac-10 as evidence that the president was handling his duties well. Dryer said he had discussed the impending divorce with Young and with the board.
"This is a private, personal matter between the president and Suzan. Everyone at the university, our hearts go out to the two of them," Dryer said. "We look forward to him continuing on as president."
Dave Buhler, associate commissioner of higher education, said the state Board of Regents does not wish to comment publicly on what is a personal matter. Officials privately expressed support for Young.
The regents held a regular meeting Friday at Wasatch High School in Heber. Young took part in that meeting but declined to comment on the filing.
He came to the U. from George Washington University in 2004 after former President Bernie Machen left to head the University of Florida
Contributing: Rebecca Palmer
e-mail: pkoepp@desnews.com