Rich Kendell

When it comes to public service and contributions to public schools in Utah, Richard Kendell is in a class by himself.

He has worked as a high school English teacher and as a faculty member and associate dean in both the College of Education and the Graduate School at the University of Utah. He served as Superintendent of Davis School District and as Utah Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction.

He is a former commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education and served as Southern Utah University’s interim president. He was also the deputy to Governor Michael O. Leavitt for public education, higher education, and economic development.

He has also worked in private industry as research and development director for WICAT Educational Systems and as a project manager for hospital and health care facilities for the Boyer Company.

His work in education has been acknowledged by several organizations. While Davis District Superintendent, he was named Administrator of the Year by the Utah Education Association. Later, he was named by his colleagues as Superintendent of the Year for the State of Utah and was one of four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year. The Davis School District Administration Building is named the Richard E. Kendell Building in honor of his distinguished service as the district’s superintendent.

On a more personal level, Richard and his wife Joan are the parents of four married children. Children and spouses, with one exception, hold degrees from the University of Utah. They have 12 grandchildren. Based on Utah logo clothing alone, there is little doubt that these grandchildren will follow in their parents ( and grandparents) footsteps at the University of Utah.