Vince Lafferty is no stranger to USU Tooele. Lafferty, who has worked for 34 years with USU's Regional Campus and Distance Education system, served as executive director for Tooele from 1984 through 1999. He left Tooele for the main Logan campus, where he most recently served as director of program development and concurrent education.

Now he's back in Tooele again to head the campus while a year-long search for a permanent dean is conducted.

"I'm excited to back in Tooele," Lafferty said. "The town has grown a lot since I left. It will be great to play a role in the continued growth of the Tooele regional campus."

Lafferty's first 15-year tenure in Tooele was one of rapid growth that included the building of the current facility that houses USU Tooele.

He has three specific goals he'd like to accomplish during his short stint back in charge: First, to ensure that the new $1.2 million, 9,000-square-foot classroom addition is completed. Second, to continue the process of hiring qualified faculty for new programs to begin this fall. Third, to strengthen and expand degree program opportunities and explore other ways the Tooele campus may serve more students.

USU Tooele will launch bachelor's degree programs in accounting and entrepreneurship this fall, along with a new master's in social work. The campus will also expand its staff in elementary education and offer a secondary teaching endorsement in history, English, math and physical sciences.

Lafferty said there are several programs that USU Tooele may offer in the future, including a doctorate in education, and master's degrees in educational technology, school counseling and business leadership.

"The appointment of Lafferty ensures the important work started by Kathleen Robinson, the previous executive director, will continue while USU conducts the search for a new dean," said Ronda Menlove, USU vice provost for regional campuses and distance education. "The new dean will bring a level of academic leadership that signals maturing of the campus and increasing numbers of faculty members and degree programs."

Menlove expects the search will take about a year. When the new dean is in place, Lafferty will return to his job in Logan. In the meantime Lafferty will commute from his home in Logan to Tooele.

tgillie@tooeletranscript.com