UCAT President Resigns

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) The President of the Utah College of Applied Technology has resigned in the aftermath of an audit alleging financial mismanagement at the school. In a letter to the State Board of Regents, Robert O. Brems says his resignation is in the best interest of the College.

"The recent report and findings of the State Auditor have caused a disruption in the operations of the Utah College of Applied Technology," writes Brems. "Because of my dedication and allegiance to UCAT, and to alleviate further disruption, I believe it is in the best interest of the College for me to step down at this time."

In a written response to the state audit, Brems said he was unaware that the transitional package he received when he became president of UCAT was questionable in anyway. He also deflects responsibility for a parade float that was made by students at the Mountainland Applied Technology College for the Utah County Republican Party. Auditors deem that an illegal use of state resources. Brems says he counseled the MATC president to find a private donor for the float.

The Board of Regents has authorized an additional review of the audit's claims, according to spokesperson Amanda Covington.

"It's just a prudent management decision that once an audit has been conducted on a state level, that we take a look internally," says Covington. "That's exactly what the Board did. We anticipate the review will be completed in the next week."

Brems was placed on paid administrative leave when the state audit came out last month. He will remain on paid leave until October 31st. Acting UCAT President Jared Haines will continue to head the school until the Regents fill the position.

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