Presidential Search Finalists

Philip A. Cavalier

Dr. Phil Acree Cavalier currently serves as the provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Tennessee at Martin, a position he has held for almost seven years. He has more than twenty years of leadership experience in higher education. He also served as Interim Chancellor at the University of Tennessee at Martin from March to August 2023.

Some of Dr. Cavalier’s accomplishments during his tenure at UT Martin include leading the university in creating a strategic plan for 2025-30, developing a strategic enrollment plan, guiding the university to a record-high 77% retention rate for first-year students, adding several new academic programs, and building a UTM in Siena, Italy study abroad program.

Prior to his appointment at UT Martin, Dr. Cavalier served as the provost at two residential liberal arts colleges, Lyon College in Arkansas and Eureka College in Illinois. During the 2005-06 academic year, he was a Fulbright Scholar in Kyiv, Ukraine, where he taught American literature courses at two Ukrainian universities and delivered lectures throughout Ukraine, Estonia, and Egypt. He earned a Ph.D. in English from the University at Buffalo, an M.A. in English from Northeastern University, and a B.A. in Economics from Swarthmore College.

Letter of Interest
Curriculum Vitae

Steven J. Hafen

Steve Hafen is the Administration Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at BYU. In his role at BYU, he oversees the following divisions of the university: Financial Services, Physical Facilities, Human Resources, Purchasing and Travel, Auxiliaries and Programs, and BYU Police and BYU Security. Hafen also serves on many university committees and chairs the Campus Planning and Use Committee, the University Investment Committee, and the Human Resources Committee.

Prior to joining BYU, Hafen was a senior business executive with experience in multiple industries. His career path consistently expanded in oversight and leadership responsibilities, culminating in Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
or Chief Operations Officer (COO) roles across several companies. Hafen’s career experience spans the technology, education, training and certification, and consumer goods industries.

Hafen’s background also includes business instruction at BYU’s Marriott School of Business, where he was an adjunct faculty member for more than 13 years. He is a graduate of BYU with a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in international relations with a minor in Japanese.

Letter of Interest
Curriculum Vitae

Shane B. Smeed

Shane B. Smeed is a dynamic leader and university president with over 25 years of experience in higher education. A native of Utah, he has championed transformative initiatives that significantly enhance student success and institutional excellence. Throughout his career, Smeed has emphasized core values such as integrity, inclusivity, global citizenship, civility, and respect, which guide his leadership approach and decision-making.

Smeed’s leadership has been marked by the launch of a major comprehensive campaign to secure resources supporting academic programs, student services, athletics, and campus development. Recent achievements also include initiating the implementation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning and Student Information System (ERP/SIS), which will enhance the student experience and bring operational efficiencies.

Recognizing the importance of transparent communication and collaboration, Smeed has introduced an extensive communication plan to foster engagement and trust among students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. He has also prioritized workforce development, creating strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations to better prepare students for success in the evolving global market.

Smeed holds a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration from Saint Louis University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He is an active contributor to regional economic development and leadership, serving on several prominent boards, including the Kansas City Area Development Council and the Command and General Staff College Foundation. He is also vice president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Missouri and actively engaged in leadership at his church.

Smeed and his wife, Angela, are the proud parents of three children: Samantha (22), Andrew (20), and Landon (15). Together, they are deeply committed to their community, embracing a spirit of leadership and service.

Letter of Interest
Curriculum Vitae