Utah's commissioner of higher education filled two vacancies in his office Thursday, appointing members from various college and university administrations across the state.

Gregory L. Stauffer, currently vice president and chief of staff at Southern Utah University, will assume the position of associate commissioner for finance and facilities, left vacant by Mark Spencer.

"Dr. Stauffer has broad experience in several strategic and management roles on higher-education campuses;, he is well-respected by his peers at our state colleges and universities," said Commissioner William A. Sederburg. "We look forward to his leadership, especially as we work to help address the state's significant fiscal challenges."

Stauffer has worked as interim president at SUU, as well as vice president of administrative and financial services for 11 years. He has experience in other positions at various colleges in the country.

He will begin working his new position at USHE's offices at the Gateway on Nov. 3. Spencer has left the office for other opportunities.

As assistant commissioner for planning and administration, Sederburg announced former colleague Cameron L. Martin, who currently works as the assistant to the president for institutional development and planning at Utah Valley University. Martin played a critical role in the school's recent transition to university status, as well various other initiatives there.

Sederburg said Martin's position is intended to provide a strong coordinating function between various programs and initiatives projected by the office.

"It will help ensure the activities within USHE offices effectively support the objectives of our colleges and universities in providing quality services to students and faculty," he said.

Martin will begin his new appointment on Oct. 20.

"The talent these two individuals bring to the commissioner's office will play an important role in executing USHE's goals and objectives," said Jed Pitcher, chairman of the Board of Regents, which oversees governance of higher education in Utah.