A state audit of Utah State University documented patterns of financial noncompliance, citing questionable procurement practices, travel spending, vendor relationships and a renovation project that ballooned from $10,000 to $300,000 without secured funding. The report delivered 26 recommendations and criticized oversight by the Utah Board of Higher Education. Auditors highlighted projects tied to senior leadership and instances where competitive procurement rules were not followed. The report noted the board has hired a new president, Brad Mortensen, and adopted tighter rules on presidential expenditures, but emphasized institutional accountability gaps. The findings prompted calls for governance reforms at the campus and state level, and illustrate how high‑profile spending issues can accelerate leadership transitions and board scrutiny.