After thirteen years with the Midwives College of Utah, including two years as President, Whitney Mesyef has announced her retirement, effective at the end of April. Whitney shared her intentions with the Board of Directors as part of a planned succession process and will actively support MCU’s next President during the transition. We are deeply grateful for Whitney’s leadership and unwavering dedication to MCU’s mission. Her contributions have strengthened our institution and furthered our commitment to midwifery education and equity in maternity care.
The Board is pleased to announce that Megan Koontz, our current Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean, and faculty member, has accepted our invitation to become MCU’s next President. Megan will officially assume her new role on May 1st. To ensure a smooth transition, she will begin working alongside Whitney, allowing time to focus on continuity and alignment with MCU’s long-term vision.
On behalf of the Board, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Whitney for her years of service and dedication to MCU. Her leadership has positioned MCU for continued success, and we honor her legacy as we move forward.
As we look to the future, we are confident that Megan has the right experience to lead MCU into its next chapter. She is a highly accomplished and innovative educational leader known for her collaborative approach and steadfast dedication to aligning business success with purpose and values. As a midwife, she has a deep passion for maternal health care and midwifery education and strongly believes in the role that midwives play in changing the future.
Megan Koontz has worked as a birthing center and homebirth midwife in New Zealand, Alaska, and California, providing comprehensive care to many families and birthing people. She has worked in midwifery education for over ten years, in both classroom and administration. Her leadership experience extends to national board memberships, demonstrating her commitment to advancing midwifery education and practice. Additionally, she holds advanced degrees in midwifery and instructional design and has presented at conferences and co-authored publications on midwifery access and education topics.
While leadership transitions naturally bring change, MCU’s purpose and commitment to maternal health care will not waver. Thank you for your commitment to MCU and our community.
Please join us in celebrating Whitney’s remarkable contributions and welcoming Megan as she enters her new role. We are excited for the future and remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence in midwifery education.
With gratitude,
Midwives College of Utah Board of Directors