May 11, 2007 — George White, Jr., director of the Public Health Program in the University of Utah’s School of Medicine and Bryan Eldredge, associate director of the David Eccles School of Business Master’s Program, have been named “Best College/University Teacher” and “Best Administrator” respectively in the 2007 Best of State competition.

The 2007 winners will be recognized at the Best of State Awards Gala, to be held Saturday, May 19 in the Salt Palace Grand Ballroom. The evening will be hosted by KUTV2’s Mark Koelbel and Shauna Lake, with entertainment provided by Kurt Bestor, Meredith Campbell, the Music School’s Crescent Super Band, and Acoustic Soul.

“Being a teacher is at its core about leaving a legacy that lifts and improves our state,” says White, professor in the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine. “Nothing is more satisfying than contributing to another’s ability to reach their potential. I am honored and extremely humbled to be recognized for being a teacher.”

The Best of State Awards were created to recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. Bryan Eldredge, named Best of State Administrator for her work as associate director of the School of Business Master’s Program, notes “It is a distinct honor and a humbling experience to receive the Best of State award in the educational administration category. The Board Fellows Program is a wonderful vehicle, engaging master’s students in the life of our community through serving on not-for-profit boards. It also exposes our community leaders to the caliber of students at the U. I share this award with the amazing student leaders who set the vision and saw the possibilities.”

One winner each is selected from ten categories and receives a Best of State medal, which is two inches in diameter and minted in solid bronze. Best of State winners also receive the right to display the Best of State logo and year of award on business correspondence, their website and other promotional materials.

From each of the ten general categories, a single winner will receive the Best of State Statue (the BOSS). The BOSS is a 22-pound solid bronze sculpture standing atop a black granite pedestal on a bronze base. All bronze is plated with 24-karat gold.

For more information about Best of State, or to purchase tickets for the awards gala, visit their website at www.bestofstate.org.