Early Life

George H. Emert was born on December 15, 1938, to his parents Victor K. Emert and Hazel Emert Ridley in Sevier County, Tennessee. Emert developed a love for teaching while attending both elementary and high school in a one-room schoolhouse and later he attended Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) from 1956 to 1958. He intended to take his passion for teaching to New Orleans, but boarded the wrong train and ended up in Denver, Colorado, where he stayed for 20 years.

Education and Military Service

While in Denver, Emert earned a bachelor’s degree in Zoology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, a master’s degree in Zoology, and completed his post-doctoral fellowship all from the University of Colorado (CU) between 1962 and 1974. He obtained his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Nutrition from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) in 1973.

From 1963 to 1966, Emert served two tours in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces and was awarded the Air Medal and a Bronze Star. After completing his Ph.D., he served as a biological warfare expert and later on in life became a member of the Navy ROTC. While on furlough in Okinawa, Japan, between Vietnam tours, Emert met Billie Bush on a blind date. Following Billie’s graduation from the University of Wyoming, they were married on June 10, 1967. The two later went on to have four daughters.

Professional Life

Before beginning his teaching career, Emert’s doctoral research led him to be the director of biochemical technology for the Gulf Oil Corporation in the early to mid-1970s. He returned to teaching first as adjunct assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Kansas, and later in 1979, he joined the University of Arkansas (UARK) faculty as a Professor of Biochemistry and Director of the Biomass Research Center. In 1984, when his mentor, UARK President Jim E. Martin, accepted the position as President of Auburn University (AU), Emert followed and served as Martin’s executive vice president until 1992.

President of Utah State University

On July 1, 1992, Emert became Utah State University's (USU) 13th president and oversaw increases in enrollment, scholarships, endowments, contracts, grants, and campus development. During Emert’s presidency, USU saw the completion of the Old Main building renovation and Stan Laub Indoor Training Center construction, the creation of American West Heritage Center, helped begin renovations to Romney Stadium, and other campus improvements like pedestrian tunnels. He also procured additional resources for USU’s intercollegiate athletics through lobbying the Utah State Legislature. Additionally, he established Alumni Association in all 29 Utah counties, five additional western states, and four foreign countries.

Emert resigned in January 2001, but returned around 2002 as a professor and advisor for the College of Science. He left Cache Valley about a year later in 2003.

Later Life and Death

Emert and Billie eventually moved to Skagit County, Washington, where he spent the end of his life enjoying time with his grandchildren, friends, church, and playing music. Emert passed on March 21, 2018.