USHE prioritizes funding for initiatives that meet critical market demands
The Utah System of Higher Education is the primary provider of talent for Utah’s workforce and economy. This includes short-term skill training for a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate, and graduate programs. The Board of Regents budget request for 2016-17 includes a priority for Market Demand programs, which would assist institutions in meeting the most pressing demands of […]
Merit-based compensation increase for USHE employees crucial to remaining competitive in a national market

A 3% merit-based compensation increase (and a 7.3% health increase) is the top budget priority for the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). Competitive compensation allows USHE to hire—and maintain—the best talent for Utah college students. Utah competes in a national marketplace for faculty talent. The average compensation for USHE faculty and staff is consistently lower […]
2016 Legislative Update – Week 3
Higher Education Budget The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee met for its final scheduled hearing this week, focusing on the Board of Regents’ budget priorities for USHE. The committee also considered other budget requests from other legislative sponsors. After the Board’s budget priorities by Chair Dan Campbell and Commissioner Buhler, Senator Howard Stephenson commented, “To the […]
Tech use in higher ed continues to increase, but less than 3% of students enroll solely online

Technology plays an increasingly important role in college students’ lives. Students use technology throughout their college education, from courses taught partially or entirely online, to registration, instructor evaluations, and tuition payments. Completely online programs offered USHE institutions now offer 1,738 fully online courses, 140 of which were added in the last year. There are also […]
2016 Legislative Update – Week 2
The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee met twice this week, focusing on the existing base budget for higher education as well as extensive discussion on career and technical education (CTE) at postsecondary institutions. More information is available from the USHE 2015 CTE Report. Presidents Dave Pershing of the University of Utah […]
Number of engineering and computer science degrees continues to rise

The number of engineering and computer science degrees earned in Utah continues to rise, thanks in part to the Engineering and Computer Technology Initiative. In 2001, the State Legislature established this initiative within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), which aimed to increase the number of students graduating from engineering, computer science and related technology […]
2016 Legislative Update – Week 1
Overview The 2016 Session of the Utah State Legislature got underway Monday, January 25, and will conclude Thursday, March 11. It is anticipated there will be several bills with potential impact to the Utah System of Higher Education, all of which will be carefully tracked by the Commissioner’s Office and institutions. 2016-2017 Budget According to […]
Request for Proposal for Investment Consultant Services
UESP has issued a request for proposal for investment consultant services. UESP intends to enter into a contract with a qualified consultant to provide investment consultant services as well as other professional services as requested by UESP. The deadline for all proposals is February 12, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. MT. For more information, please see […]
Dr. Kimberly Henrie selected as USHE’s new Associate Commissioner for Finance and Facilities
Last Friday, the Utah System of Higher Education announced Dr. Kimberly Henrie has been selected as the new Associate Commissioner for Finance and Facilities. Before joining the Utah System of Higher Education, Dr. Henrie served as the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), where she led the […]
Using the state’s Education Fund for higher ed is not only appropriate, it’s critical to Utah’s success

It’s been proven time and again that those with a college education have a significantly higher earning potential, lower unemployment rates, and better health and well-being than those with only a high school diploma. Higher education also breaks the cycle of intergenerational poverty and reduces reliance on government assistance. Utah’s affordable and high-quality public […]