Statement from the Utah Board of Higher Education on Charlie Kirk

We are saddened and disturbed by today’s violence on one of our campuses, and stand in full support of the Utah Valley University community at this time. The Utah System of Higher Education and the Utah Board of Higher Education will continue working with state leaders to identify ways to keep our campuses safe and […]
Tooele Technical College President Paul Hacking announces retirement after transformative eight-year tenure

Tooele Technical College announced that Paul Hacking will retire as president on Nov. 15, 2025, after eight and a half years of dedicated leadership that have seen the institution through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. His retirement marks the culmination of a distinguished 30-year career in technical education dedicated to expanding opportunities for […]
Utah Board of Higher Education approves updated strategic reinvestment plans for University of Utah, Utah State University and Weber State University

The Utah Board of Higher Education today approved updated strategic reinvestment plans from the University of Utah, Utah State University and Weber State University, clearing the way for all public degree-granting institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education to advance their proposals to the Legislature for review. These updated approvals follow conditional approvals granted in […]
Thousands of Utah students earn college credit for real-world experience, saving millions in tuition

The Utah System of Higher Education released its annual report on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) today, an initiative designed to reduce time to graduation and lower college costs for Utah students. CPL enables students to earn credit toward a degree for knowledge and skills acquired outside a traditional college environment, including advanced academic studies in high […]
Utah Board of Higher Education reappoints Chair Amanda Covington and selects Jon Cox as new vice chair

During its June 6, 2025, meeting, the Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously reappointed Amanda Covington to serve as chair of the Board for a second term. The Board also selected Jon Cox to serve as vice chair, succeeding Steve Neeleman, who has chosen to dedicate more time and focus on the important work of […]
Facts About Higher Education in Utah

The Utah System of Higher Education is made up of eight public degree-granting institutions and eight technical colleges located throughout the state. In the 2023-24 academic year, USHE institutions served nearly 240,000 students and awarded more than 66,000 certificates and degrees. Earning a college credential increases a person’s chances of financial stability and better overall […]
Data Narrative: The Role of Student Momentum on Postsecondary Awards

Not completing college has serious consequences. College students who drop out earn lower salaries (Beagley and Brandley 2024; Rooney et al. 2006). They also report higher poverty levels, unemployment, and incarceration rates (Tinto 2012). College dropouts are less engaged in their community and volunteer less (Barbera et al. 2020). However, students can finish their programs […]
2025 Legislative Update — Week 7

March 3-7, 2025 The 2025 legislative session ended on Friday, March 7, at midnight. Governor Cox held an end-of-session press conference that night, and here’s the recap of the full session from FOX 13 News. At the time of this update, Gov. Cox has signed 29 pieces of legislation from the 2025 General Legislative Session. Information […]
2025 Legislative Update — Week 6

Feb. 24 – 28, 2025 On Friday, Feb. 28, the Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) took action to adopt proposed funding items and intent language for the 2025 General Session budget. From the Utah Board of Higher Education’s list of operating budget priorities, EAC recommendations included $20 million in new ongoing performance funding, $4.7 million in ongoing technical college growth funding, and $4 million in […]
Utah’s higher education system: A catalyst for individual and societal success

Utah’s investment in higher education pays significant dividends, according to a new policy brief from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. The report highlights the state’s exceptionally well-trained workforce, robust economic performance and strong social fabric, all directly linked to a long-standing educational commitment. This emphasis on higher education extends far beyond the economic impacts, contributing […]