Special Legislative Session Update

Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City

During today’s Special Legislative Session, Utah lawmakers considered and passed two higher education–related bills in preparation for the 2026 General Legislative Session: SB 1001 and SB 1002, which together comprise a comprehensive recodification of Utah’s higher education code. The recodification makes no substantive policy changes. Legislation of Interest (PASSED) SB 1001— Higher Education Recodification (Senator… Continue Reading Special Legislative Session Update

Tooele Technical College President Paul Hacking announces retirement after transformative eight-year tenure

President Hacking headshot

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… Continue Reading Tooele Technical College President Paul Hacking announces retirement after transformative eight-year tenure

Utah Board of Higher Education approves updated strategic reinvestment plans for University of Utah, Utah State University and Weber State University

Silhouette of People Raising Their Graduation Hats

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… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education approves updated strategic reinvestment plans for University of Utah, Utah State University and Weber State University

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… Continue Reading Thousands of Utah students earn college credit for real-world experience, saving millions in tuition

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… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education reappoints Chair Amanda Covington and selects Jon Cox as new vice chair

Facts About Higher Education in Utah

hugging college graduates

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… Continue Reading Facts About Higher Education in Utah

Data Narrative: The Role of Student Momentum on Postsecondary Awards

The back of sitting graduate's caps

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… Continue Reading Data Narrative: The Role of Student Momentum on Postsecondary Awards