Higher Ed Day on the Hill

Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City

It was great to see so many students, educators, and lawmakers come together for Higher Ed Day on the Hill! Thank you to all the institutions and individuals who joined us in supporting the future of higher education in Utah.

2025 Legislative Update — Week 3

Utah State Capitol

February 3 – 7, 2025 Appropriations Subcommittees On Monday, February 3, the Transportation and Infrastructure Appropriations Subcommittee heard a bonding request from the University of Utah for the Huntsman Cancer Institute Vineyard Comprehensive Cancer Center. Utah State University also presented its Utah Board of Higher Education-approved capital budget request for its Math, AI, Data & Analytics Center and a bonding request for a […]

2025 Legislative Update — Week 2

Utah State Capitol

January 27 – January 31, 2025 Appropriations Subcommittees The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee (HEAS) began hearing presentations on Monday, January 27, from USHE’s Talent Ready Utah, which included an overview from Representative Val Peterson about HB 260, First Credential Program. Institutional presentations during week two at HEAS included Bridgerland Technical College, Ogden-Weber Technical College, Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, Southern Utah University, the University of Utah, Utah State […]

Utah Commissioner of Higher Ed names Mark Cain as my529 executive director

Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward appointed Mark M. Cain as the next executive director of my529, Utah’s educational savings plan, following the announcement of Richard K. Ellis to retire effective April 1, 2025. Cain is currently Deputy Executive Director for Utah Retirement Systems (URS), where he has been involved in all aspects of operations, […]

New Utah Tech Presidential Search Committee Named

UT sign

Board invites applicants through Jan. 17 The Utah Board of Higher Education has established a new ten-member committee to lead the search for the next president of Utah Tech University. The committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive search to identify highly qualified candidates who can build on Utah Tech’s achievements and ensure its ongoing […]

Utah employers provide key insights to align higher education with industry demands

A new statewide study released in Dec. 2024 revealed that while Utah graduates often excel in technical skills, many employers identify a pressing need for stronger communication, work ethic and other durable skills (i.e., soft skills).  The study, commissioned by the Utah System of Higher Education and conducted by Cicero Group, surveyed key industries such as aerospace, healthcare and computer […]

Getting to Know Angie Stallings, USHE’s new Deputy Commissioner

Angie Stallings is the new Deputy Commissioner for the Utah System of Higher Education. She’s a familiar face in the world of education in Utah. She joined USHE after supporting K-12 policymaking and program implementation at the State Board of Education. Stallings holds a juris doctorate from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s degree […]

USHE enrollment grows at degree-granting colleges and universities

Students in a classroom

In its annual release, data from the Utah System of Higher Education shows enrollment at Utah’s degree-granting public colleges and universities rose 4.32% compared to last year. Systemwide, enrollments grew in each category: Concurrent Enrollment (6.93%), undergraduate (2.98%) and graduate (7.48%). The total 2024 USHE degree-granting fall headcount is 207,005, compared to 198,432 in 2023. […]

USHE’s Talent Ready Utah awards fair chance hiring grant to Rasa Legal, supports Utahns’ re-entry into the workforce

People shaking hands

The Utah System of Higher Education’s Talent Ready Utah recently awarded a $47,871 grant to Utah-based Rasa Legal, which helps individuals clear their criminal records quickly and affordably through its services. This funding, provided through the Return-to-Work program, will further Rasa Legal’s mission to support justice-impacted Utahns re-entering the workforce. “Rasa is and always has been a proud […]

Utah Board of Higher Education releases 2023-24 Annual Report

People celebrate graduates

The Utah Board of Higher Education released its 2023-24 Annual Report detailing significant achievements and progress made in key areas over the last year. The report details the approval of a revised strategic plan and innovative initiatives, including research and analytics, direct admissions, academic and technical education, revisions in budget review processes, economic development, and more. “The […]