Utah Board of Higher Education Appoints Interim Presidents for Weber State University, Tooele Technical College
The Utah Board of Higher Education appointed Leslie Durham, Ph.D., as interim president of Weber State University and Kent Thygerson, MBA, as interim president of Tooele Technical College at its Executive Committee meeting today. Leslie Durham, Ph.D., Weber State University Durham will assume the role on Nov. 10, 2025. She currently serves as provost and… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education Appoints Interim Presidents for Weber State University, Tooele Technical College
Utah Board of Higher Education Names Brad L. Mortensen President of Utah State University
The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Brad L. Mortensen, Ph.D., as the next president of Utah State University at its meeting today. With over two decades of experience in higher education, Mortensen brings a demonstrated focus on affordability, value and access. Mortensen will assume the position on November 10, 2025. With his transition… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education Names Brad L. Mortensen President of Utah State University
USHE reports historic increase in degrees and certificates, meeting Utah’s workforce needs
The Utah System of Higher Education announced record-breaking completions on October 9, 2025, for the 2025 academic year, highlighting significant growth in awards that align with Utah’s workforce demands. Systemwide, Utah’s public colleges and universities awarded 61,265 graduates with 71,262 certificates and degrees—a 26% increase in awards and 22% increase in graduates since 2021. “The… Continue Reading USHE reports historic increase in degrees and certificates, meeting Utah’s workforce needs
Special Legislative Session Update
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
Utah Board of Higher Education approves budget, capital priorities for 2026-27
The Utah Board of Higher Education today approved its operating and capital budget priorities for Utah’s public colleges and universities for the 2026-27 fiscal year at its meeting on Oct. 2, 2025, in preparation for the 2026 General Legislative Session. The Board’s adopted budget proposals, developed in partnership with Utah System of Higher Education institutions,… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education approves budget, capital priorities for 2026-27
USHE colleges launch programs in high-demand fields
Rigorous statewide review ensures quality and workforce relevance. Utah’s public colleges and universities are expanding offerings in fields that matter most to Utah’s economy, as reported to the Utah Board of Higher Education at its meeting today. Over the past five years, the Utah System of Higher Education has launched new degrees in health professions,… Continue Reading USHE colleges launch programs in high-demand fields
USHE’s Talent Ready Utah advances workforce development through Utah Talent Hub
Utah Talent Hub, a new unified platform from the Utah System of Higher Education’s Talent Ready Utah, is connecting Utah students with high-impact internships, apprenticeships, co-ops and high-yield employment opportunities across the state. Built in coordination with Utah public colleges and the Nucleus Institute, the platform simplifies the transition from education to the workforce by… Continue Reading USHE’s Talent Ready Utah advances workforce development through Utah Talent Hub
Utah Board of Higher Education to Establish Task Force on Campus Safety
The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously voted on October 2, 2025, to direct the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to establish a task force to evaluate campus safety across Utah’s public colleges and universities. The task force will assess current security measures and recommend systemwide policies and practices to enhance the safety… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education to Establish Task Force on Campus Safety
Statement from the Utah Board of Higher Education on Suspect
In response to the arrest of the suspect in the killing of Charlie Kirk, we can confirm that Tyler James Robinson is a third-year student in the electrical apprenticeship program at Dixie Technical College. He briefly attended Utah State University (one semester in 2021) and received concurrent enrollment credit through Utah Tech University while in… Continue Reading Statement from the Utah Board of Higher Education on Suspect
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… Continue Reading Statement from the Utah Board of Higher Education on Charlie Kirk