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… Continue Reading 2025 Legislative Update — Week 2

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,… Continue Reading Utah Commissioner of Higher Ed names Mark Cain as my529 executive director

2025 Legislative Update — Week 1

Utah State Capitol

January 21 – January 24, 2025 Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee The Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee (HEAS) convened its first meeting of the 2025 General Session on Thursday, January 23. The subcommittee heard multiple presentations from the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education, including: The subcommittee also heard presentations from the Office of the Legislative Fiscal Analyst regarding the higher… Continue Reading 2025 Legislative Update — Week 1

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

Utah Board of Higher Education approves policy changes on chief executive officer transition and retirement

Utah System of Higher Education Building

The Utah Board of Higher Education released the following statement following the approval of amendments to Board Policy R853, Transition and Retirement Provisions for Chief Executive Officers, within the Utah System of Higher Education at its meting on Nov. 21, 2024. These changes, effective immediately, aim to enhance clarity, strengthen accountability and provide greater support for institutional… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education approves policy changes on chief executive officer transition and retirement

Utah and Austria partner to advance apprenticeship and career education

Utah State Capitol

The Utah System of Higher Education’s Talent Ready Utah and the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) formalized a landmark partnership with the Republic of Austria on November 18, 2024 through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement, signed at the Utah State Capitol, establishes a framework for collaboration to enhance the… Continue Reading Utah and Austria partner to advance apprenticeship and career education

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.… Continue Reading USHE enrollment grows at degree-granting colleges and universities