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… Continue Reading Utah’s higher education system: A catalyst for individual and societal success
Utah Board of Higher Education Names Shane B. Smeed President of Utah Tech University
The Utah Board of Higher Education has unanimously selected Shane B. Smeed as the next president of Utah Tech University on Feb. 26, 2025. With 25 years of experience in higher education, Smeed brings a wealth of leadership and expertise to the role. While transition details are still being finalized, the Board looks forward to… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education Names Shane B. Smeed President of Utah Tech University
Data Narrative: Student Transfers — Strategy or Frustration
Eighty percent of community college students intend to earn a bachelor’s degree (Crisp and Nunez 2014; Jabbar et al. 2021; Handel and Strempel 2018), but only 37% of these students transfer from their original higher education institution (Kintzer and Wattenbarger 1985; McCormick and Carroll 2003; Shapiro et al. 2018). Only 42% of these students do… Continue Reading Data Narrative: Student Transfers — Strategy or Frustration
Three finalists named in Utah Tech presidential search
Public meetings with finalists Feb. 24; presidential appointment expected Feb. 26 After a comprehensive search, the Utah Tech Presidential Search Committee has recommended three finalists to the Utah Board of Higher Education for the position of Utah Tech University president: Philip A. Cavalier, Steven J. Hafen and Shane B. Smeed. “After an extensive and thorough… Continue Reading Three finalists named in Utah Tech presidential search
Higher Ed Day on the Hill
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.
Utah Board of Higher Education appoints Alan L. Smith as interim president of Utah State University
The Utah Board of Higher Education appointed Alan L. Smith, Ph.D., as interim president of Utah State University in a public meeting on February 12, 2025, and announced it will launch a comprehensive search for the next president. Incoming Interim President Smith has been with USU since 2021 and currently serves as dean of the… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education appoints Alan L. Smith as interim president of Utah State University
Utah Board of Higher Education Statement on USU President Cantwell
The Utah Board of Higher Education released the following statement on February 6, 2025, regarding USU President Elizabeth Cantwell: “Utah State University President Elizabeth R. Cantwell has accepted another position as the 12th president of Washington State University (WSU). While the details are still being finalized, we expect that she will wrap up her time at USU in… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education Statement on USU President Cantwell
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
2025-26 Student Board Member Application Now Open
Note: This application is now closed. Applications are now open for those who wish to serve as the next Student Board Member for the Utah Board of Higher Education. Applications for the 2025-2026 Student Board Member position are due by Sunday, March 2, 2025 (11:59 PM Mountain Time). The Role of Student Board Member The… Continue Reading 2025-26 Student Board Member Application Now Open
New Utah Tech Presidential Search Committee Named
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… Continue Reading New Utah Tech Presidential Search Committee Named