Facts About Higher Education in Utah

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
Utah State University Presidential Search Committee named

The Utah Board of Higher Education has established a nine-member committee to lead the search for the next president of Utah State University. The committee is charged with identifying exceptional candidates who will advance the university’s unique mission as Utah’s land- and space-grant institution, with a strong emphasis on student-centered education, research and community engagement. … Continue Reading Utah State University Presidential Search Committee named
Utah Board of Higher Education approves near decades-low price increases for coming year

Board continues its purposeful and proactive approach to affordability The Utah Board of Higher Education considered tuition and general student fee adjustments requested by Utah’s public colleges and universities on the second day of their two-day meeting on March 28,2025. The Board approved a sub-inflationary 2.23% systemwide weighted average increase among degree-granting institutions for the coming year. All… Continue Reading Utah Board of Higher Education approves near decades-low price increases for coming year
GOEO, Legislative Leaders, and Utah Universities Collaborate with NVIDIA to Advance Tech Talent Development

SALT LAKE CITY (March 10, 2025) — The Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, legislative leadership, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the president of the Senate, the Utah Department of Commerce, the Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the Utah System of Higher Education, and colleges and universities across Utah signed a memorandum of understanding… Continue Reading GOEO, Legislative Leaders, and Utah Universities Collaborate with NVIDIA to Advance Tech Talent Development
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