Utah Board of Higher Education Executive Committee Meeting
: December 8, 2025
Utah Board of Higher Education
Executive Committee Meeting
Virtual Conference
7:30 AM – 7:50 AM – Strategic Reinvestment Plan Update – Utah State University
7:50 AM – 7:55 AM – University of Utah Performance Funding Goal
Projected times for the various meetings are estimates only. The Board Chair retains the right to take action at any time. To ensure availability, individuals needing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) for this meeting or the materials should notify Brynn Fronk at brynn.fronk@ushe.edu, 60 South 400 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84180 (801-646-4784), at least three working days prior to the meeting.
Utah Board of Higher Education
Virtual Conference via Zoom
Monday, December 8, 2025
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
Executive Committee Members Present
Amanda Covington, Chair
Jon Cox, Vice Chair
Executive Committee Members Absent
Javier Chavez Jr.
Office of the Commissioner
Geoffrey Landward, Commissioner of Higher Education
Alison Adams, General Counsel and Board Secretary
Brynn Fronk, Executive Assistant to the Utah Board of Higher Education
Nate Talley, Deputy Commissioner and CFO
Others
Brad Mortensen, President, Utah State University
Chair Covington called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.
Executive Committee Meeting
The Executive Committee convened to take action on behalf of the Board under Board Policy R120 subsection 3.9.5.2.
Strategic Reinvestment Plan Update – Utah State University
Nate Talley introduced Utah State University’s Strategic Reinvestment Plan. President Mortensen then presented the updated plan. At Chair Covington’s request, he shared his thought process behind the approach to the plan. He also touched on the water initiative included in the plan. The Board members expressed appreciation for President Mortensen’s efforts. Vice Chair Cox moved to approve Utah State University’s updated Strategic Reinvestment Plan. Chair Covington seconded the motion. The Executive Committee members in attendance voted unanimously in favor, and the motion passed.
University of Utah Performance Funding Goal
Nate Talley presented the item to the Executive Committee. The University of Utah requested that its 2025-2026 Timely Completion Goal be adjusted to 67.5%, a minor change that remains compliant with policy toward the five-year goal of 68.5%. Commissioner Landward explained that the request was due to a timing miscommunication. Vice Chair Cox cautioned against setting a precedent but agreed, noting that the adjustment was small and process-related. Vice Chair Cox moved to approve the proposed 67.5% Timely Completion Goal for the University of Utah for Academic Year 2025-2026. Chair Covington seconded the motion. The Executive Committee members in attendance voted unanimously in favor, and the motion passed.
Vice Chair Cox moved to adjourn. Chair Covington seconded the motion. The Executive Committee members in attendance voted unanimously in favor, and the motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 a.m.
_____________________
Alison A. Adams, Secretary
Date Approved: January 9, 2026