Utah Higher Education Leaders Share Insights and Concerns Ahead of Upcoming Legislative Session

As Utah prepares for the 2025 legislative session, leaders in higher education are bracing for possible budget cuts and funding shifts. This concern comes as they strive to equip students for an ever-changing job market.

University of Utah president Taylor Randall spoke at a recent forum. He emphasized the need for universities to be efficient in how they support faculty and students. “We need to look closely at how we can reinvest,” he said. Randall noted a shared goal with lawmakers: to prepare as many Utahns as possible for an increasingly unpredictable economy driven by technological advancements.

In a survey conducted by the Deseret News, other leaders within Utah’s higher education system shared their insights as well. Elizabeth Cantwell, president of Utah State University, described higher education as being at a “critical inflection point,” requiring it to adapt in order to meet workforce demands. She expressed USU’s commitment to working with state leaders to ensure the institution’s relevance and effectiveness in education.

Meeting workforce needs is a priority. Cantwell mentioned that the university is focused on aligning its programs with current job market trends. USU is also investing in practices that enhance the student experience, such as expanded technical education and increased enrollment in high-demand fields like engineering.

Legislators are also focusing on making some four-year degrees into three-year programs. Cantwell supports the flexibility that this offers, acknowledging that not every student or career path requires a traditional four-year degree.

Geoffrey Landward, Utah’s commissioner of higher education, shared his understanding of the anxieties surrounding this year’s legislative decisions. He highlighted the importance of partnerships between lawmakers and educators. Landward emphasized that higher education must be accountable to taxpayers, focusing on where investments provide the best returns.

His office plans to establish criteria for reallocating funds to ensure that resources support high-performing programs aligned with industry needs. Landward noted that many students seek higher education to improve their job prospects and that providing education in fields like engineering and healthcare is crucial for Utah’s economic growth.

Weber State University president Brad Mortensen echoed Landward’s concerns about public scrutiny of higher education. He sees these discussions as chances to clear up misconceptions and highlight the positive impacts of Utah’s colleges and universities. Mortensen stated that Weber State is already engaged in efforts to become more efficient, including combining administrative roles and reducing executive positions.

Mortensen recognizes the significance of humanities and liberal arts programs, which are often sidelined in discussions about direct workforce training. He believes these areas are vital for cultivating skills such as communication and problem-solving, which are essential in any job.

Lastly, Greg Peterson, president of Salt Lake Community College, noted his institution’s role as the largest two-year college in Utah. He pointed out that many SLCC graduates either enter the workforce directly or continue their education at four-year institutions. Peterson highlighted the importance of creating pathways to good career opportunities for students and engaging in budget discussions to align educational programs with these outcomes.

Peterson is also a proponent of concurrent enrollment programs that allow high school students to earn college credits, making higher education more accessible. He emphasized SLCC’s commitment to supporting non-traditional students who balance education with personal and professional responsibilities.