We try to flex our collegiate skills to examine the current questioning by national and local leaders as to the influence and effectiveness of universities and colleges.

House Speaker Mike Schultz requests Utah universities and colleges reallocate approximately 10% of appropriations to successful programs that benefit the state economy. Governor Spencer Cox recently expressed his support for such legislative efforts to reform higher ed, stating, ”Higher ed has lost their way.” Do these Utah institutions need reform, and how can it be done?

Cowley: The Legislature is trying to renovate some of the rigid, out-of-date norms that naturally occur in higher ed with ballooning bureaucracies and budgets in the billions. Their goal is to refocus efforts on high-demand skills. The proposal is not a reduction in funding, only a reallocation to build up programs that meet the needs of a modern economy.

There are some gems in Utah’s higher ed system that legislators want to see more of. Programs like the Lassonde Institute at the University of Utah are receiving national recognition for their innovative approach to student housing, cross-disciplinary studies and modern skills training. Higher ed may need legislative support to cut through the red tape and have the latitude to try more inventive approaches to education.

My only caution to lawmakers is that the value of higher education isn’t just a framed diploma on the wall. It is about the experiences, growth and lessons learned along the way — the complete collegiate experience.

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‘Higher ed has lost their way,’ Gov. Cox says during budget reveal

Pignanelli: “Now would be a good time for college faculty and administrators to revisit first principles in service of building a convincing case for the value that their institutions provide to America.” — David Brooks, the Atlantic

For over seven decades, America’s universities were the powerhouse driving creativity, innovation, technological superiority, medical breakthroughs and excellence in many endeavors. They generated the majority of Nobel Laureates and recipients of other prestigious scientific awards. Our global dominance owes much to what these institutions produced.

The challenges we face from antagonists (China, Russia, Iran, etc.), changing climate and health concerns can be overcome with robust, balanced academic research. However, the cultural aspects that diminish needed debate, push a narrow focus on special interests, protect a bloated bureaucracy and force a political agenda on instruction and interaction threaten this advantage. Therefore, reform in our universities, including Utah’s institutions, is more than a lofty ideal. The continued existence of our lifestyles and the betterment of the planet depends on a readjustment of the trajectory.

Fortunately, many local university leaders are pushing hard to adapt. University of Utah President Taylor Randall views these demands as an opportunity. Reform should refocus the priorities on the principles that prioritize initiative, creativity and practical applications of research and curriculum. Politics should be relegated back to a subject of study, not the prevailing influence on campus.

Should parents, students and employers be concerned or excited by these efforts to reform higher ed?

Cowley: I attended Utah State University on partial FFA and 4-H scholarships. My blue-collar parents sacrificed to pay the rest. With the cost of tuition today, there is no way my family could have afforded to send me to school. Parents will celebrate efforts to make college more affordable, which can literally change lives. It sure did for me.

Students today have different goals than previous generations. Few dream of becoming a doctor or lawyer; rather, they have ambitions of starting an e-commerce business, earning their drone pilot license or becoming a social media influencer. Many existing courses and degrees are out of alignment with modern professions. Without reform, potential students may have a hard time justifying the time and cost of getting a degree.

AI and other technologies could soon replace many professions. Employers need employees trained to tackle these and other new technological opportunities. Modernizing higher ed is a good place to start to meet these workforce needs.

The world is changing, and it behooves higher ed to change along with it.

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Comments

Pignanelli: Despite the achievements of higher education, their reputation among the general public continues to diminish. Indeed, much of the force behind the recent election results was the “educational divide” among Americans. The disconnect between those possessing advanced degrees and many citizens is huge, as the institutions are viewed as elitist. Thus, most will welcome the reformers.

Will other states follow Utah’s lead in reforming higher ed?

Cowley: Utah has never been afraid to be “peculiar people,” buck tradition, and blaze our own trail. It may not be perfect, but the intentions are pure. Critics should remember this is a reallocation, not a cut across the board. Other states should take note of Utah’s example and find ways to improve education, make it more affordable, and better serve students, employers and taxpayers.

Pignanelli: Randall and others already realized the problems and initiated incremental reforms (jolting many faculty members). So we are ahead on this critical action. Having the Governor, Schultz and Senate President Stuart Adams support these measures keeps the momentum. Especially important are the programs Renae noted — the Lassonde Institute and the new Masters in Business Creation. Once again, the “Utah Way” will guide the nation.

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