- The Utah Board of Higher Education touted its achievements in its 2025 annual report.
- UBHE highlights in 2025 included implementation of the state-mandated strategic reinvestment plan.
- The board also appointed two presidents at Utah public universities this year — while approving initial three-year bachelor's degree programs.
The Utah Board of Higher Education recently released its annual report highlighting developments over a year marked by systemic disruption and change — even while looking ahead to future challenges and opportunities.
“This past year has been one of meaningful progress for Utah’s higher education system,” wrote board Chair Amanda Covington.
“The Utah Board of Higher Education has worked closely with our presidents, Commissioner (Geoffrey) Landward, and partners across the state to support initiatives that keep higher education affordable, accessible, and aligned with Utah’s long-term needs.”
Added Landward: “Students are earning more credentials than ever before, institutions are innovating to meet Utah’s workforce needs, and faculty and staff continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their communities.
“These are not just statistics; they represent lives changed, families strengthened, and the state’s future being built one student at a time.”
Perhaps the board of education’s most significant undertaking in 2025 was implementation of House Bill 265 — the so-called Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment plan that required the state’s eight public colleges and universities to reallocate millions to programs determined to be of highest value.
Each institution was required this year to develop a reinvestment plan for approval from the board and the Utah Legislature.
“This work prompted each institution to closely evaluate how resources are used and identify ways to direct funding toward high-value academic programs, student supports, and research priorities,” wrote Covington.
“The resulting plans reflect a systemwide effort to align investments with student success and workforce needs, positioning our colleges and universities to respond to changing demand and ensure strong returns for students and taxpayers.”
Landward added Utah’s system of higher education is preparing for an AI-based future.
“AI is rapidly transforming industries and the skills Utahns will need to succeed,” he wrote. “Our system is working to support faculty learning and build stronger partnerships with employers who are already integrating AI into their work.”
UBHE 2025 highlights: ‘Admit Utah,’ ‘First Credential’ and ‘Talent Ready Utah’
Launched in October 2024, Admit Utah guarantees that every high school graduate in the state is admitted to at least one of the state’s 16 public colleges and universities, regardless of GPA.
“The initiative represents a bold step toward removing barriers and ensuring every student sees college as an attainable next step,” according to the board of education report.
In 2025, the board also advanced the technical and design phases of the Admit Utah platform — including the development of location-based filtering, Spanish translation, financial aid information and other features.
The board’s First Credential Program aligns K-12 with higher education and Utah industry, according to the report.
The First Credential program operates through five pathways: concurrent enrollment, career and technical education completion, industry-recognized credentials, technical college certificates, and youth apprenticeships.
“First Credential creates unprecedented alignment with K-12 systems,” the report said.
“Colleges and universities serve as co-architects, ensuring credentials transfer seamlessly into postsecondary credentials. This collaboration strengthens enrollment, reduces time to completion, and positions Utah as a national leader in connecting education to economic opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Talent Ready Utah — housed within the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education — connects higher education, K-12 and Utah industry to design college-to-career pathways aligned with the state’s workforce needs.
“This year, Talent Ready Utah continued strengthening Utah’s workforce pipeline through expanded industry partnerships, regional engagement and career-connected learning opportunities,” according to the report.
Approximately 5,000 Utah students were reportedly served by Talent Ready Utah.
New campus presidents — and accelerated bachelor’s degree programs
The Utah Board of Higher Education hired two new university presidents in 2025 — Utah Tech University President Shane Smeed and Utah State University President Brad Mortensen, who previously served as president of Weber State University.
A search for WSU’s next president is now underway.
This year, Utah also became the first public higher education system in the country to offer three-year bachelor’s degrees to help students complete degrees faster and save tuition money.
The board approved accelerated degree programs at WSU and Utah Valley University.
“These programs maintain rigorous academic standards while shortening the time to a degree in fields such as politics, philosophy, economics, and sound production.”
In 2025, Utah System of Higher Education institutions awarded 61,265 graduates with 71,262 certificates and degrees.