Utah is setting a national standard for higher education collaboration. All 16 presidents of Utah’s public colleges and universities, along with the Utah Board of Higher Education, Utah System of Higher Education leadership, and state leaders, including Governor Spencer J. Cox, President J. Stuart Adams and Speaker Mike Schultz, signed a joint resolution reaffirming their shared commitment to students, academic excellence and public accountability. The resolution unites leaders to ensure Utah students receive an affordable and high-quality education that prepares them for success in life and in the workforce.
“Our students are the heart of our mission. We will keep higher education affordable, accessible, and focused on impactful outcomes—preparing graduates to think critically and independently, thrive in the workforce, and strengthen their families, communities, and our state,” the resolution states.
This collaboration between Utah’s higher education leaders and state policymakers celebrates progress in aligning education with workforce needs, strengthening civic responsibility and preserving the free exchange of ideas on campus.
“This resolution is a public commitment from our colleges and universities and from state leaders to keep higher education affordable and accessible and to uphold academic excellence,” said Gov. Cox. “Most importantly, it keeps us focused on students. When we do this right, students win and Utah gets a stronger workforce.”
“Utah is setting the standard for the nation by showing how higher education and state leadership can work hand in hand,” said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward. “Our colleges and universities are more than classrooms. They are engines of economic growth, innovation and personal development. By keeping education affordable, accessible and focused on outcomes, we are giving every Utah student the tools to succeed in their careers, communities and lives.”
“Utah is charting a path forward because our colleges and universities are fueling discovery and shaping what comes next,” said Senate President J. Stuart Adams. “Higher education inspires bold thinking, strengthens our economy through driving breakthroughs and empowers the next generation of leaders, innovators and problem-solvers. This resolution reflects our shared commitment to affordability, academic excellence and ensuring graduates are ready to succeed in the workforce, life and beyond.”
“Utah is proving that proactive collaboration between our higher education institutions, business and elected leaders, and our communities can be a model locally and nationally,” said Utah Board of Higher Education Chair Amanda Covington. “This resolution reflects our shared commitment to making higher education in Utah more affordable and nimble to meet the real-world needs of Utah’s students, families and employers.”
“We are all on the same team, with the same goal: giving Utah students the best possible chance to build meaningful lives and contribute to our state,” said Speaker Mike Schultz. “This resolution reflects a historic partnership as we continue to work together to align priorities and create high-impact opportunities that benefit every Utah student and family.”
Together, Utah’s education and state leaders are committed to building a future where higher education drives innovation, empowers students, and strengthens communities.
