Utah higher-education leaders prepare reinvestment plans as legislature eyes 10% cut

University of Utah President Taylor Randall, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Mitzy M. Montoya and Jeffrey Landward, Commissioner of Higher Education, said at a Hinckley Institute of Politics forum that they have begun planning for a probable legislative 10% cut and a reallocation of state funding intended to reward programs tied to measurable student success and workforce demand.

"We all actually care deeply about student success," Commissioner Jeffrey Landward said, describing negotiations with legislative leaders as focused on getting the best return on state investment. He added that "never once has there been a situation where the suggestion was that the investment isn't worth it."

The panelists said they view the legislature's attention as an opportunity to redesign investments rather than simply trim budgets. "This is a reallocation," President Taylor Randall said, framing the process as a chance to move funds into programs and supports that demonstrably improve graduation, wage outcomes and employment in growth industries.

Why it matters: panelists said any reallocation will affect academic program offerings, student support services and administrative structure across Utah’s 16 public higher-education institutions. They…