Is Higher Education Thriving in Utah?

Are Utah's colleges and universities adapting quickly enough in our tech-forward world? Host Jason Perry leads a discussion about the pressures facing higher education and how schools are preparing the future workforce while still keeping tuition affordable.

THE DEEPER DIVE:

• With public trust in institutions near all-time lows, Utah’s higher education system is in the midst of a course correction. We examine how schools are renewing their focus on value, transparency, public accountability, and student success.
• As some question the value of a college degree, Utah’s higher education institutions are working to ensure a return on investment for students. Our panel discusses the ways schools are ensuring degrees and certificates lead to real career and economic opportunities.
• The 16 publicly funded colleges and universities in Utah are working to improve collaboration across the system by streamlining programs, reducing duplication, and creating clearer pathways between technical colleges and four-year university programs.
• This year, the Utah legislature pledged a historic $50 million investment in university research. We explore how this money will support innovation, industry partnerships, economic growth, and hands-on student experience across the state.
• As artificial intelligence continues disrupting industries across the world, higher education is no exception. Our panel evaluates the efforts to reshape classroom learning, enhance university operations, and prepare students for an AI-powered workforce.

️ FEATURING:
• Commissioner Geoff Landward – Utah System of Higher Education
• Representative Karen Peterson – (R-Clinton, House Vice Rules Chair)
• President Brad Mortensen – Utah State University

Funding for The Hinckley Report is made possible in part by the Cleone Peterson Eccles Endowment Fund and by the financial contributions of PBS Utah members. If you would like to support the work we do, please visit https://pbsutah.org/supporthinckley