The Utah System of Higher Education is undergoing a significant transformation aimed at increasing collaboration and reducing competition among institutions, according to a report published October 21. This reimagining is a response to the passage of HB352 in the 2026 legislative session, which directed the system to organize institutions into specific regions.
The new framework establishes five unique educational regions, each containing at least one degree-granting institution and one technical college. The Northern Region includes Utah State University, Bridgerland Technical College, Uintah Basin Technical College, and Tooele Technical College. The Wasatch North Region consists of Weber State University, Ogden-Weber Technical College, and Davis Technical College.
The Wasatch Central Region is home to the University of Utah and Salt Lake Community College. The Wasatch South Region features Snow College, Utah Valley University, and Mountainland Technical College. Finally, the Southern Region is composed of Southern Utah University, Utah Tech University, Southwest Technical College, and Dixie Technical College.
USHE President Geoffrey Landward stated that the goal is to shift the focus from growth for growth's sake toward the effective execution of specific missions. Landward described the new framework as a living document that allows for flexibility and cross-regional partnerships. He noted the necessity of disincentivizing pure growth to incentivize institutions to act as force multipliers within the system.
Salt Lake Community College President Greg Peterson acknowledged the positive opportunities presented by the shift but emphasized the requirement for a change in incentives. Board member Aaron Skonnard added that the board intends to evolve incentives to match the new system design. Utah University President Taylor Randall noted that the regional focus has made the work more manageable and sparked exciting conversations.
The structural changes aim to optimize regional partnerships by highlighting the specific strengths of each institution within its respective area. This reorganization is intended to facilitate greater integration across the statewide system to improve access and outcomes for students.
The next steps for the initiative include presenting the tentative regional structure to the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee and continuing the integration of the system.
