Opinion: Realigning Higher Education With Opportunity to Secure Utah’s Future
By Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Karen Peterson
Guest Opinion, Deseret News
Published January 15, 2025
Utah’s economy is evolving, and preparing the state’s workforce for the future will require higher education institutions to continue adapting to the needs of students, employers and Utah’s economy.
In this guest opinion, Sen. Ann Millner and Rep. Karen Peterson discuss the importance of better aligning Utah’s higher education system with the workforce demands of tomorrow. They point to projected growth in fields such as computer science, aerospace and defense, and engineering, while noting that industries including health care, education, social work and technology already face challenges finding qualified workers.
The authors argue that stronger partnerships between universities and industry can help close workforce gaps. They highlight opportunities to involve employers in curriculum development and expand internships, apprenticeships and other hands-on learning experiences that give students practical skills and direct connections to potential employers.
The opinion also examines the efficiency of higher education programs. Millner and Peterson propose considering whether some low-enrollment programs could be consolidated at institutions that specialize in those fields, reducing duplication while maintaining opportunities for students interested in specialized areas of study.
The authors emphasize that the goal is not to reduce education funding, but to make every dollar count by strategically directing resources toward programs that provide strong opportunities for students and address critical workforce needs.
Read the full opinion at Deseret News:
Opinion: Realigning higher education with opportunity to secure Utah’s future
Originally published by Deseret News on January 15, 2025. Written by Sen. Ann Millner, who represents District 5 in the Utah State Senate, and Rep. Karen Peterson, who represents District 13 in the Utah House of Representatives.