By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News | Photo courtesy of Utah State University

Following the launch of an effort to redesign its statewide enterprise in March, Utah State University announced the key priorities of the initiative on Sept. 26. The redesign gathered feedback from employees, students, alumni, and community members in an attempt to help modernize the university’s 30 statewide campuses.

“The goal is to enhance academic excellence, accessibility and community impact to better meet the educational and economic needs of Utah,” reads a release from USU, which announced the project.

Six key priorities were identified as a part of the effort, which include:

• Expanding community-engaged programming and partnerships.
• Life span engagement with USU.
• Data-Driven planning.
• A new budget model for impact.
• Investment and engagement in the faculty and staff.

“This work marks a turning point and a new chapter for USU,” said Kenneth White, USU senior vice president for statewide enterprises. “It positions us as a national model for how a modern land-grant university can drive access, workforce alignment, and community impact. More importantly, it reflects the ideas, hopes, and commitments you shared throughout this process. Look for ways to become involved as we move these things forward. We are building a future where every community in Utah sees and feels the impact of Utah State University.”

According to the University, this redesign aims to” enhance academic excellence, accessibility, and community impact to better meet the educational and economic needs of Utah.” 

The early impact of the project has been felt in the Castle Country with the naming of Kristian Olsen as vice president for statewide residential campuses in May. This move consolidated the management of seven eastern Utah campuses under a single position. Olsen oversees USU operations in Price, Castle Dale, Blanding, Moab, Montezuma Creek, Monticello, and Monument Valley.

The university plans to keep the public informed about changes as they occur, including the production of timelines and more specific information on programs that may be introduced.

This announcement marks the final phase of a four-part plan launched in March, which saw USU gather insights on its statewide programming through engagement with stakeholders, community members and those working directly with the institution.