Readers of the Davis Journal and City Journal will remember several articles on student activist and Woods Cross City Council candidate Muskan Walia. Campaigning not just for city council, but for several worthy causes, Walia was just selected to be on the Utah Board of Higher Education (USHE) as the student representative for the 2024-25 academic year.

Walia was hand-picked by Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox as a representative of the 16 public colleges and universities across the state and brings to bear her significant experience, drive, and knowledge. “I am incredibly grateful and excited to represent my peers as the student board member," Walia said. “I will use this position to amplify student perspectives in decision-making processes and advocate for policies and initiatives that address the unique challenges we face. My intention is to enhance student experiences at all USHE institutions.”

The appointment of Walia comes just in time for the USHE strategic plan, which will be in effect through 2027. This plan was just approved by the board, and “prioritizes increased access, timely completion of degrees, financial value and economic development, aligns with the Board’s vision to become a global leader in higher education and research. 

“The approval of this new strategic plan reflects the Board’s dedication to creating a brighter future for Utah’s students and communities through education,” said Amanda Covington, Utah Board of Higher Education Chair. “By setting a clear path forward, we are paving the way for a stronger, more prosperous Utah, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive and that our institutions remain at the forefront of providing valuable education.” 

The plan itself is based on four key priorities as outlined in a recent press release from the USHE:

• Access: The plan aims to increase the college-going rate of high school graduates by 3% by the end of the 2026-27 academic year. To achieve this, the Utah System of Higher Education will ensure that all prospective students are meaningfully informed about postsecondary opportunities and simplify institutional admissions processes.

• Completion: USHE is committed to increasing the timely completion of degrees and awards by 3% within the same timeframe. This includes innovating to remove barriers to completion and standardizing the awarding of credit for prior learning to accelerate students’ progress.

• Financial Value: The plan seeks to maximize the return on investment for all stakeholders by reducing low-value expenditures, creating financial efficiencies and ensuring that the cost of a USHE education is commensurate with its value.

• Economic Development: Recognizing the pivotal role of higher education in strengthening Utah's economy, the plan includes strategies to increase the completion rates in high-wage, high-demand programs by 3% and advance research that supports economic development.

More information on Muskan Walia’s appointment, the strategic plan and the USHE as a whole can be found at ushe.edu.