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Utah Commissioner of Higher Education concludes service

Dr. David L. Buhler has announced his decision to conclude his service as Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education effective Dec. 31, 2019.

Dr. David L. Buhler has announced his decision to conclude his service as Utah’s Commissioner of Higher Education effective Dec. 31, 2019. The Board of Regents will commence a national search in the spring. His announcement now will allow time for a thorough search and a smooth transition.

“Late last week, I shared my decision with the Board of Regents,” said Buhler. “Serving as Commissioner has been the professional opportunity of a lifetime. After more than 19 years in the Utah System of Higher Education, over seven of those as Commissioner, my family and I concluded it’s time to begin a new chapter in our lives. I believe change is good for organizations and individuals, and I am looking forward to returning to teaching at the University of Utah in 2020. It was important to me to share my decision as soon as possible.”

Buhler is focused on achieving a number of priorities this year aimed at furthering higher education in Utah.

“First, I look forward to advancing the priorities of the Board of Regents and USHE institutions with the Utah Legislature,” he said. “Funding access for all students, meeting critical workforce needs and helping more students successfully complete college are critical to our state’s future. Utah has an opportunity to be the first state in the nation to place a college access advisor in every high school to help more students reach their higher education goals. By repurposing funds, we will increase the number of high schools with these access advisors this year from 12 to 33. If the legislature funds the initiative this session, there will be a college access advisor for every Utah high school within three years. I am also very committed to actively participating in the state’s Higher Education Strategic Planning Commission, which is expected to complete its work in November 2019.”