April 7, 2009
Contact: Spencer Jenkins 801-321-7110

SALT LAKE CITY – William A Sederburg, Commissioner of Higher Education, announced Tuesday that he has asked Dr. Michael Petersen, former President of the College of Eastern Utah (CEU), to spend the next 30 days developing a plan for the future viability of the College.  Petersen was President of the College of Eastern Utah for 11 years, from 1985 to 1996, and currently heads the Utah Education Network (UEN).  Dr. Petersen’s recommendations will be presented to the State Board of Regents in May.

While every state college and university is facing challenges in the current economic climate, CEU’s challenges are unique.  The potential state budget cut of 17 percent in 2011 hits CEU particularly hard, since an average 88% of its budget has been funded by the state over the past ten years (compared to an average of 63% for all state colleges and universities).  CEU also faces enrollment challenges since the number of high school graduates in its region peaked in 1998 and has declined by 23% since then.  The number of high school graduates is also projected to continue to decline by approximately another 10% over the next ten years.   These facts have raised questions about the future of the College of Eastern Utah.
 
“Our number one goal is to improve the opportunities for higher education in this region,” stated Utah Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. William A. Sederburg.  “It is clear that in these challenging times, the status quo is not an attractive option, so we must look for new models to make sure that CEU continues to be successful in the future.”

Dr. Petersen will be meeting with members of the community, faculty, and staff, and then bring back to the Board of Regents in May a recommendation of one of two potential options (or another option, if he so chooses).  The Board of Regents will then consider and take action on his recommendations.

The two options would each see CEU more closely affiliate with a sister institution of higher education.  Under one option, CEU would become a campus of Utah State University (USU).  It would remain “quasi-autonomous” in terms of keeping its identity, having its own athletic teams and performing arts, and in seeking state funding of its operations and for buildings. 

Another option that has recently emerged would see CEU affiliate with Snow College, where the two institutions would share resources to improve educational programs and drive economic efficiencies while remaining separate institutions. 

Under either option CEU would continue its identity as the College of Eastern Utah, and continue its community college mission including open enrollment, skills training, and lower tuition than four-year institutions. 

“Current and recent CEU administrations have done an admirable job under difficult circumstances,” Commissioner Sederburg noted, “but we need a clear plan for the future, which Dr. Petersen will develop, working closely with Interim President Mike King, his staff, and college faculty.”

“As a longtime resident of Carbon and Emery counties, I have a particular interest in finding ways to improve the educational opportunities of the region, “commented Dr. Petersen, “the two proposals put forward by Commissioner Sederburg give us a solid starting point.”

“Mike Petersen brings superb and unique qualifications to this task,” stated Commissioner Sederburg.  “As President of CEU for more than a decade, Mike has a great love for this part of the state as well as an in-depth understanding of the challenges CEU faces now and into the future.  I am confident that the result will be a strengthened CEU, prepared to meet not only today’s challenges but to provide expanded opportunities for eastern Utah.”

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