MINUTES OF THE
HIGHER EDUCATION APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
Friday, January 31, 2025 • 8:00 a.m. • 110 Senate Building


Members Present:
Sen. Ann Millner, Senate Chair
Rep. Karen M. Peterson, House Chair
Rep. R. Neil Walter, House Vice Chair
Sen. John D. Johnson
Sen. Karen Kwan
Sen. Kathleen A. Riebe
Sen. Evan J. Vickers
Rep. Katy Hall
Rep. Sahara Hayes
Rep. Trevor Lee
Rep. Michael J. Petersen
Rep. Mark A. Strong
Rep. Ryan D. Wilcox

Members Absent:
Sen. Keith Grover
Sen. Michael K. McKell
Sen. Chris H. Wilson
Rep. Jon Hawkins

Staff Present:
Joseph Ryan Fitzgerald, Finance Officer
Ben Leishman, Finance Manager
Lorna Wells, Committee Secretary

Note: A copy of related materials and an audio recording of the meeting can be found at www.le.utah.gov.
1.Call to Order
Chair Millner called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
2.Salt Lake Community College Budget Presentation
Joseph Fitzgerald gave a brief overview of the budget of Salt Lake Community College.
3a. Salt Lake Community College Budget Introduction
Greg Peterson, President, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) gave an introduction of SLCC.
3b. Salt Lake Community College 2025 GS Presentation
Tim Sheehan, Vice President, Government and Community Relations, reported on his experience at the National Cross Country Championships where SLCC took first place..
Sen. Kwan expressed appreciation to Pres. Peterson for his leadership. She asked about the impact of the recent issues with FAFSA and Pell Grants. Pres. Peterson responded.
Rep. Strong asked about the student fees at SLCC. Pres. Peterson responded.
Chair Millner expressed appreciation to SLCC for their great work and service to students.
3.Snow College Budget Presentation
Joseph Fitzgerald gave a brief overview of the Snow College Budget.
4a. Snow College Budget Introduction
Stacee McIff, President, Snow College gave an overview of Snow College.
4b. Snow College 2025 GS Presentation
Chair Millner mentioned the significance of the number of transfer students who graduate with a four-year degree after starting at Snow.
Pres. McIff continued the presentation.
Rep. Walter assumed the chair.
Char Walter commented on the Snow basketball team.
Sen. Riebe mentioned the community outreach at Snow and the seamless transition within the USHE institutions.
Sen. Johnson mentioned the success of Garrett Bolles, who started at Snow and is now with the Denver Broncos. Sen. Johnson congratulated Snow on their work with recruiting teachers in rural Utah.
Rep. Strong shared some personal family experiences with Snow College.
Rep. Hall congratulated Snow on their great work.
Rep. Michael Petersen discussed his positive experience while visiting Snow College.
4.Approval of Minutes - January 29, 2025
MOTION:Sen. Johnson moved to approve the minutes of the January 29, 2025 meeting.The motion passed with a vote of 11-0-6.
Yeas - 11Nays- 0Abs- 6
Rep. K. Hall
Rep. S. Hayes
Sen. J. Johnson
Sen. K. Kwan
Rep. T. Lee
Rep. M. Petersen
Sen. K. Riebe
Rep. M. Strong
Sen. E. Vickers
Rep. R. Walter
Rep. R. Wilcox
Sen. K. Grover
Rep. J. Hawkins
Sen. M. McKell
Sen. A. Millner
Rep. K. Peterson
Sen. C. Wilson
5.Bridgerland Technical College Budget Presentation
Joseph Fitzgerald gave a brief overview of the Bridgerland Technical College Budget.
5a. Bridgerland Technical College Budget Presentation
Chad Campbell, President, Bridgerland Technical College welcomed visitors from Bridgerland Technical College to the meeting and gave a brief introduction to the college.
5b. Bridgerland Technical College 2025 GS Presentation
Lisa Moon, Executive Vice President, Bridgerland Technical College discussed some of the recent accomplishments at the technical college.
Pres. Campbell continued the presentation.
Paul Nelson, Director of Engineering, Digital Transformation, Northrop Grumman Space Systems, discussed the tremendous partnership with Northrup Grumman and Bridgerland Technical College.
Chair Walter thanked Paul Nelson and Pres. Campbell for the presentation.
Rep. Michael Petersen congratulated Bridgerland Technical College on their great success and the impact on the communities in Northern Utah.
Sen. Millner congratulated Bridgerland Technical College on their agility and great work.
6.Ogden-Weber Technical College Budget Presentation
Joseph Fitzgerald gave a brief introduction of the budget of Ogden-Weber Technical College.
6a. Ogden-Weber Technical College Budget Presentation
James Taggart, President, Ogden-Weber Technical College gave an introduction to Ogden-Weber Technical College.
6b. Ogden-Weber Technical College 2025 GS Presentation
Rep. Hall congratulated Ogden-Weber Technical College on their great work.
Rep. Wilcox mentioned the OTECH-High program. He asked about utilizing the lessons that they learned. Pres. Taggart responded.
Sen. Millner commented on the great collaborative work that is taking place at Ogden-Weber Technical College. She expressed interest in scaling these accomplishments.
Chair Walter thanked Pres. Taggart for the presentation.
7.Request for Appropriation - Western Heritage (Sen. Owens)
Sen. Derrin Owens discussed this appropriation request and acknowledged the rodeo team members from colleges throughout the state attending the meeting.
7a. Request for Appropriation - Western Heritage (Sen. Owens)
Kendra Bagley, Rodeo Coach at Snow College thanked the committee for funding for the past year and discussed this funding request.
Payton Bennett, Rodeo Club Member, and student at Snow College discussed her experiences and the impact on her life.
Sen. Owens introduced the coaches from the various rodeo teams.
Chair Walter welcomed individuals from the college rodeo teams in Utah.
Rep. Hayes asked for a clarification about the portion of the total budget that is provided by this appropriation. Kendra Bagley responded.
MOTION:Sen. Millner moved to adjourn.The motion passed with a vote of 10-0-7.
Yeas - 10Nays- 0Abs- 7
Rep. K. Hall
Rep. S. Hayes
Rep. T. Lee
Sen. A. Millner
Rep. M. Petersen
Sen. K. Riebe
Rep. M. Strong
Sen. E. Vickers
Rep. R. Walter
Rep. R. Wilcox
Sen. K. Grover
Rep. J. Hawkins
Sen. J. Johnson
Sen. K. Kwan
Sen. M. McKell
Rep. K. Peterson
Sen. C. Wilson
Chair Walter adjourned the meeting at 10:09 a.m.