Monthly Archives: January 2024

New Year, New Focus

Written by: Ashley Marshall

What’s the deal with the sunburst as our logo? When anyone sees a Utah Foundation product they see a sunset-colored sunburst on every cover and web link. This sunburst represents our research shedding light on the issues that matter most to Utahns – we illuminate the issues. When Shawn Teigen agreed to be our president, he embraced the task of ensuring that our organization remains focused upon what matters most. So, over the course of … Continued

Annalisa Holcombe to Lead the Utah Foundation Board of Trustees

Written by: Shawn Teigen

Kelly Mendenall, Benjamin Brown, and Carlton Christensen also appointed officers. SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 23, 2024) – The Utah Foundation today announces the 2024 leadership team for its board of trustees, with Annalisa Holcombe, senior vice president of advancement at Western Governors University, appointed board chair. Holcombe has 20 years of experience in higher education where she has garnered record-setting philanthropy, expanded strategic partnerships and created community relations programs that provide life-changing support for hundreds … Continued

Significant Statistics | What is New with Teacher Pay?

Written by: Shawn Teigen

A new survey shows that teacher pay in Utah falls below the national average – $56,200 relative to $61,600. However, this survey also shows that Utah teachers have generally gained substantial ground since the Utah Foundation released its teacher pay report in 2019. Utah teacher pay is in-line with three other Mountain States – Colorado, Nevada, and Wyoming – but ahead of New Mexico and far ahead of Arizona, Idaho, and Montana. Utah’s below-the-nation pay … Continued

Op-ed: How do we improve Utah? Think tank’s top 2023 findings reveal where legislators should start

Written by: Shawn Teigen

Before I had a child, I figured that raising one would be easy. After all, I had been a child myself and had seen firsthand what worked and what did not. It initially seemed largely a matter of common sense. For example, I decided that my daughter would never need more toys than could fit in one large toy chest. Whenever a new toy came in, an old toy had to go out. It turned … Continued