Update on Funding for USU Strategic Reinvestment Plan

Editor's note: The following message from USU President Brad L. Mortensen was sent to all USU employees on Feb. 19, 2026.

Dear Colleagues,

Last night, the Utah Legislature’s Executive Appropriations Committee (EAC) gave final approval to USU’s Strategic Reinvestment Plan, releasing the remaining 70%, or $8.8 million of our funding.

On Dec. 9, 2025, I shared an update after presenting USU’s revised plan to the committee. At that time, the committee released 30% of our funds and held the remaining amount pending completion of the Utah Legislative Auditor General’s performance audit and our response to that audit.

At their meeting last night, the EAC unanimously approved the plan with no discussion, reflecting positively on USU’s response to the audit and successful revisions to the strategic reinvestment plan. I deeply appreciate the work and support across the university over the past several months that helped position us for this success.

On Friday, March 6, I hope you’ll join me for a town hall at 2:30 p.m. in the Eccles Conference Center auditorium. We will share a link to join online the week prior. At the town hall, I will provide a legislative update and allow time for Q&A.

Thank you for all you do on behalf of Utah State University, your faculty and staff colleagues, and our students.

Best,

brad