Think for a moment about the best bosses or most influential colleagues you’ve worked with during your career. What made them successful leaders or appreciated coworkers?
Chances are they were phenomenal communicators who inspired others with courage and optimism. They showed integrity in their actions. They were critical thinkers who knew how to listen, consider all perspectives and make good decisions. They were creative lifelong learners who were always trying to improve their skills and help others do the same.
In other words, their expertise went beyond the technical or specialized aspects of their jobs. They brought their whole selves to work, demonstrating both “hard” and “soft” skills.
We believe that we all want to work with outstanding individuals like this, and our public and private universities can help students develop into the next great leaders, managers, colleagues and people. That’s why both major-specific and general education classes are vital to any university program.
General education in college refers to a broad curriculum that all students, regardless of their major, are required to complete. This curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including humanities, arts, social sciences, natural sciences and mathematics. While students gain training in a particular subject area through their major studies, general education classes provide what is likely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to add far-ranging breadth to their learning.
For example, a general education philosophy or argumentation class challenges students to evaluate arguments, identify fallacies and construct logical conclusions, helping them develop critical thinking skills. Such skills are crucial in business and professional settings, where analyzing information and making sound decisions are everyday tasks.
A general education English composition or communication class helps students learn to express ideas clearly and persuasively, preparing them to make presentations, create concise and engaging documents, collaborate with colleagues and conduct negotiations in the work world. Likewise, the careful, critical analysis of texts and literature prepares students to judge the quality of information they encounter, which will grow in importance with the proliferation of AI and other technologies.
General education courses in history, cultural and international studies, the arts and ethics expose students to diverse perspectives and moral dilemmas. In a globalized business and cultural environment, understanding and respecting differences is vital. Knowledge of international cultures can improve relationships with global clients and partners, and a deeper understanding of the arts opens new ways to consider the human condition, both locally and globally.
Employers want workers like these who can blend technical and subject-area proficiency with a broad understanding of the world. A recent Utah Workforce Alignment Study commissioned by the Utah System of Higher Education included several comments from business leaders calling for workers who can communicate, adapt to changing circumstances and problem-solve better. By developing critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, cultural awareness, adaptability and ethical reasoning, a broad university education prepares students not only to fulfill their job roles, but also to thrive in them, adapting to the changes and challenges they face.
Utah’s universities are focused on helping students succeed in all their classes, because successful students will eventually contribute in meaningful ways in their careers, in their communities and in society. That’s why university leaders are always actively engaged in projects to improve student success while making the best, most efficient use of their resources.
University leaders regularly review and update programs in all academic areas in response to changing times, emerging technologies and market demand. They collect, analyze and use data to make decisions — informed by their experience and perspectives — as well as seek input from partners in government and business. They work with industry partners to create internships, project-based learning experiences and ongoing curriculum improvements. They also support faculty and students as they participate in groundbreaking, innovative research that has real-world impacts. The work that teachers and researchers do in the lab, studio, field and classroom builds well-rounded students who contribute to business growth and economic and workforce development in Utah and beyond.
However, as in finance and real estate, measuring the return on an investment in education takes time. Higher education is not a “get rich quick” scheme. Learning is an endless endeavor focused on improving oneself, understanding other people and discovering how the world works, ideally with a goal of serving others and society.
Universities play a vital role in helping students become the best versions of themselves. As our universities invest in students, offering both specific and general education, Utah will see a return on that investment in the form of happier, healthier residents; more successful businesses and institutions; and stronger communities.
(Mitzi M. Montoya) Mitzi M. Montoya, Ph.D., was appointed University of Utah provost and senior vice president for academic affairs in January 2023.
Mitzi M. Montoya, Ph.D., was appointed University of Utah provost and senior vice president for academic affairs in January 2023. Before joining the U, Dr. Montoya was the dean of the Anderson School of Management at the University of New Mexico and the Sara Hart Kimball dean of the College of Business at Oregon State University. At Arizona State University (ASU), she was dean of the College of Technology & Innovation, vice provost of the ASU Polytechnic campus and the inaugural vice president and university dean of entrepreneurship and innovation.
(Laurens H. Smith) Laurens (Larry) H. Smith, Ph.D., was appointed provost and executive vice president of Utah State University in July 2024.
Laurens (Larry) H. Smith, Ph.D., was appointed provost and executive vice president of Utah State University in July 2024. Dr. Smith has held various administrative roles since coming to USU in 2003, including: dean of the School of Graduate Studies, senior vice provost, interim vice president for research, and most recently, as chief academic officer and vice president of statewide campuses.
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