The University of Utah has announced plans for a campus transformation amid the federal government’s recent crackdowns on higher education. As colleges across the country navigate a period of uncertainty, U President Taylor Randall said the school plans to be a leader in the shifting landscape.

The U announced its “Campus Physical Redevelopment Framework” plans after the Board of Trustees approved it on March 11. It’s a step toward the school’s Strategy 2030 goals to become a top-10 public university with “unsurpassed societal impact.” The framework outlines a campus reimagination, splitting the physical space into six districts: Athletics, Academic & Research, Research Park, Health, Cultural and College Town Magic. In a news conference with The Daily Utah Chronicle, Randall said the districts align with the U’s unique roles.

“I think we’re only one of nine universities that has a health care system so closely tied to it. We’re also a research university. We’re also in a powerful athletic conference and you know, much of what we do with our research is in commercialization,” Randall said. 

This year, the Trump administration has been reigning in higher education, with university research taking high priority. Schools across the country are feeling the effects of attempted federal grant freezes and funding cuts at the National Institute of Health. In the 2025 fiscal year, the U received nearly $35 million in NIH funding so far. Randall said he’s not sure how the cutbacks could impact the U’s research-oriented roadmap.

“I think restructuring of federal research is still in the negotiation phase. But for example, the research park is envisioned as a place where we collaborate much more with private industry,” he said.

In February, the U joined a lawsuit against the NIH, alleging its cuts to funding would cause “irreparable harm.” It was a move to protect the school’s valuable research through policy changes, according to Randall.

“So much of the National Institute of Health sponsored research is going to improving the human condition, whether it be in treatment or discovery of new treatments,” he said. “It’s an important part of what we do and what our mission is as the University of Utah.”

Diversity, equity and inclusion programs have been another federal focus. In February, the Department of Education sent a letter to education institutions instructing them to end race-based admissions, hiring and scholarships. It was reiterating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, according to the department, and schools that did not comply would risk federal funding. A month later, the DOE launched an investigation alleging the U, along with 44 other U.S. universities, participated in “race-exclusionary practices” in graduate programs. Taylor said he can’t speak much to the ongoing review.

“We’ll be able to address all of the questions that they have asked where we’re comfortable with our answers,” he said. “And we [will] keep our fingers crossed, and there’ll be a positive outcome for us.”

Taylor acknowledged the U has a welcoming culture on its campus. He said the institution’s shared community values can succeed in the “new environment.”

“It is who we are, right? We care about people fundamentally and we care about everyone. If anything, I think it’s going to give us the opportunity to make sure that we are a bigger tent, not a smaller tent.”

The U’s long-term objectives align with the government’s goal of boosting student success, according to Randall. He said the strategic plan for the next five years is about leading in a time of change and mapping out a vision for the school to determine its own future. 

“What I’m hoping is that the history of higher education and higher education excellence in this country will win the argument overall,” Randall said. “And while we recognize that there is always room for improvement, you don’t want to throw out a structure that is working and continues to work quite well.”

e.crossley@dailyutahchronicle.com
@ElleCrossleyy