Some might argue that Utahns tend to defer their education. However, the data aren't positive on this score, either. In 1994, 3.9 percent of the 25 to 49 year-olds were attending some form of school. In 2004, the percentage was 3.7 percent. Again, Utah is in the bottom third of all states and trending in the wrong direction.

The disturbing decline in education participation is being masked by the positive economy in Utah. Population growth has led to an increase in the total number of jobs. Last year Utah led the nation with an increase in new jobs of 3.5 percent. Unfortunately, many of the new jobs were lower-paying jobs in construction and retail sales.

I was struck by a small paragraph in the governor's budget. He is predicting an increase in average annual pay from $32,890 in 2005 to $34,002 in 2006. This is 17.5 percent lower than the national average ($41,239). Worse, the gap, according the governor, will widen in '06.

The challenge to Utah is very significant. We are now in the lowest third among states in educational participation. We know that to be competitive with the world, we need highly educated, entrepreneurial citizens. This doesn't appear to be our present strategy in Utah.

In my role as president of Utah Valley State College, it will surprise few that I support putting some of the state's extra resource into strategies for improving college attendance, rather than reducing taxes. A few examples of cost-effective strategies include:

Improving math in the high schools. Currently only one-third of Utah students are prepared to take college-level math. Too many freshmen require math remediation — an added cost higher education has to cover. Math is the number one hurdle for most students in completing their college degrees.

Increasing the number of counselors. Currently, there are too few advisers and counselors per student to adequately meet the needs of our students and appropriately guide them through their educational journey. Providing personalized counseling will keep students in college.

Increase financial aid. Finances are a significant concern for many Utahns in college. Early marriage, loss of parental support and large families place Utah's students at a disadvantage financially. The number of young women attending college in Utah is significantly lower than it should be when compared to national trends.

The list can go on. My point is that if Utah really wants to get serious about getting high-paying jobs, we need to get serious about increasing college attendance and graduation.

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William A. Sederburg is president of Utah Valley State College.