Thalea Longhurst serves as the State Director of Career and Technical Education for Utah.  She is responsible for administering all aspects of the career and technical education programs offered throughout Utah in public education K-12. Thalea is also responsible for providing leadership for programs provided under the Strengthening Career & Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) which includes both secondary schools and post-secondary institutions in Utah. Thalea maintains close working relationships with schools, community and state agencies, and area businesses and industries in order to provide training consistent with needs and to obtain and communicate information required to facilitate quality CTE programs. She is an advocate for high-quality CTE and ensuring that all students have access to valuable CTE opportunities.

Prior to her appointment in 2014, Thalea served in other capacities at the Utah State Board of Education including as a Coordinator over CTE Programs and Financial Accountability and as an Education Specialist overseeing Health Science Education.  She also served on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors for the National Consortium for Health Science Education including four years as the Chair. Prior to coming to the Utah State Board of Education, Thalea taught health science courses in high school and worked in school district administration for fifteen years. She has also worked at the University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics in various management and clinical positions.  Thalea earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Utah along with her School Administration license from Utah State University.