Transparency and honesty are the foundation of public service. Voters rely on candidates to provide accurate representations of their legal history, their financial background, and their professional qualifications.
Unfortunately, Cathie Rigby’s stated qualifications are now under official scrutiny.
The Discrepancy
During the campaign for Lincoln County Commissioner, questions were raised regarding Rigby’s educational background.
Specifically, standard third-party verification databases could not confirm that she holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Utah, a credential she has claimed.
Rather than producing a transcript or a diploma to quickly put the rumor to rest, Rigby released a public statement (below) on April 24, 2026, that raises far more questions than it answers.
“As Far As I Am Aware” In her official response, Rigby wrote:
“As far as I am aware, I have earned a master’s degree in public policy and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah; and I have spent the last several days working with University officials to clarify and correct this discrepancy.”
For voters evaluating a candidate’s credibility, this defense is deeply concerning. Earning a Master’s degree requires years of rigorous coursework, massive financial investment, and final projects or exams. It is not something a student is merely “aware” of—it is a concrete achievement.
Furthermore, university degrees are tracked electronically. If a candidate legitimately holds a Master’s degree, producing a transcript or a digital diploma takes minutes, not “several days” of working with officials to “correct a discrepancy.”
The Language of Evasion
Ask yourself: Is “as far as I am aware” how an honest person describes their own college graduation? Or is it the carefully crafted language of someone trying to avoid being caught in a definitive lie? Everyday citizens know whether or not they spent years earning a Master’s degree. This unnatural phrasing reads like a legal hedge designed to provide an excuse if the university ultimately confirms she does not hold the degree.
A Troubling Pattern
This educational discrepancy does not exist in a vacuum. It is part of a documented, ongoing pattern.
First, Rigby omitted three federal bankruptcy filings from her sworn county application. Then, she hid a history of tax liens and judgments. She also failed to disclose civil proceedings that her opponents honestly reported.
Now, she cannot immediately prove she holds the advanced degree she claims to have.
Voters are left to ask: If a candidate is forced to say “as far as I am aware” regarding her own college education, how can the public trust her to manage the complexities of Lincoln County’s budget and administration?
Ms. Rigby’s Initial Statement
A statement from Cathie:
This week I received an inquiry from a known supporter of one of my opponents for Lincoln County Commissioner Seat 1. The correspondence stated that a third-party database could not confirm I had received a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Utah. Given the nature of the request and the intent behind it, I chose not to respond directly.
However, I did immediately contact the University of Utah. As far as I am aware, I have earned a master’s degree in public policy and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Utah; and I have spent the last several days working with University officials to clarify and correct this discrepancy.
I hope to have this matter resolved quickly, so that there are no further questions to the fact that I am the most qualified and capable candidate in this election for Lincoln County Commissioner.
Thank you for your support and patience.
Sincerely,
Cathie Rigby
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Akr1FjhwS/
