TR AILBL AZER NATION This year, Utah Tech University celebrated 10 years of University status. What an amazing decade of growing, learning, and serving our community! To commemorate this important milestone, this year’s report will share the achievements we have accomplished, challenges we have overcome, and lives we have impacted in the last ten years. We have built our University into something truly remarkable. In the last decade, Utah Tech University has grown in every measurable way. We have added more than 200 academic programs. We have nearly doubled funds awarded to students from $10.4 million to $19.8 million while maintaining our status as the university with the most affordable tuition in Utah. We have increased student enrollment by 42 percent and bestowed 24,409 degrees. We have built or renovated 28 buildings and grew our workforce from 439 full-time employees to 746 to accommodate our tremendous enrollment growth. As a committed community partner, we have hosted hundreds of thousands of community events and opened the doors of Atwood Innovation Plaza to our neighbors, offering its innovation, entrepreneurial, and business resource services to the community. Additionally, we created our polytechnic academic model, which features hands-on learning and career preparation. As an open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic University, we are proud to have a 100% acceptance rate and offer personalized services, diverse teaching methods, and access to open educational resources while creating transformative experiences across more than 250 academic programs in the humanities, arts, education, health sciences, business, and STEM. As you read this report, you will see that explosive growth did not come easily. Our goals have been accomplished and milestones reached thanks to the collective efforts of Trailblazer Nation. Countless students, alumni, community members, faculty, and staff have dedicated their time and effort to build a distinguished University that will continue to benefit our community for generations to come. However, the work is not done. We will continue to work together to blaze new trails and make every day a great day to be a Trailblazer! Sincerely,
Richard B. Williams Utah Tech University President
10 YEARS OF GROWTH Established in 1911 to offer high school and junior college courses, Utah Tech University has risen from humble beginnings to experience unprecedented growth and accomplish great feats. Throughout its 112-year history, Utah Tech has embraced change as great opportunities presented themselves. For example, it became a more comprehensive, accredited junior college in 1923, then transitioned to a four-year college in 2000, and, most recently, secured university status on February 16, 2013. Confident the school could make a bigger impact on the community, state, and lives of its students, a band of community supporters assisted then-President Stephen D. Nadauld in garnering the support of the Utah State Legislature and Governor Gary Herbert to secure university status since the change needed state approval. The vision and forward-thinking that President Nadauld, the community, and elected state leaders displayed in advocating for a small college of 8,350 students forever changed the trajectory of Utah Tech University.
With university status secured, it was time to get to work shaping the future of this budding University. Starting in the fall of 2014, University representatives, under the leadership of new President Richard “Biff” Williams, met with hundreds of business leaders and community members to learn what they needed from their local University. They quickly discovered there was a great need for prospective employees trained in business, technology, and health care to create an environment where these industries could thrive in Southern Utah. More importantly, the community wanted their children and grandchildren to be able to be educated and gainfully employed in St. George. Prepared with this information, the campus community began to draft a strategic plan to guide its growth from 2015 to 2020. Following President Williams’ charge that the plan was not his strategic plan, but the entire community’s vision for the future of the University, Dixie 2020: Status to Stature was born, ushering in explosive growth as the institution embraced its University status. Seeing more opportunities and potential, the campus community built off the momentum Dixie 2020 had created and formed Utah Tech’s current strategic plan, Trailblazing Distinction, to guide our growth from 2020 to 2025 as we become an open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university. Growing to meet the needs of the community is the foundation of Utah Tech University’s purpose and dates all the way back to its founding in 1911. As the University accomplishes its goals outlined in Trailblazing Distinction, it will continue to grow, value community engagement, and prepare Trailblazers for continued success.
NATIONAL ACCOLADES 2023 Higher Education Digest’s 10 Prominent Universities and Colleges to Watch
Education Insights Magazine’s 10 Prominent Universities and Colleges to Watch Marquis Who’s Who Biographical Registry Insights Success’ Most Inspiring Thought Leaders Transforming Education
2019 #5 Best Colleges with the Highest Acceptance Rates in the Nation
DiversityJobs.com Top Employer
Industry Era’s Top 10 Inspiring CEOs
2018 U.S. News & World Report’s 7th Public Regional 2022 #7 Military Times’ Best for Vets:
College-West
Colleges of the West
The Education Magazine’s 10 Most Prominent Arts and Science Colleges
2017 Military Friendly School by Victory Media
#5 Best Colleges with the Highest Acceptance Rates in the Nation
2016 College Choice’s 26th safest small college/ 2021 #5 Best Colleges with the Highest Acceptance Rates in the Nation
A DiversityJobs.com Top Employer
2020 A DiversityJobs.com Top Employer U.S. News & World Report’s 7th Top Public School in the West U.S. News & World Report’s 12th Top Performer on Social Mobility among regional colleges in the West U.S. News & World Report’s 24th Regional College-West
university in the U.S.
37th lowest student loan debt for public fouryear colleges and universities by LendEDU AmeriCorps’ President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
2015 AmeriCorps’ President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll
SUCCESS Academy ranked No. 1 in Newsweek’s Beating the Odds
EXPLOSIVE STUDENT GROWTH 2012-13
2022-23
PERCENT INCREASE
OVERALL ENROLLMENT
8,863
12,556
42%
MULTICULTURAL STUDENT ENROLLMENT
1,147
2,859
149%
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
965
3,694
283%
UTAH TECH INCREASED ENROLLMENT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS BY: Establishing a Campus Welcome Center to create a more engaging experience for prospective students and their families Creating an interactive virtual campus tour complete with videos on the Utah Tech website Implementing a parent portal and family engagement platform to more effectively communicate with prospective students’ families Implementing “Brooks,” an AI chatbot on our website, to provide 24-hour responsiveness to questions Elevating Blazer Blast, our on-campus open house experience, by focusing more on academics and creating a parent tour and information session Significantly expanding transfer recruitment by expanding articulation agreements with Salt Lake Community College, Snow College, College of Southern Nevada, Dixie Technical College, and Mohave Community College Implementing the Trailblazer Promise Scholarship as a tuition gap program to increase enrollment of Utah students Creating the Red Rocks waiver to increase out-of-state student enrollment Welcoming students from 43 countries in 2023, compared to 19 countries in 2013
AS A RESULT, UTAH TECH HAS AWARDED 24,409 DEGREES IN LAST DECADE.
SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS
CREDENTIALS AWARDED
2012-13
2022-23
PERCENT INCREASE
2,021
3,862
91%
FACILITATING ACADEMIC SUCCESS By bolstering academic support, we have helped students successfully complete their education and increased retention rates from 60% to 63%. Held 26,723 academic advisement appointments during the 2023-24 academic year alone Grew Trailblazer Connections, the first-year orientation course, to 140 sections supported by 40 peer coaches Expanded Academic Success to include 34 full-time professional advisors across 7 colleges
MEETING STUDENTS’ NEEDS Providing support, resources, and connections for all students as they navigate the academic process, Utah Tech’s Student Resource Center also offers targeted support for basic needs, women, first-generation students, veterans, nontraditional students, and students with dependents. UT’s First Generation Student Services was named to the Center for First-generation Student Success’ First Scholars Network in 2023. The Blazer Pantry offers fresh food including meat, fruit, dairy, bread, and vegetables through community grants.
11,227 POUNDS OF FOOD $39,900 WORTH OF FOOD 838 TOTAL PANTRY VISITS 235 UNIQUE VISITORS PANTRY USERS HAVE A 78% RETENTION OR GRADUATION RATE DATA IS FROM THE SPRING 2023 SEMESTER
With the Come & Get It program, students receive a text when extra meals are available from catered events, reducing food waste across campus. The Booth Wellness Center served 1,974 students through 2,327 medical appointments and 2,263 counseling appointments during the 2022-23 academic year.
ENGAGING STUDENTS Understanding that an engaged student is a successful student, UT has increased the depth and breadth of opportunities available for students to meet their peers and make the most of their college experience. The UT Student Association grew student engagement opportunities to 185 events during the 2022-23 academic year. UTSA awards $30,000 more in student scholarships per semester than in 2013. Established in 2016, The STAMPEDE enhances the student experience at home Trailblazer games and by the 2022-23 academic year, an average of 1,087 students attended football games and 586 attended men’s basketball games. The University’s intramural program was ranked as one of the top 50 in the nation by BestColleges.com in 2015 and now hosts 33 intramural and club sport programs. UT teams have made 21 regional appearances, winning 16 championships and 30 national appearances, winning 5 championships. Since UTSA began offering Alternative Break trips in 2015, 252 students have volunteered 4,899 service hours in 21 locations. Utah Tech’s Entertainment Alliance entertains thousands of people worldwide through more than 100 performances each year. The alliance includes student performers in Fusion, the Ballroom Dance Company, Program Bureau, Youth Fusion, Youth Ballroom, and a new student acapella team.
ACTIVE CLUBS STUDENTS AT EVENTS
2012-13
2022-23
PERCENT INCREASE
46
70
52%
18,000
53,729
198%
STUDENT ASSOCIATION POSITIONS
28
45
61%
BILLS PASSED IN STUDENT SENATE
11
34
209%
KEEPING STUDENTS SAFE Utah Tech Police Department began patrolling campus on a 24/7 basis in 2019. UTPD was named one of Safe Campus’ Top 3 Campus Police Departments of the Year in 2020. In 2022, UTPD became the first agency in Utah to earn Active Bystander for Law Enforcement certification. UTPD became accredited by the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators in 2022, a distinction no other university in Utah has secured, and only 7% of all universities in the U.S. have accomplished.
NEW ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Utah Tech University now offers transformative experiences across 275 academic programs, 204 of which were added during the last decade.
1
7
35
12
CLINICAL DOCTORATE DEGREE
MASTER’S DEGREES
BACHELOR’S DEGREES
ASSOCIATE DEGREES
(PENDING ACOTE APPROVAL)
59
49
41
CERTIFICATES
EMPHASES
MINORS
CLINICAL DOCTORATE DEGREE Occupational Therapy (pending ACOTE approval)
MASTER’S DEGREES Accountancy
Sport Management
Athletic Training
Studio Art
Marriage & Family Therapy
Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric
Nursing Education & Leadership
BACHELOR’S DEGREES Applied & Computational Math
Health Administration
Applied Sociology
Hotel & Resort Management
ASL/English Interpreting
Individualized Studies
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Information Systems & Analytics
Bioinformatics
Information Technology
Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering
Communication Studies
Mechatronics
Computer Engineering
Media Studies
Dance
Music Performance
Data Science
Nursing
Design
Population Health
Digital Film
Professional Studies
Earth, Energy & Environmental Science
Recreation & Sport Management
Electrical Engineering
Respiratory Therapy
Enterprise Management
Software Engineering
Exercise Science
Special Education
Finance
Studio Art
Geological Sciences
ASSOCIATE DEGREES American Sign Language
Hotel & Resort Operations
Biotechnology
Information Technology
Earth & Environmental Sciences
Laboratory Studies
English
Management
General Technology: Design
Pharmacy Preparation
General Technology: Information Technology
Surgical Technology
CERTIFICATES 2D Animation
Health Communication
3D Animation
Information Technology
Accounting & Information Systems
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Advanced Chemical Lab Technology
Leadership
Advanced Design
Lighting & Sound for Theater & Film
Advanced Information Technology
Maker
Applied Behavior Analysis
Marketing
Applied Statistics I
Media Production
Applied Statistics II
Mediation
Art: Photography/Digital Imaging
Medical Lab Assistant Technology
Bioinformatics
Modeling & Simulation
Classical Acting
Multimedia Journalism
Community & Social Change
Music Technology
Computing Fundamentals
Piano Pedagogy
Costume Studies
Professional & Career Communication
Critical Reasoning
Professional Writing
Cryptography I
Protein Characterization
Cryptography II
Public Relations
Data Analytics
Recreation Management
Design
Retail Management
Diversity
Scenic Studies
Editing & Publishing
Social Media
Entrepreneurship
Social Research Methods
Ethical Judgment
Supply Chain Management
Functional Genomics
Sustainability
General Education
UI/UX Design
Genetic Sequencing
Visual Culture & Society
Gerontology
Web Design & Development
Global Information Systems
Wellness Coaching
Global Perspectives
EMPHASES Actuarial Science
Graphic Design
Multimedia Journalism
American Sign Language Interpreter
Health Care Administration
Natural Sciences
Applied Leadership
Health Communication
Pre-Athletic Training
Biological Sciences
History & Social Science Teaching
Pre-Occupational Therapy
Biomedical Sciences
Human Communication
Pre-Physical Therapy
Chemistry
Humanities & Philosophy
Public Health
Classical Acting
Individualized Studies
Public Relations
Communication Studies
Integrated Studies with Digital Design
Scientific Computing
Corporate Recreation & Wellness
Integrated Studies with Visual Technology
Software Development
Dance Data Analytics Digital Design Entertainment, Arts & Animation Environmental Science Experience Management Family Studies & Human Development Geoscience Global Studies
Integrated Studies with Web Design and Development Interaction Design Long Term Care Administration Management Marketing
Spanish-Secondary Education Sport Management Theater: Design/Technical Theater: Directing Theater: Generalist Web Design and Development
Media Production Media Studies
MINORS Accounting
Economics
Mathematics Education
American Sign Language
Environmental Humanities
Music
Art
Family Studies and Human Development
Nonprofit Management
Art History
Gender Studies
Philosophy
Biology
Geoscience
Photography
Biomedical Science
Global Studies
Physics
Chemistry
Health Care Administration
Psychology
Communication Studies
Health Psychology
Public Health
Computer Science
Humanities & Philosophy
Social Justice
Creative Writing
Information Technology
Sociology
Criminology
Long Term Care Administration
Sports Communication
Dance
Management
Theater
Digital Defense and Security
Marketing
Web Design & Development
Digital Design
Mathematics
ACADEMIC INITIATIVES POLYTECHNIC ACADEMIC MODEL To meet the community’s need for employees prepared for careers in business, technology, and health care, the University adopted its “active learning. active life.” approach to education and a polytechnic model in 2015. As a comprehensive university, Utah Tech continues to offer academic programs in all disciplines — humanities, arts, education, health sciences, business, and STEM – while going deeper in the business, technology, and health care fields. Commensurate with a polytechnic education, the University began emphasizing: Hands-on learning Career readiness Human-centered approach to problem solving Authentic industry experiences Internships
Industry partnerships
Clinical experiences
Service learning
Undergraduate research
GLOBAL LEADER Establishing ourselves as a leader in the polytechnic educational space, Utah Tech hosted 130 academicians from eight countries at the Global Polytechnic Education Alliance’s 2023 Global Polytechnic Summit.
FOUR IN FOUR Understanding that real-life challenges can prevent students from finishing their degrees uninterrupted, Utah Tech is working on a Four in Four model in which students earn a credential each year that will benefit them in the workforce in the event they need to pause their education. Looking forward, the University will continue to apply this model to more academic programs. Year 1: Certificate Year 2: Associate degree Year 3: Advanced certificate Year 4: Bachelor’s degree
UT ONLINE With more than 300 course offerings as well as complete master’s, bachelor’s, associate, certificate and degree completion programs available, the UT Online office was established in 2017 and caters to nontraditional students who need flexibility. 2 master’s programs 3 bachelor’s degree completion programs 8 bachelor’s programs 3 associate programs 9 certificate programs
PLURALSIGHT In 2022, Utah Tech partnered with technology workforce development company Pluralsight to offer the University community unlimited access to thousands of online courses and hands-on learning experiences on innovative technology topics. In 2023, Utah Tech won Pluralsight’s Best in Tech Gold award for upskilling and reskilling.
2,299 USERS HAVE TAKEN PLURALSIGHT COURSES USERS HAVE LOGGED MORE THAN 10,285 HOURS
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH PARTNERSHIP To bring more medical training to Southern Utah, we partnered with the University of Utah to launch a Physician Assistant program in 2018 and a doctoral program in Physical Therapy in 2022.
BOOTH HONORS PROGRAM Revamped in 2015, the Booth Honors Program challenges students to do their best academically, creatively, and personally and contribute to an active learning community.
102 GRADUATES SINCE 2015 800% INCREASE IN GRADUATES
STEM OUTREACH Thanks to the Utah State Legislature awarding the University STEM outreach funding in 2016, we increased our STEM outreach efforts and built a STEM pipeline that teaches kindergarten through 12th graders valuable tech know-how and prepares them to eventually fill the demand for qualified tech talent. Additionally, the University established the STEM Outreach Center in Atwood Innovation Plaza in September 2021 as a hub for innovative classes, workshops, and community events.
OFFERED 475 PROGRAMS INTERACTED WITH MORE THAN 55,000 K-12 STUDENTS
OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES Saving students $213,500 in textbook costs each year, UT faculty and staff have created 8 textbooks, shared 1 open courseware, and implemented 3 open pedagogy projects to make learning materials open and free to anyone. In classes using Open Educational Resources, we have seen a: 135% increase in A grades 26% increase in A- grades 26% decrease in F grades 38% decrease in withdrawals
SYMPOSIUM FOR RESEARCH, INNOVATION, AND CREATIVITY Launched in 2017, Utah Tech’s Symposium for Research, Innovation, and Creativity is a forum for members of the campus and local community alike to present cutting-edge research, innovation, and creative projects in various formats, including talks, posters, performances, and displays.
200
2017-2023
150
100
PRESENTATIONS GIVEN
509
STUDENT PRESENTATIONS
474
STUDENT PRESENTERS
775
NUMBER OF PRESENTERS
871
TOTAL ATTENDEES
50
2,460
0 2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
CAMPUS INNOVATION ATWOOD INNOVATION PLAZA Opened in 2019 as Southern Utah’s premier business development pipeline, Atwood Innovation Plaza offers: No-cost consultations and incubator workspace through the Business Resource Center Resources to create prototypes and perform small-run manufacturing though the Makerspace Assistance with research, patents, trademarks, and copyrights through Innovation Guidance & Solutions Help getting businesses up and running through the Startup Incubator
INNOVATION GUIDANCE AND SOLUTIONS CENTER
892
227
123
26
138
IDEAS VETTED
PATENTS SUBMITTED
PATENTS GRANTED
COPYRIGHTS GRANTED
TRADEMARKS SUBMITTED
BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER
1,830
156
941
128
394
CONSULTATIONS
PUBLISHED TRAININGS
SERVICE ASSESSMENTS
BUSINESSES CREATED
JOBS CREATED
PATENT AND TRADEMARK RESOURCE CENTER The United States Patent and Trademark Office designated Utah Tech University as a Patent and Trademark Resource Center in 2022. Housed in the Holland Centennial Commons Library, the center provides access to a network of intellectual property experts, enhancing entrepreneurs’ ability to file patents and get them granted.
CENTER FOR PRECISION MEDICINE & FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS With a state-of-the-art lab and opportunities for students to participate in cutting-edge programs, this new center utilizes zebrafish to research newly discovered mutations and the role they play on human health.
PARKSPASS Utah Tech students work with industry professionals to develop the technology that is innovating and automating all of the state’s 46 parks. ParksPass improves the overall park experience for employees and visitors, including the ability to purchase digital day-use passes.
UT ONLINE IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY Utah Tech computer science and animation students, in collaboration with faculty and UT online staff, created headset-based virtual reality learning experiences. More than 30 UT students involved in creating and testing the apps 15 unique lab experiences have been created and tested with students A class of 24 students are piloting an online VR physics lab during Fall 2023
BUILDING A UNIVERSITY EXPANDING CAMPUS Utah Tech has built or renovated 42 spaces throughout the last 10 years. •
ACE Center Powered by Sun American Mortgage
•
Human Performance Center
•
Atwood Innovation Plaza
•
Idea Room
•
Black Desert Resort Golf Facility
•
•
Booth Wellness Center
International Students & Scholars Office
•
Brooks’ Stop
•
McDonald Center
•
Browning Learning Resource Center
•
North Admin Building
•
Burns Arena Concourse
•
5 parking lots
•
Burns North Offices
•
Public Dental Hygiene Clinic
•
Campus View Suites I
•
Schofield Wealth Management Director’s Club
•
Campus View Suites II
•
•
Campus View Suites III
Science, Engineering & Technology building
•
Clock Tower
•
Smith’s Computer Center
•
Education Building Remodel
•
South Admin Building
•
Financial Education Center Powered by Statera Wealth Management
•
Tennis Courts
•
Trailblazer Café
•
Football Practice Field - Retaining Wall
•
Trailblazer Sports Medicine Center
•
General Classroom Building
•
Trailblazer Tunnel
•
Graff Music Practice Room Expansion
•
Veterans Memorial
•
Greater Zion Stadium
•
Volleyball Locker Room
•
Habibian Athletic Center
•
Zonos Graduate Studies Lab
•
Heritage Cove
HOUSING STUDENTS 334 ON-CAMPUS BEDS IN 2013 1,050 ON-CAMPUS BEDS IN 2023 214% GROWTH
BUILDING A FUTURE In addition to funding many new state-of-the-art facilities, the Utah Legislature has supported our growth through various strategic land bank projects. Atwood Innovation Plaza Desert Color Campus St. George Fire Station 1 University Plaza
SCHOLARLY SUPPORT Facilitating academic study and scholarly achievement beyond the classroom, Utah Tech created 29 centers, laboratories, and institutes in the past decade. Additionally, we established University College in 2020 to provide the support necessary to offer associate degrees and certificates in line with our mission to deliver community college services to Southern Utah. •
Academic Performance Center
•
Kanab Education Center
•
Analytics and Modeling Center
•
Outdoor Leadership Institute
•
Center for Adult and Professional Education
•
Panguitch Education Center
•
Center for Climate Change and Resilience
•
Park Visitor Data Center
•
Center for Inclusion & Belonging
•
Public Dental Hygiene Clinic
•
Center for Integrative Research on Health and Societal Equity
•
Rural Public Policy and Lands Institute
•
Student Resource Center
•
SoftCell Biological Research
•
Southwest Geosciences Center
•
Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center
•
Trailblazer Center For Lifelong Health and Wellness
•
Trailblazer Engagement Center
•
UT Athletic Training Student Clinic
•
Veteran Success Center
•
Center for Precision & Functional Genomics
•
Center for Race, Gender and Identity
•
Center for Teaching and Learning
•
Creative Studios
•
Digital Forensics Crime Laboratory
•
Hildale Education Center
•
Humanities Center
•
Institute for Continued Learning
•
Institute of Politics and Public Affairs
COMMUNITY GENEROSITY Utah Tech’s growth has been made possible by countless generous community members, elected officials, and partners. Nearly doubled funds awarded to students from $10.4 million to $19.8 million Expanded the University base budget by 50% Received the largest single marketing agreement in school history — $10 million for the Greater Zion Stadium renovation Received the largest in-kind gift in school history — Stan Watts’ President Abraham Lincoln Signing the Emancipation Proclamation, valued at $4 million
2013-2023 CUMULATIVE GIVING GREATER THAN $100,000 PRIVATE DONORS Berniece P. Godfrey
J. Ralph & Cheri B. Atkin
Tony & Shae Allen
Brandon & Becky Staples
Jerry & Carolyn Atkin
Elvin & June Anderson
Craig & Maureen Booth
Lindsay & Laura Atwood
Lloyd & Annie Jennings
Craig Earnshaw
Mary Esther & Howard Putnam
Edward H. & Idonna E. Snow
David & June Jeppson
Monte & Lisa Holm
Scott B. Snow
David & Nanette Pugsley
Nisson Family Trust/LeRoy Nisson
Stephen & Marcia Wade
Denis & Diane Lyman
Paul & Lisa Huber
Greg Kemp
Don & Peggy Watkins
Scott C. Rasmussen
Roger & Jan Nuttal
Hans & Sandra De Haan
Sid & Mary Ann Atkin
CORPORATION/FOUNDATION DONORS Alan & Jeanne Hall Foundation
Intermountain Power Agency
St. George City
Brittney & Benjamin Moore Family Foundation
Legend Ventures LLC
State Bank of Southern Utah
C. Scott and Dorothy E. Watkins Foundation
Miller Family Philanthropy
Ultradent Products, Inc.
Clyde Companies Inc.
Mountain America Credit Union
Utah Tech Foundation
FJ Management
O.C. Tanner
Vasion
Garth B. Last Charitable Foundation
RAM Manufacturing, Inc./ Ray & Melzie Ganowsky
Wells Fargo
Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office Habibian LTD Intermountain Health
SkyWest Airlines Sorenson Impact Foundation Sorenson Legacy Foundation
Zions Bancorporation Foundation Zions Management Services Company Zonos
PROJECTS MADE POSSIBLE BY DONORS STUDENT SUPPORT •
Beverley Taylor Sorenson Endowed Chair
•
Lyman GeoScience Center
•
Booth Wellness Center
•
Student-Athlete Nutrition
•
Gemini Diode Lasers for Dental Hygiene Program
•
Student Scholarships
•
International Student Support
•
Technology, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center
•
Clock Tower
NEW FACILITIES •
Greater Zion Stadium
•
West Grandstands
•
Human Performance Center
•
Press Box
•
Holland Centennial Commons & Library
•
Luxury Seating and Hospitality Area
•
Science, Engineering & Technology Building
•
Locker Room
•
Snow Math & Science Center
•
Players Lounge
•
UT Golf Practice Facility at Black Desert
RENOVATIONS •
Atwood Innovation Plaza
•
Schofield Wealth Management Lounge
•
Business Resource Center at Atwood Innovation Plaza
•
Smith’s Computer Center Lab Renovation
•
DoTerra Athletic Fueling Station
•
Statera Financial Education Center
•
Habibian Weight Room Remodel
•
Sun American Mortgage Advising and Career Engagement Center
•
Monson, Morris Idea Room
•
Trailblazer Sports Medicine
•
Mountain America Video Scoreboards
•
Zonos Graduate Studies Classroom
DONATIONS OVER THE DECADE YEAR
NUMBER OF GIFTS
CASH GIFTS
GIFTS IN KIND
TOTAL VALUE OF ALL GIFTS
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
1,694 1,886 2,683 3,415 3,114 2,615 3,359 3,662 4,580 4,643 5,526
$1,824,878.27 $2,695,203.01 $2,931,110.37 $1,591,220.43 $1,976,755.45 $1,903,985.99 $9,662,098.67 $1,588,070.27 $2,514,471.83 $3,249,050.25 $4,384,615.14
$229,808.89 $51,690.56 $128,942.37 $72,395.37 $46,615.00 $94,610.25 $525,071.11 $4,169,261.00 $82,248.06 $227,649.49 $9,185,093.66
$2,054,687.16 $2,746,893.57 $3,060,052.74 $1,663,615.99 $2,023,370.45 $1,998,596.24 $10,187,169.78 $5,757,331.27 $2,596,719.89 $3,476,699.74 $13,569,708.80
TOTAL
37,177
$34,321,459.68
$14,813,385.95
$49,134,845.63
BUILDING A BRAND Keeping pace with the explosive growth and evolution of the institution, University Marketing & Communication has proven to be a Trailblazer in its own right by creating, promoting, and protecting the University brand.
ATHLETIC IDENTITY REBRAND In 2016, after a year of market research including 5,000 participants, UMAC unveiled to rave reviews the new Trailblazer athletic identity with Brooks the Bison as the mascot. Upon discovering the pioneers used bison trails to migrate west, Brooks the Bison was chosen as the Trailblazing mascot and symbol, named after the institution’s first student, Samuel Brooks. The Trailblazer identity pays homage to pioneers, inventors, and innovators both past and present, while the word “blaze” offers a nod to our warm climate.
INSTITUTIONAL NAME REBRAND In 2015, Utah Tech University adopted a polytechnic academic model, similar to other top ranked institutions in the U.S. like Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, and Cal Poly. After an extensive two-year process, including three major market research projects, more than 20,000 participants, and support from the Board of Trustees, the Utah Board of Higher Education, the Utah State Legislature, and the governor of the state of Utah, Dixie State University changed its name to Utah Tech University. The change was deemed necessary to reflect the University’s polytechnic mission, provide a unambiguous location identifier, and offer a name that would allow the institution to compete and be recognized nationally.
AWARD-WINNING WORK By overseeing two major rebrands and producing countless creative and innovate ways to market the University, UMAC has become a nationally recognized and awarded communication team, receiving some of the nation’s most prestigious communication awards. •
Sales & Marketer of the Year — UT Business Magazine
•
Silver Anvil – Public Relations Society of America (3+)
•
Award of Excellence – Public Relations Society of America (2+)
•
The Telly Awards (10+)
•
National Council of Marketing & Public Relations (30+)
•
The Communicator Awards (3+)
•
AVA Digital Awards (5+)
•
EDMA Awards (3+) Including “Best in Show”
•
MarCom Awards (5+) Including “Best in Show”
•
Hermes Awards (4+)
•
SIAA Awards (3+) Including “Best In Show”
CREATIVE CONTENT •
The music video “A Million Dreams” featuring Alex Boye and produced by UMAC has been viewed nearly 3 million times.
•
UMAC created new names, logos, brand standards, and more to better promote the University worldwide.
•
UMAC oversaw the rebrand of campus, which required thousands of updates.
IN THE NEWS YEAR
MENTIONS IN THE MEDIA
PEOPLE POTENTIALLY REACHED
AD VALUE EQUIVALENCY
2012-13
546
1,212,187,303
$11,212,732
2022-23
3,165
5,663,483,131
$52,387,219
SOCIAL MEDIA Utah Tech social media offers millions and millions of touchpoints to Trailblazers around the world annually. These digital channels allow students, alumni, and our entire campus community to experience University programs, achievements, and events and brings the Trailblazer spirit directly to them, wherever they may be.
INSTITUTION-WIDE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE Instagram Followers
153,512
Facebook Followers
47,681
Monthly Overall Impressions
3 MILLION +
YouTube Views
3,512,148
ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY WELCOMING THE COMMUNITY TO CAMPUS Over the last decade, Utah Tech has maintained its commitment to providing the community with the benefits of having a University in town, including access to a wide variety of social, cultural, educational, entertainment, and athletic events throughout the year. Since gaining University status, UT has expanded the quantity and quality of its community events, hosting hundreds of thousands of attendees on campus every year. •
Trailblazer Nation Spring Fest
•
Groundbreaking ceremonies
•
Trailblazer Nation Tricks and Treats Fest
•
Ribbon Cutting celebrations
•
Trailblazer Nation Tree Lighting Celebration
•
Hall of Fame Ceremony
•
Utah High School Athletic Association State Championship Games
•
Bands of America
•
Homecoming
•
Ironman Land of Endurance 5k
•
D-Week
•
Huntsman World Senior Games
•
DOCUTAH International Film Festival
•
336 Division I Trailblazer Athletics games
•
Dixie’s Got Talent
•
Kony Country 4th of July Celebration and Firework Show
•
Celebrity Concert Series
•
Dixie Power Kite Festival
•
Utah Tech Live
•
•
Fire & Ice
Robert N. and Peggy Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale
•
Commencement
•
Highlighted speakers
•
Kinnect U
•
Concert and show productions
•
Kinnect U 2
•
Special Olympics Utah
•
Pioneer Legacy & Firework Celebration
EVENTS HELD OVER THE LAST DECADE
8,607
6,345
18,276
1,415
ART PRODUCTIONS
CAMPS
ATHLETIC GAMES
CONFERENCES
1,770
385
1,388,932
COMMUNITY EVENTS
HIGH SCHOOL EVENTS
TOTAL EVENT BOOKINGS
REACHING THE COMMUNITY Utah Tech partners with the City of St. George and the Washington County School District to offer community members noncredit Community Education classes designed to satisfy personal desires for self-improvement, job skill obtainment, recreation, or social interaction.
25,000 COMMUNITY MEMBERS PARTICIPATED IN 250 CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, AND PROGRAMS SINCE 2013 25,000 YOUTH HAVE BEEN ON CAMPUS FOR SUMMER CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS
Institute for Continued Learning offers community members the opportunity to take as many ICL classes as they would like for one nominal fee. 2012-13
2022-23
50 CLASSES
80 CLASSES
600 MEMBERS
950 MEMBERS 5 CLUBS
As part of the institute, UT partners with the City of St. George and Intermountain Health to offer Live Long. Live Well. to connect Washington County residents who are 50 and older with programs that help their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional health as well as promote longevity. Brightening local children’s smiles, the Dental Hygiene Program hosts the Give Kids A Smile clinic every year to offer uninsured children free dental care. UT accounting students and faculty offer low- and middle-income community members free tax preparation services through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. TAX RETURNS FILED: 1,108
STUDENT VOLUNTEER HOURS: 1,116
REFUNDS BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY: $2,111,120
EDUCATION TAX CREDITS RECEIVED ON STUDENTS’ BEHALF: $302,456 DATA IS FROM THE 2022-23 ACADEMIC YEAR
BUILDING AN ALLIANCE A mutually beneficial initiative that helps create an economically strong and socially vibrant future by connecting campus resources with community needs, City Alliance brings together Utah Tech students, faculty, and staff with a partner city to work on initiatives that improve residents’ lives. In its first year during the 2021-22 academic year, City Alliance helped St. George route new bike paths, streamline St. George Police Department staff scheduling, conserve water on golf courses, design signage for the Iron Man World Championship, and audit the city’s promotions and marketing. In 2022-23, UT students helped Santa Clara revive the downtown commercial district, study environmental impacts along the Santa Clara River, update the General City Plan, encourage community involvement, prevent further slope deterioration, and more. During the 2023-24 academic year, City Alliance plans to partner with the town of Springdale.
TRAILBLAZER ATHLETICS Trailblazer student-athletes continue the tradition of working hard on the field and court, in the community, and in the classroom. Just as the University has transitioned over the last decade, so has the Athletics Department, from a Division II school competing in the PacWest and Rocky Mountain conferences to going Division I in the WAC in 2020.
PACIFIC WEST CONFERENCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS (2013-18) 11 Team Championships
9 Coach of the Year Awards
2 Individual Championships
11 Sport Scholar Athletes
6 Player of the Year Awards
4 Scholar Athletes of the Year
1 Female Athlete of the Year Award
693 Academic All-PACWEST Selections
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS (2018-20) 4 Team Championships 1 RMAC Player of the Year Award 3 RMAC Summit Academic Award Winners 2 RMAC Coach of the Year Awards 184 Academic All-RMAC Selections 27 NCAA Regional Team Appearances 4 NCAA Regional Individual Appearances 5 NCAA Regional Team Championships 3 Team NCAA National Championship Appearances 23 NCAA Division II All-Americans 30 CoSIDA Academic All-District Selections 12 CoSIDA Academic All-America Selections 18,754 Hours of Community Service
WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS (2020-CURRENT) 1 Team Championship 4 WAC Individual/Meet Championships 2 WAC Player/Athlete of the Year Awards 2 WAC Coach of the Year Awards 461 Academic All-WAC Selections 30 CoSIDA Academic All-District Selections 37 College Sport Communicators Academic All-District Selections 1 CoSIDA Academic All-America Selection
SCHOLAR-ATHLETES 3.00 Overall GPA for 12-Straight Semesters 3.00 Overall GPA in 17 of the Last 20 Semesters Program-Best 3.385 Overall GPA During the 2019-20 Academic Year
MORE TRAILS TO BLAZE Utah Tech University has made significant strides in the last decade, but we’re not done growing. The University has ambitious goals for the next 10 years. We will continue to provide our students and community with premier educational opportunities and enriching experiences. Continued enrollment growth Continue to strengthen academic programs with technology Create Innovation District Implement childcare solutions Complete General Classroom Building Open Campus View Suites III Upgrade Student Union Expand Health Science Building Renovate Cox Performing Arts Center Enhance Softball Stadium Build Basketball Practice Facility
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