Demonstrating the state’s continued support of higher education and Utah Tech University in particular, the Utah State Legislature allocated more than $2.5 million in performance funding to Utah Tech and supported a number of the university’s community outreach initiatives during the 2023 legislative session.
“Utah State legislators continue to be amazing advocates for education, our students and, in turn, our entire community. I am deeply grateful to our state leaders, especially the Southern Utah delegation, who continue to be incredible champions for our community,” Richard B. Williams, president of Utah Tech University, said. “Thanks to their support, Utah Tech University is set up to continue offering active learning opportunities that prepare our students to graduate career-ready, outreach programs that prepare generations to meet future workforce needs and community services that make Utah such a great place to live.”
In recognition of Utah Tech University achieving a variety of annual goals, the Legislature allocated $2,505,300 in performance funding. Among other initiatives, this funding supports the university’s partnership with Pluralsight, which grants UT students and employees access to more than 7,000 technology-focused online courses. These hands-on learning experiences supplement classroom learning and prepare students for careers in an increasingly digital world, regardless of their area of study. Additional performance funding will support faculty and staff compensation to ensure the university retains quality employees.
Additionally, the Legislature awarded the university funding to purchase the 1.2 acre parcel of property that currently houses St. George Fire Station 1 on 1000 East. After the station relocates to the intersection of 100 South and 400 East, the 1000 East property, which is located adjacent to campus, will benefit outdoor and community outreach programs offered through the university.
Maximizing UT’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education while facilitating innovation across state agencies, the Legislature appropriated $400,000 to Utah Tech’s Innovation Labs to implement new projects. Gaining real-world hands-on experience, students will help with a variety of innovative projects across state agencies and departments. This model has already proven successful when Utah Tech partnered with the state to design ParksPass, which is now used in all state parks to share park information with visitors and collect entrance fees.
Utah Tech’s Digital Forensics Crime Lab, which conducts analyses and extraction of data from cell phones, computers and other sources of digital evidence for law enforcement partners across the state and nation, also received legislative support. The lab was allocated $100,000 to purchase software, hardware and expand student opportunities and student internships. The funding will benefit the entire state, as the lab has conducted analysis for more than 60 percent of Utah’s 144 police and sheriff’s departments.
Helping Utah Tech prepare youth for STEM careers, the university’s K-12 STEM Outreach Center received $100,000 to expand engineering, computing and biotechnology programs for students from preschool to high school. Additionally, the funding will make it possible for the center to create a STEM supplies lending library and develop new STEM programs throughout UT’s service region.
In another show of community support, the Legislature dedicated $28 million to renovate the M.K. Cox Performing Arts Center, located on the UT campus. The Southwest Symphony and Southern Utah Heritage Choir, who together form the Performing Arts Center of Southern Utah organization, requested the funding to help expand the lobby, box office, concessions, rehearsal and gathering spaces as well as add a balcony. Additional funding will also be raised to complete this project.
“We are thrilled with this investment in our community, and believe it will benefit generations of Southern Utahns for years to come,” said Lowry Snow, chair of the Performing Arts Center of Southern Utah organization. “A renovated facility will provide a gathering place for the community to enrich each other through the arts.”
In addition to meeting the community desire to expand arts offerings, renovating the Cox to make it the home for the Southwest Symphony and Southern Utah Heritage Choir is also in line with the university’s goal to blend university resources with regional organizations as part of its strategic plan, Trailblazing Distinction.
Beyond being a committed community partner, Utah Tech offers more than 250 academic programs at one of the lowest tuition costs in the Western United States. As part of its polytechnic mission, the university provides personalized and engaged learning experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers and enriched lives.