Latest news with #UVU
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah Valley University Unveils Innovative Autonomous Aircraft Tug 2.0 at Provo Airport
Engineering Students Revolutionize Aircraft Taxiing With Smart, Fuel-Saving Technology UVU airplane tug demonstration 1 UVU airplane tug demonstration 2 Orem, Utah, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Utah Valley University (UVU) has unveiled version 2.0 of its autonomous electric aircraft tug, a cutting-edge student-driven innovation designed to reduce fuel consumption, lower emissions, and enhance airport safety. Recently demonstrated at the Provo Airport, this next-generation tug aims to transform how aircraft move on runways. Aircraft Tug 2.0: What's New? The redesigned prototype features major upgrades, including a hands-free coupling and decoupling system for seamless aircraft attachment, remote-control operation via cellular datalink with a live video feed, and a redesigned drivetrain for improved performance and efficiency. According to Dr. Brett Stone, UVU mechanical engineering professor and former Northrop Grumman design engineer, 'The latest redesign has taken the tug to the next level. Months of brainstorming, testing, and labor have paid off, and it's thrilling to show people how it works.' Solving Aviation's Fuel and Safety Challenges Aircraft traditionally taxi using jet engines, which consume 70-80 gallons of fuel taxiing from the jetway to the runway at airports like Salt Lake City International. In 2019 alone, adopting electric tugs could have saved airlines at SLC International $2.17 million in fuel costs while reducing noise and emissions — equivalent to removing 2,400+ cars from the road annually. 'This year, we built on last year's groundwork to modify, assemble, and test the tug,' said Bradan Penrod, a mechanical engineering student at UVU. 'The attachment mechanism was one of the toughest challenges, requiring precision and problem-solving. As a mechanical engineer, learning the electrical systems was also a steep curve, but working with others made it easier. The hands-on experience working on the tug has definitely prepared me for the workforce.' Beyond environmental benefits, the tug enhances airport worker safety. Unfortunately, tarmac personnel face risks when working with live jet engines, and UVU's autonomous tug provides a safer, fuel-efficient alternative. Industry Recognition and Commercial Potential Launched by Engineering Professors Brett Stone and Matt Jensen and Computer Science Professor George Rudolph, the project was designed to give students hands-on engineering experience. Two different teams of eight mechanical engineering and four computer science students built the prototype over two semesters, backed by $15,000 in grant funding from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation. Their innovation won first place at the ACRP University Design Competition in 2024, securing an additional $3,000 award. The project has since attracted industry attention, with patents pending and discussions about commercial applications. The Future of UVU's Aircraft Tug With further development, UVU aims to scale the tug for larger regional jets like the Embraer and Canadair — and eventually Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft. Additional applications include autonomous towing for baggage trains and snowplows and flexible operating modes: pilot-controlled, remote-operated, or fully autonomous. 'We are optimistic about its commercial future,' said Professor Stone. 'The technology is proving that student-led innovation can redefine aviation sustainability.' ### Attachments UVU airplane tug demonstration 1 UVU airplane tug demonstration 2 CONTACT: Scott Trotter Utah Valley University 8014196860 in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Real world' experiences can yield college credit for Utah Valley University students
More than a third of the students at Utah Valley University — the state's largest college — are 25 or older. That means a sizable chunk of UVU's student body are likely bringing to the classroom an abundance of 'real world' experience in, say, business, entrepreneurship, management or land surveying. School leaders say they value such experience — and that they're eager to reward eligible students possessing a robust 'experience-resume' with college credit and a speedier path to graduation. As in the past, students at the Orem institution can continue to earn college credit by passing, say, CLEP tests and standardized language tests. But UVU is also broadening its Credit for Prior Learning program to include credit-granting opportunities in business, construction management, criminal justice, culinary arts, nutrition, health sciences and several other professional areas. 'We're reimagining what it means to be a learner,' Colleen Sorensen, UVU's director of CPL and Student Assessment Services, told the Deseret News. 'We're shifting our culture to honor and assess the skills and the knowledge that students bring with them, because we realize that learning happens everywhere. 'We want college-level learning to be recognized.' The aim of expanding UVU's Credit for Prior Learning program is simple: increase graduation rates while providing a faster route to career advancement. 'CPL accelerates the time to the degree and helps the student significantly,' added Sorensen. It's ideal for many military veterans, working professionals, stay-at-home parents and returning college students. Students who served religious missions might also be candidates for the program if they have acquired skills in a foreign language offered at the university and/or other life experiences that fit within a specific academic program and include college-level learning. Credit for Prior Learning credit is awarded to matriculated UVU students who demonstrate — through a prior-learning assessment — that their 'real world' learning meets college-level competencies, according to the school's program site. It's a way for eligible students to receive credit for skills acquired on the job or through, say, professional or military training. And the CPL's formal assessment process ensures that the integrity and academic standards of UVU's specific academic programs are maintained, according to Sorensen. Credit for prior learning is awarded by demonstrating proficiency in a particular field — including professional certifications, third party evaluations, standardized exams, institutional exams, individualized assessments and student-submitted portfolios. For example, according to UVU, individuals who have earned Certiport Microsoft office specialist certifications may receive credit for information management coursework. Military veterans and public safety professionals can apply prior training toward emergency services degrees. In digital media, portfolios from professionals in animation, digital cinema, or web development can be assessed for credit. Each UVU department participating in the credit program will award credit within the context of their specific mission, student needs and academic program, according to UVU. Credentialed faculty in each discipline will establish the course criteria and assess fulfillment to determine credit awarded. Program credits may be applied toward courses in a certificate of completion, AA, AS, AAS degree, BS degree and BA degree programs only for the purpose of satisfying graduation requirements, according to the university. The number of credit hours that may be awarded will likely depend upon the certificate or degree being pursued by the student. UVU's credit program is also available to graduate students, noted Sorensen. UVU's program website includes an online 'self-assessment checklist' to help would-be applicants determine if the program is a viable option. The checklist includes questions such as: 'Have I had at least three years of experience in the field/subject area?'; 'Do I understand both the practical and theoretical applications of the course?'; and 'Have I managed other people at work or a volunteer organization?' If the program appears to be a promising option, interested students can complete an online questionnaire and begin their application process. An assessment team will then review the student's questionnaire and provide additional information. While there's no guarantee that a student's application will be approved, Sorensen said the program has already proven rewarding for a significant number of UVU students. 'Last semester, about 62% of the program requests were awarded — and we would like to see that number increase,' she said.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UVU expands program to convert real-world experience into academic credits
OREM, Utah () — Utah Valley University is expanding its credit for prior learning (CPL) program to give students more opportunities to turn their real-world experience into academic progress. CPL is a program that allows students to earn college credit for knowledge and skills they may have developed outside of the classroom, including work experience, military service, certifications, and other professional training. BYU leads in student inventor patents, recent study shows UVU said in a press release that CPL is a priority to help support adult learners, especially those who may have started a degree but did not finish it. According to the release, the initiative is meant to encourage new and returning students to finish their education through a pathway that saves time and money. 'By expanding CPL, UVU aims to increase graduation rates and provide a faster route to career advancement,' the release said. The university said that in response to growing demand, CPL has been expanded in the following areas: Business Marketing Construction management Criminal justice Culinary arts Land surveying Digital media Human resources Biology Nutrition Education Health sciences CPL can be earned through several methods, such as standardized exams, institutional exams, portfolios of professional work, and evaluation of training or industry certifications. Examples include students who have earned a certification in Microsoft Office, military veterans, and public safety professionals who have training that is pertinent to emergency service degrees. Those who have worked in digital media, such as professional animation, digital cinema, or web development, can also be assessed for credit. 'Each request tells a story,' said Colleen Sorensen, director of CPL and Student Assessment Services at UVU. 'Students come to us with real-world experience that's incredibly valuable. We've made it our mission to build flexible and innovative pathways that recognize and honor that experience through CPL.' Learn more about the CPL program on UVU's website. Lawmakers work to finalize budget bill Ukraine wants 30-day ceasefire with Russia Air traffic controller shortage cause delays Body of Brigham City man discovered at Stinking Springs, investigation underway UVU expands program to convert real-world experience into academic credits Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Class of 2025: Utah Valley University awards record number of degrees
Utah Valley University (UVU) just made school history. More than 12,000 were honored Wednesday evening at the school's 2025 commencement ceremony — the largest graduating class in school history at Utah's largest university. 'You now join the ranks of UVU alumni who, since 1941, have used their knowledge and talents to continue to make the world a better place,' UVU's acting president Jim Mortensen told the thousands of new graduates gathered at the UCCU Center in Orem. 'Continue this tradition of embodying our core values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability and exceptional results. 'Congratulations. Class of 2025!' UVU's Class of '25 is distinctly Utahn. Almost 85% of the 12,000-plus graduates are from the Beehive State — hailing from 28 of the state's 29 counties. Additionally, this year's graduates from the Orem institution come from 47 states and 53 countries. The school calls itself a 'Come As You Are' higher education institution. And that student accessibility is reflected in the broad demographics of this year's graduates. About 45% are 25 or older — and more than a third are the first from their families to graduate from college. The youngest new UVU graduate? A 16-year-old. The oldest 'Wolverine' 2025 grad: A 71-year-old. 'We meet students where they are and guide them toward success,' said Mortensen in a UVU release. 'They are scholars, innovators, and pioneers — with many the first in their families to achieve this milestone. We are proud of our graduates and are confident they will contribute to Utah's thriving economy.' UVU President Astrid Tuminez was excused from Wednesday's commencement ceremony. She has been taking a brief sabbatical following the recent death of her husband, Jeffrey Tolk. Crystal Maggelet, Chief Executive Officer of FJ Management, Inc., and Maverik, was Wednesday's commencement ceremony keynote speaker. 'This day is a day of well earned pride for you, your families and the communities that surround UVU,' said Maggelet. 'Whether you arrived here on a straightforward path or one full of unexpected detours, you made it — that deserves our full attention and celebration.' The Utah business leader spoke of her own journey that was defined by resilience and building priceless experience while navigating challenges. She learned from her parents the importance of being optimistic and always working hard. Maggelet encountered difficulties growing up — but they taught her tenacity and persistence. 'I learned that starting over teaches you a lot and makes you better equipped to face the next challenge,' she said. 'When it came time for college, there was no question that I would go. 'My parents wanted me to be the first in our family to earn a college degree.' That same resilience — combined with her education — would serve Maggelet well during difficult moments in her own business career. But she remained resilient and worked hard until success was assured. 'Even at 60, I continue to learn every day. Resilience has been a crucial part of my journey, especially in the face of big obstacles. And each generation faces its own. As you graduate today, you too face challenges,' she said. But there are also many reasons for optimism. 'This progress hasn't been perfect or linear — but that's what resilience is: The ability to keep moving forward, even when things don't go according to plan,' she said. UVU's newest class of graduates, Maggelet concluded, have earned their place in an imperfect but promising world. 'And I believe you'll help shape it for the better.' In her remarks Wednesday, UVU student body president Mimi Barney noted that none of her fellow graduates have followed identical journeys. 'That was one of the things I love most about this university — its incredible diversity, not just in background, but in experience. We each come from every walk of life.' She saluted her classmates for never giving up and remaining determined during challenging moments. 'Take a moment to be proud of who you are and who you have become,' said Barney. 'Your journey may have not been easy — but you never took the easy way out. This is what real resilience looks like, and it lives in every single one of you. 'It's what makes UVU such an incredible place.' Student speaker Francisco Calderon-Mora said the most important lesson he learned during his years at UVU was not found in a lecture or a textbook — but in making friends and building relationships along the way. 'Relationships are where we get to influence, impact and change people's lives,' said Calderon-Mora. 'Your life cannot be meaningful without them.' UVU, he added, offers more than an education. 'It offered us community and belonging, a place to be seen, a place where authentic, messy, beautiful relationships could grow.' During Wednesday's ceremony, keynoter Maggelet received an honorary doctorate in business, while Baroness Dambisa Moyo of Knightsbridge — a world-renowned economist and member of the United Kingdom House of Lords — was awarded an honorary doctorate in letters. Roger Connors, a noted author and leader in human performance and leadership, received an honorary doctorate in humane letters. Last week, the school was named an 'Opportunity College and University' by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The designation, according to the school, highlights UVU as 'a model for studying how campuses can create and support student success by providing more access to more people in their communities and fostering high earnings post-graduation.' Only 16% of the nation's colleges and universities received a similar 'Opportunity College and University' designation. UVU reports almost 75% of its graduates securing 'high-wage, high-demand' jobs with 4- or 5-star ratings by the Utah Department of Workforce Services in a variety of fields — including nursing, elementary education, engineering, computer science, finance and marriage and family therapy.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah Valley University's high return on investment for students of all backgrounds earning national salutes
Michelle Jackson already possessed several of the qualities needed for college success: Ambition. Strong work ethic. Tenacity. And, finally, a vision for her personal and professional future. But what Jackson needed were those educational opportunities that can be challenging to find for so-called 'First Gens.' Jackson is a first generation immigrant and a first generation college student. She's also a young mother and a new homeowner — busy tackling the day-to-day tasks of caring for a couple of small children and helping to support a household. Utah Valley University, said Jackson, is her ongoing source for those essential educational and mentoring opportunities. 'Anyone who wants to go to UVU has the same opportunities available to them. They make it really accessible for everyone,' she told the Deseret News. The institutional opportunities being offered to Jackson and many of her classmates have earned UVU — the state's largest university by enrollment — an 'Opportunity College and University' designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The designation highlights UVU as 'a model for studying how campuses can create and support student success by providing more access to more people in their communities and fostering high earnings post-graduation,' according to a university release. The UVU designation is part of a newly introduced Student Access and Earnings Classification, published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. The new classification assesses how well institutions create opportunities for student success by measuring whether they enroll students who reflect the communities they serve and by comparing the graduates' earnings to their peers in the same areas. Only 16% of the nation's colleges and universities received a similar 'Opportunity College and University' designation. 'As an open-access institution, UVU encourages students to 'Come as you are' and provides a high-quality education with seamless pathways to a degree, whether through vocational/community college offerings or four-year and master's programs,' said UVU Acting President Jim Mortensen in the release. 'This innovative model has resulted in strong job placement and competitive wages for our graduates, who consistently earn above the national median." 'This Carnegie Classification affirms that our student programs truly make a difference in fostering career success.' UVU reports almost 75% of its graduates securing 'high-wage, high-demand' jobs with 4- or 5-star ratings by the Utah Department of Workforce Services in a variety of fields — including nursing, elementary education, engineering, computer science, finance and marriage and family therapy. UVU leaders also point to the school's comprehensive approach to student support services as key to fostering an opportunity-rich campus. The school's Student Success Center, for example, offers students of all backgrounds academic advising, tutoring, mentorship and wellness programs. Meanwhile, the First-Generation Student Success Center and UVU's GEAR UP resource assistance program offer admissions-to-graduation guidance for students such as Jackson. A Mexico City native, Jackson and her family moved to Provo when she was a little girl. After graduating from Provo High School, she discovered a path to higher education via UVU's GEAR UP program. She began attending school, married and expected to follow a linear student path to Graduation Day. But life intervened. Family challenges and pregnancy prompted Jackson to step away from school. But when she and her husband later found out they were expecting their second child, 'I decided I needed to be a good influence for my children and teach them the importance of education — so I re-enrolled at UVU.' Excited to be back in class and pursuing educational goals, Jackson said she's been 'all in' during her second stint at the Orem school. She participated in the school's 'Presidential 100' program — enjoying the mentorship of UVU President Astrid Tuminez and others on campus. Jackson remembers Tuminez encouraging her to chase and capture dreams. 'President Tuminez said, 'Go write down your dreams and start working on them. You really can accomplish these things.'' That sort of campus leadership and support has proven pivotal for Jackson and her family in purchasing their first home — and she's a year away from graduating with an accounting degree. She has her post-graduation eye on entrepreneurship. Jackson added she has never felt unseen at UVU, despite the school's massive student body of almost 50,000. 'They do a wonderful job of connecting with everyone, individually,' she said. Inside Higher Ed recently highlighted UVU's classification as an 'Opportunity University,' noting the school's commitment to first generation students and non-traditional students. Kyle Reyes, vice president for institutional advancement at Utah Valley, said he attributes the university's high 'Return on Investment' for students to the institution's long-term investment in student success initiatives — and an unwillingness to deviate from its original mission as a broad-access institution. Some of those efforts, Inside Higher Ed noted, have included partnerships with K-12 schools; helping students fill out federal financial aid applications; offering scholarships; academic advising; a food pantry; low-cost, on-campus childcare; student research opportunities; paid internships; and completion grants for returning students. Recognition as an affordable pathway to economic stability through the new classification system is both 'validating' for Utah Valley and a 'game-changer' for all of higher education, Reyes told Inside Higher Ed. 'For so long, the incentives were for exclusion, prestige, lower admission rates and higher test scores — even though on the ground we knew the masses weren't being served by that model,' he said.
