Latest news with #UtahTechUniversity
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet President Shane Smeed: Utah Tech's new leader anxious to optimize school's evolving opportunities
Newly appointed Utah Tech University President Shane Smeed's first day on the job — May 1 — happened on the same day as the school's annual graduation ceremony. 'So my very first day was a commencement — and on my second day, we had three additional commencement ceremonies,' Smeed recently told the Deseret News editorial board. 'So within the first 48 hours of me serving as president, we had the fortunate opportunity to be able to celebrate some of the most exciting days in the lives of our students and their families.' Smeed's enthusiasm to be sharing his personal achievements with those of the UTU student body, simultaneously, seems apropos at a moment of historic change — both within the UTU community and across Utah's higher education system. Perhaps none of the state's degree-granting public institutions has experienced the level of growth in recent years as UTU. During the 2000s, the school originally known as the St. George Stake Academy went from being Dixie State College to Dixie State University and now, since 2022, Utah Tech University. Even the school mascot has evolved: Rebels to Red Storm to Trailblazers. Meanwhile, UTU's enrollment has grown every year since 2013, increasing by almost 60% to over 13,000 students today. Of the school's 304 academic programs, 60% have been developed within the past seven years. One reason why UTU has become a popular higher ed destination for many Utahns — 82% are in-state students — is obvious: It's the most affordable university in the state. But the school's 19th president believes UTU's opportunities extend beyond affordability and program growth. While some in Utah's public higher education system view recent legislation demanding budget reallocations as a hostile act against traditional learning, Smeed sees opportunities. HB265, he counters, 'allows us to reinvest money in the places where we think can be impactful — not only in (students') educational experience, but also in the workforce and preparing them to meet workforce needs and its requirements." Additionally, Smeed is anxious to reconnect with members of the UTU community who may have separated themselves from the school. UTU, he said, is their asset. 'It's an asset for the state. It's an asset for the community and (Washington County). I see my role as president as every bit 'externally facing' as internal — so it's a great opportunity.' Prior to Smeed's hiring, UTU was without a president for over a year after President Richard 'Biff' Williams stepped down from the position. Williams, who now serves as president of Missouri State University, was included as a defendant in an ongoing lawsuit alleging Title IX violations in the wake of a vulgar prank. When asked if those divisive investigations have harmed UTU's reputation, Smeed said his new job offers him the opportunity to be 'a spokesperson for the university' going forward. 'Reputationally, our community will see that our students are probably the best representation of who we are as a university.' A Utah native, Smeed served for almost four years as the president of Missouri's Park University, where he championed education/workforce readiness and expanding the Park campus for military-affiliated students. He and his wife, Angela, are the parents of three children. Smeed presided over Park University while also serving as the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Platte City Missouri Stake. While going through the UTU job application process and meeting with Utah's higher education leaders and members of the Washington County community, 'I realized that this was a special place,' he said. 'I was born in Provo, Utah — so this was a great opportunity for me to come back to my home state.' As an academic, Smeed said he was drawn to UTU's polytechnic mission. 'I believe that it most readily prepares our graduates to meet the workforce needs.' The Beehive State offers a variety of colleges and universities, both public and private, that are relatively affordable and boast a wide range of academic programs. Smeed is confident that UTU — an open-enrollment institution — is a campus where Utahns can thrive academically, while saving a few bucks at the state's most affordable university. 'There's been a big question about whether or not the value of higher education is still there today — but the facts show that a person with a college degree will earn $1.2 million (over one's lifetime) more than one with just a high school diploma,' he said. 'So if you're from Washington County, you can expect to make $20,000 more annually than someone who only has a high school diploma.' Smeed also highlights UTU's campus growth over the past decade that has transformed the campus. He's committed to building relationships with the philanthropic community to raise funds and secure scholarships. Such efforts, said Smeed, will allow UTU students 'to graduate with less debt, or no debt, by the time they're finishing their education — especially for those that are looking for opportunities with internships. 'And then they're ready to hit the job force and really help with workforce development.' Smeed noted that UTU is evolving in real-time even as Washington County's population booms. A new performing arts center and a general classroom building are under construction on campus — and a new residence hall was recently completed. Expect such growth markers and physical footprints to increase in the coming years, he said. 'The growth that's happening in St. George in Washington County is a tremendous opportunity for us to attract more students from Washington County and within the state,' Smeed said, noting that more than half of the school's students come from inside the county. While some have been alarmed by the budget reallocation demands placed on Utah's public colleges and universities by HB265, Smeed sees the new legislation as an opportunity to better educate and prepare students. The state-mandated reallocations happening at Utah campuses should not be viewed as cuts — but, rather, reinvestments that will serve graduates well in the coming decades. 'Through our reinvestment plan, we're looking to add approximately a dozen additional faculty lines to our university.' UTU's new president says he is already focused on building relationships with his new faculty. 'My commitment to them is to listen to their concerns and opportunities,' he said. 'They'll see me as a strategic partner — one that can understand the needs of the faculty but can also understand the broader needs of the university. 'My actions will speak louder than my words.' Smeed is also reassuring UTU students that liberal arts studies and the humanities 'aren't going anywhere.' Still, there might be opportunities to examine traditional programs and decide if there are ways to incorporate, say, new technologies to make them more applicable for today's job market. Smeed's guiding administrative question: 'How can we more strategically place some of those programs in a position where students can graduate, find gainful employment and be able to meet workforce needs, now and then throughout the 21st century?' Varsity sports at UTU made a historic leap last year to NCAA Division I competition. Most of the Trailblazer teams are competing in the Western Athletic Conference, while the gridiron program is part of the Football Championship Subdivision. College sports, of course, have undergone historic disruptions in recent years with the emergence of NIL and the transfer portal for athletes. Given those recent changes, it will take 'a bit of time' to build up the school's athletic program to where it wants to be, said Smeed. But UTU students and fans can still expect to support competitive teams. Everybody loves a winner. 'So we're only going to continue to put investment into our athletic programs,' said Smeed. 'We can't rely on student-athletes to come here without some level of incentive, and so fundraising is a big part of my role as president of the university to find ways to connect with the community, connect with corporate partners and the business community alike, and find ways where they're interested in supporting athletics.' UTU's goal, he added, is to 'fill the stadium and fill the arena.'
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet President Shane Smeed: Utah Tech's new leader anxious to optimize school's evolving opportunities
Newly appointed Utah Tech University President Shane Smeed's first day on the job — May 1 — happened on the same day as the school's annual graduation ceremony. 'So my very first day was a commencement — and on my second day, we had three additional commencement ceremonies,' Smeed recently told the Deseret News editorial board. 'So within the first 48 hours of me serving as president, we had the fortunate opportunity to be able to celebrate some of the most exciting days in the lives of our students and their families.' Smeed's enthusiasm to be sharing his personal achievements with those of the UTU student body, simultaneously, seems apropos at a moment of historic change — both within the UTU community and across Utah's higher education system. Perhaps none of the state's degree-granting public institutions has experienced the level of growth in recent years as UTU. During the 2000s, the school originally known as the St. George Stake Academy went from being Dixie State College to Dixie State University and now, since 2022, Utah Tech University. Even the school mascot has evolved: Rebels to Red Storm to Trailblazers. Meanwhile, UTU's enrollment has grown every year since 2013, increasing by almost 60% to over 13,000 students today. Of the school's 304 academic programs, 60% have been developed within the past seven years. One reason why UTU has become a popular higher ed destination for many Utahns — 82% are in-state students — is obvious: It's the most affordable university in the state. But the school's 19th president believes UTU's opportunities extend beyond affordability and program growth. While some in Utah's public higher education system view recent legislation demanding budget reallocations as a hostile act against traditional learning, Smeed sees opportunities. HB265, he counters, 'allows us to reinvest money in the places where we think can be impactful — not only in (students') educational experience, but also in the workforce and preparing them to meet workforce needs and its requirements." Additionally, Smeed is anxious to reconnect with members of the UTU community who may have separated themselves from the school. UTU, he said, is their asset. 'It's an asset for the state. It's an asset for the community and (Washington County). I see my role as president as every bit 'externally facing' as internal — so it's a great opportunity.' Prior to Smeed's hiring, UTU was without a president for over a year after President Richard 'Biff' Williams stepped down from the position. Williams, who now serves as president of Missouri State University, was included as a defendant in an ongoing lawsuit alleging Title IX violations in the wake of a vulgar prank. When asked if those divisive investigations have harmed UTU's reputation, Smeed said his new job offers him the opportunity to be 'a spokesperson for the university' going forward. 'Reputationally, our community will see that our students are probably the best representation of who we are as a university.' A Utah native, Smeed served for almost four years as the president of Missouri's Park University, where he championed education/workforce readiness and expanding the Park campus for military-affiliated students. He and his wife, Angela, are the parents of three children. Smeed presided over Park University while also serving as the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Platte City Missouri Stake. While going through the UTU job application process and meeting with Utah's higher education leaders and members of the Washington County community, 'I realized that this was a special place,' he said. 'I was born in Provo, Utah — so this was a great opportunity for me to come back to my home state.' As an academic, Smeed said he was drawn to UTU's polytechnic mission. 'I believe that it most readily prepares our graduates to meet the workforce needs.' The Beehive State offers a variety of colleges and universities, both public and private, that are relatively affordable and boast a wide range of academic programs. Smeed is confident that UTU — an open-enrollment institution — is a campus where Utahns can thrive academically, while saving a few bucks at the state's most affordable university. 'There's been a big question about whether or not the value of higher education is still there today — but the facts show that a person with a college degree will earn $1.2 million (over one's lifetime) more than one with just a high school diploma,' he said. 'So if you're from Washington County, you can expect to make $20,000 more annually than someone who only has a high school diploma.' Smeed also highlights UTU's campus growth over the past decade that has transformed the campus. He's committed to building relationships with the philanthropic community to raise funds and secure scholarships. Such efforts, said Smeed, will allow UTU students 'to graduate with less debt, or no debt, by the time they're finishing their education — especially for those that are looking for opportunities with internships. 'And then they're ready to hit the job force and really help with workforce development.' Smeed noted that UTU is evolving in real-time even as Washington County's population booms. A new performing arts center and a general classroom building are under construction on campus — and a new residence hall was recently completed. Expect such growth markers and physical footprints to increase in the coming years, he said. 'The growth that's happening in St. George in Washington County is a tremendous opportunity for us to attract more students from Washington County and within the state,' Smeed said, noting that more than half of the school's students come from inside the county. While some have been alarmed by the budget reallocation demands placed on Utah's public colleges and universities by HB265, Smeed sees the new legislation as an opportunity to better educate and prepare students. The state-mandated reallocations happening at Utah campuses should not be viewed as cuts — but, rather, reinvestments that will serve graduates well in the coming decades. 'Through our reinvestment plan, we're looking to add approximately a dozen additional faculty lines to our university.' UTU's new president says he is already focused on building relationships with his new faculty. 'My commitment to them is to listen to their concerns and opportunities,' he said. 'They'll see me as a strategic partner — one that can understand the needs of the faculty but can also understand the broader needs of the university. 'My actions will speak louder than my words.' Smeed is also reassuring UTU students that liberal arts studies and the humanities 'aren't going anywhere.' Still, there might be opportunities to examine traditional programs and decide if there are ways to incorporate, say, new technologies to make them more applicable for today's job market. Smeed's guiding administrative question: 'How can we more strategically place some of those programs in a position where students can graduate, find gainful employment and be able to meet workforce needs, now and then throughout the 21st century?' Varsity sports at UTU made a historic leap last year to NCAA Division I competition. Most of the Trailblazer teams are competing in the Western Athletic Conference, while the gridiron program is part of the Football Championship Subdivision. College sports, of course, have undergone historic disruptions in recent years with the emergence of NIL and the transfer portal for athletes. Given those recent changes, it will take 'a bit of time' to build up the school's athletic program to where it wants to be, said Smeed. But UTU students and fans can still expect to support competitive teams. Everybody loves a winner. 'So we're only going to continue to put investment into our athletic programs,' said Smeed. 'We can't rely on student-athletes to come here without some level of incentive, and so fundraising is a big part of my role as president of the university to find ways to connect with the community, connect with corporate partners and the business community alike, and find ways where they're interested in supporting athletics.' UTU's goal, he added, is to 'fill the stadium and fill the arena.'
Fashion Value Chain
26-05-2025
- Health
- Fashion Value Chain
SGT University Hosts Transformative Exchange for Utah Tech Nursing Students Under Global Connects Initiative
In a powerful display of international academic collaboration and cultural exchange, the Office of International Relations, SGT University, hosted 13 nursing students and 2 faculty members from Utah Tech University, USA, from May 5 to 16, 2025. The two-week program offered a rich blend of clinical training, academic collaboration, traditional healing exposure, and immersive cultural experiences. Nursing students from UTAH University exploring the Indian medical system at SGT University During the two-week program, the visiting nursing students explored multiple facets of India's diverse healthcare system. Their academic journey spanned from field visits to a leading partner hospital in Gurugram to immersive learning experiences across SGT University's specialised departments, including Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yogic Sciences, Panchakarma, and Clinical Psychology. The students also received advanced nursing training through high-fidelity simulation-based modules at SGT's world-class National Reference Simulation Centre (NRSC). They also engaged in hands-on workshops, gaining practical experience in mud therapy, chromotherapy, and preparing Ayurvedic flameless diets. A dedicated session on Rasa Shastra introduced them to the fundamentals of Ayurvedic medicine formulation, where they actively participated in preparing herbal remedies in the university's pharmacy lab. 'At SGT University, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also global citizens who can lead with empathy, cultural intelligence, and clinical competence,' said Prof. (Dr.) Hemant Verma, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, SGT University. 'This exchange embodies our vision of blending tradition with innovation, and connecting students across borders to learn, grow, and inspire,' he added. The exchange wasn't limited to academics. Students explored Indias rich heritage through visits to the Taj Mahal, Akshardham Temple, and Connaught Place. On campus, they experienced vibrant cultural activities such as Mehndi application, a cricket match, canvas painting, a rural immersion at Rangmanch, and a high-energy Bollywood DJ Night-all coordinated by the Student Welfare Centre. 'It's been an amazing experience at SGT. One of my favourite things has been getting to explore all the different departments, especially learning about yogic sciences and naturopathy. We've learned so much about the Indian medical system, which has been incredible,' shared Bri Barben, a nursing student from Utah Tech University. 'So far, my experience at SGT has been amazing. I've been learning so many things. From Ayurvedic medicine to yogic experiences-and meeting a lot of students has been wonderful,' said Madison Jonson, also from Utah Tech University. The program concluded with insightful student presentations comparing nursing practices in India and the U.S., followed by a valedictory ceremony celebrating the learning, camaraderie, and cross-cultural growth experienced by all participants. Office of International Affairs, a cornerstone of SGT University's international strategy, continues to position the institution as a regional hub for collaborative education, global healthcare training, and cultural diplomacy, ensuring students gain exposure far beyond classroom walls. About SGT University: Nurturing Future Leaders in Gurugram Through Excellence in Education Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT University), Gurugram, is one of the leading multidisciplinary institutions in Delhi-NCR, accredited with an A+ grade by NAAC. With over 200 programs across diverse fields such as Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Design, and Management, SGT University is committed to academic excellence, industry alignment, and research innovation. It houses advanced research labs, Centres of Excellence, and government-recognised incubation centres. With 600+ patents, 10,000+ publications, and collaborations with top organisations like Deloitte, Infosys, and KPMG, SGT University is a catalyst for transformative learning, entrepreneurship, and career-ready talent for a global future. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘It's difficult': Utah Tech students gather to support classmates losing visas
ST. GEORGE, Utah () — On Wednesday evening, Utah Tech University students hosted a dialogue event, discussing the issues impacting international students after learning that multiple classmates had their student visas revoked. Utah Tech is one of several schools across the state reporting that international students are having their visas revoked following a recent national crackdown on foreign students. The university reported that had their visas revoked, four meant to graduate in the coming weeks. Earlier in the week, Utah Tech University held an early graduation for the students who were impacted. On Wednesday, a Q&A was held to stand in solidarity with these students, as well as have an open conversation. Utah Tech University holds early graduation ceremony for international students 'I think it's important to highlight that students care for other students,' said Bella Estes, the event co-organizer. 'It has absolutely made my entire week knowing that students were able to put this together to support their classmates, to support their friends, and to show that we are a university that is here to support other students, advocate for all students no matter what.' Estes said that the event helped to advocate and get the word out regarding the situation. She said anonymous letters from impacted students were read to share their perspective and emotions. Another student, she shared, made a GoFundMe to help students now looking to find a way back home. There was also someone from the international office to help answer questions students may have. 'A lot of people are confused right now. We don't know what's going on. It's difficult — who do you go to to find the right answer, so this was a great opportunity for students to get to know and hear from other students and someone who may have the answers to their questions,' she said. Several universities in Utah report students being impacted as well, including at the University of Utah, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Utah Valley University, Snow College, and Utah State University. Between the colleges, the number of international students impacted in Utah is nearly 50. Utah Tech Students with revoked visas weren't given a specific reason for the cancellation, but University of Utah leaders say the government cited '' 'It happened very quickly, and there's a lot of unknown. For some people, it may be a fear of politics. For other people, it may be a fear that one of their best friends has to leave instantly. For others, it might just be the fear of not knowing what's going on … I think a lot of students are experiencing a different level of emotions right now,' Estes said. International students at several Utah universities had their visas revoked — Here's what we know In a monthly press conference on Thursday, Gov. Spencer Cox also addressed the issue, saying he hopes for more clarity. 'That's one we asked the administration for more information. We've asked them to give us a little bit of a heads up when these things are happening,' he said. 'We would like to understand better what the criteria are for those changes. Certainly, we know that there were some that had criminal backgrounds that we were not aware of, that the universities were not aware of. Others, that does not appear to be the case, and so we would very much like to figure that out.' Cox detailed the importance of attracting the 'most talented and brightest' to study in the U.S., but also the need to vet those who come to the U.S. for their education. 'That's an area for sure where we're having ongoing dialogue. We want to make sure that some of these very, very bright students that are here, as long as they're here, they don't pose any threat or have any criminal background, we want to continue to attract those students,' he said. During any school year, an international student's visa may be revoked if they are found to be breaking the law or disobeying certain policies. According to a report from the Associated Press, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said international students may be targeted for their suspected involvement in pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses or if they are connected to 'potential criminal activity.' The University of Utah says that international students' (SEVIS) records being terminated or their visas being revoked is not new in itself, but . 'What is different currently is that records are being terminated in SEVIS sometimes without notice to the university and/or the student,' U of U said in a statement. In the United States, international students can obtain an or a . Both have different restrictions and requirements. Another option is an for vocational students. Students on an F-1 or M-1 visa must be enrolled full-time in an 'academic' educational, language-training, or vocational program at an approved institution, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS). Students on an F-1 or M-1 visa must be proficient in English, or be in courses that lead them to English proficiency, as well as be able to financially support themselves during their studies. These visas include certain work restrictions. A J-1 visa classifies someone as an 'exchange visitor,' according to USCIS. This classification is authorized for people who are participating in approved programs designed for teaching, researching, training, demonstrating special skills, and more. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says that Form I-20 is 'critically important to nonimmigrant students.' This form is issued to nonimmigrant students after they are accepted into their educational program and can only be issued to the student by the institution. 'It's unfair': International PhD student at BYU speaks after his student visa was revoked Some Utah schools are reminding their international students and scholars to remain in good standing to preserve their status. At the U of U, students have been advised to keep their immigration documents 'valid and readily accessible.' The University of Utah also directed international students toward some national organizations that can offer information and guidance, including the , , , and the . The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
These Utah universities ranked among top 10 ‘Best Value Colleges in Western U.S.'
OREM, Utah () — According to new rankings for the best value colleges in the West, Utah schools have made a mark for the 2024 to 2025 school year. The rankings come from an educational platform that researches schools and careers in an effort to assist students in the decision-making process. When looking at the best value — weighing cost, financial aid, acceptance rate, and alumni salaries — Utah Valley University came out on top for the Beehive State. UVU was deemed the 'Best Value College in Utah' and ranked among the top 10 'Best Value Colleges in the Western U.S.,' with Utah Tech University close behind. Utah loses bid to keep Sundance Film Festival after 40 years of history Utah Valley ranked No. 6 in the Western United States for Best Value, with right behind it at No. 7. Several Utah universities followed, including Southern Utah University at No. 14, at No. 15, and finally the University of Utah at No. 20. When looking at the country as a whole, UVU ranked No. 20 and Utah Tech followed at No. 21. 'Being recognized by is a testament to UVU's commitment to providing students with a high-quality, affordable education that leads to real-world success,' said Wayne Vaught, provost and senior vice president of UVU's Academic Affairs. He continued to say that UVU is the university 'that educates the most Utahns' and takes pride in assisting students on their 'pathway to employment.' The research platform released other rankings for the 2024 to 2025 school year, with the U of U being the only Utah school to rank in the top 20 for 'Best Colleges in the West.' While was ranked No. 30 in that category, it did make the top 20 for BYU's Hawaii campus made the top 10. Surprisingly, Utah's 'Most Popular College' was followed by Brigham Young University and Westminister University to round out the top three. This designation is decided based on the number of applications submitted, according to the site. For a deeper dive, prospective students can check out a school's overall rankings, as well as rankings for specific majors and departments, for free on the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
