University of Utah

History

The University of Utah (U of U, UofU, or simply Utah) was founded on February 28, 1850, as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, making it the oldest institution of higher education in Utah. The university was initially located in downtown Salt Lake City but moved to its current location on the east bench of the Salt Lake Valley in 1900. The name was changed to the University of Utah in 1892.

Campus

The University of Utah's main campus is situated on over 1,534 acres in Salt Lake City, offering a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus is divided into several precincts, including the Academic Core, the Health Sciences Complex, and the Research Park. The J. Willard Marriott Library and the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library are key resources for students and faculty.

Academic Core

The Academic Core houses the majority of the university's colleges and departments. Notable buildings include the John R. Park Building, which serves as the administration building, and the Henry Eyring Building, home to the College of Science.

Health Sciences Complex

The Health Sciences Complex includes the University of Utah Hospital, the Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the School of Medicine. It is a leading center for medical research and education, contributing significantly to advancements in healthcare.

Research Park

Research Park is a 320-acre area dedicated to fostering collaboration between the university and private industry. It hosts numerous research facilities and companies, including the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative.

Academics

The University of Utah offers over 100 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate degree programs. The university is organized into 17 colleges and schools, including the College of Engineering, the College of Fine Arts, and the David Eccles School of Business.

College of Engineering

The College of Engineering is renowned for its research and innovation, particularly in the fields of computer science, electrical engineering, and biomedical engineering. The Utah Nanofab is a state-of-the-art facility that supports research in nanotechnology.

College of Fine Arts

The College of Fine Arts offers programs in art, dance, film, music, and theatre. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts and the Pioneer Theatre Company are affiliated with the college, providing students with unique opportunities for practical experience.

David Eccles School of Business

The David Eccles School of Business is known for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation. The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute and the Sorenson Center for Discovery and Innovation are key components of the school's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Research

The University of Utah is classified as an R1: Doctoral University with very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university's research expenditures exceed $500 million annually, supporting a wide range of disciplines.

Huntsman Cancer Institute

The Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. HCI conducts groundbreaking research in cancer genetics, treatment, and prevention, and provides state-of-the-art care for cancer patients.

Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR)

USTAR is a state-funded initiative aimed at fostering innovation and economic development through research and technology commercialization. The program supports interdisciplinary research teams and provides funding for high-impact projects.

Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute (SCI)

The SCI Institute is a leader in the fields of scientific computing, visualization, and imaging. The institute's research spans a wide range of applications, including biomedical imaging, geophysics, and fluid dynamics.

Athletics

The University of Utah's athletic teams, known as the Utah Utes, compete in the Pac-12 Conference. The Utes have a strong tradition in several sports, including football, basketball, and gymnastics.

Football

The Utah Utes football team has a storied history, including two appearances in the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and a victory in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. The team plays its home games at Rice-Eccles Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 45,807.

Basketball

The men's basketball team has made multiple appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a national championship in 1944 and a runner-up finish in 1998. The team plays its home games at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

Gymnastics

The Utah Red Rocks gymnastics team is one of the most successful programs in NCAA history, with 10 national championships and numerous individual titles. The team competes in the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

Student Life

The University of Utah offers a vibrant student life, with over 600 student organizations, including academic clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. The Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU) is the student government, representing the interests of the student body.

Housing

The university provides a variety of housing options, including traditional residence halls, apartment-style living, and themed living communities. The Donna Garff Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community is a popular choice for honors students.

Dining

Dining services at the University of Utah offer a range of options, from traditional dining halls to food courts and cafes. The Peterson Heritage Center is the primary dining facility, featuring multiple dining stations and a convenience store.

Recreation

The George S. Eccles Student Life Center is the hub for recreational activities on campus. The center includes a fitness center, swimming pools, basketball courts, and climbing walls. Outdoor Adventures offers equipment rentals and organizes trips for activities such as hiking, skiing, and rafting.

Notable Alumni

The University of Utah has produced many notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.

Business

- David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways and Azul Brazilian Airlines. - Jon Huntsman Sr., founder of Huntsman Corporation.

Science and Technology

- Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese. - John Warnock, co-founder of Adobe Systems.

Arts and Entertainment

- James H. Clark, co-founder of Netscape. - Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios.

References