Utah Tech University

The Utah Tech University course Design for Additive Manufacturing has a unique approach to finals week. Students spend the semester designing, manufacturing and producing rings fit for a wedding. They also create ring boxes to accompany their rings. After all the work is said and done, professor David Christensen invites members of campus and local jewelers to judge the designs, with a catch. Any student whose designs were judged higher than Christensen's would get extra credit in the course.

Each semester, Utah Tech University honors several students to be recognized for their academic pursuits, involvement, and attitude toward their educational careers. Each student is nominated for the award by their peers, professors, or staff on campus. Nominations are sent to the department chairs, who then pick the winner for their department. Students of the Semester must have a 3.5+ GPA, demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities, and be career-ready.

Through a collaborative effort to benefit children in the community, Utah Tech University held its seventh annual Go Baby Go event on Saturday, Dec. 6. Utah Tech's Physical Therapist Assistant Program offers mobility and independence to young children with disabilities through the Go Baby Go Program. This year, they served a record-breaking 11 children with customized toy cars. "This program is really important for the families of these children because they don't always realize how much the community cares about them," Burke Jorgensen, assistant professor of physical therapy, said. "I think we need more of these of events because there are so many generous people in this community and they just don't know how to help. We all love these kids and the families can see it at this event." Through this hands-on learning project, students adapt toy cars to function as powered wheelchairs and then teach local children in need how to use them, making a difference in their lives for years to come.

Recently, more than 20 Utah Tech University students traveled to Salt Lake City to participate in the annual 47G Summit. 47G is an organization dedicated to building Utah's aerospace, defense and cyber ecosystems. The 47G Summit is a multi-day conference that brings together innovators, policymakers, industry leaders and entrepreneurs. This year's conference was held at the Salt Palace Convention Center and featured panels and speakers focusing on Utah's role in global innovation.

The Utah Tech University club pickleball team recently made history as the first Collegiate World Champions. In an event hosted by the Professional Pickleball Association and Adidas, Utah Tech stood among other student-athletes from across the globe for a three-day championship held in Dallas, Texas, to determine the winners. The following athletes competed at the tournament to bring home the championship title.

Students at Utah Tech University in the Summer 2025 semester demonstrated remarkable academic talent, earning a spot on Utah Tech University's honor roll. To qualify for the Dean's List, students had to attain a semester GPA between 3.5 and 3.89 and complete at least 15 credits. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to every student who has earned a place on the President's or Dean's List," Dr. Michael Lacourse, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Utah Tech University, said. "Your dedication, perseverance, and pursuit of excellence exemplify the very best of Utah Tech. It is inspiring to see you embrace your opportunities, achieve meaningful academic success, and contribute to the strength and spirit of our university community." These achievements underscore the university's commitment to empowering students to succeed in both their studies and future careers.

Students at Utah Tech University in the Fall 2024 semester demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, with 1,049 students earning President's List honors. "Congratulations to our exceptional students whose dedication and hard work have earned them a well-deserved place on the honor roll," Dr. Michael Lacourse, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Utah Tech, said. "Seeing our students embrace opportunities at Utah Tech and achieve excellence is truly inspiring. Their personal achievements exemplify the perseverance and resilience that define our educational community."

Utah Tech University's wrestling team completed the UT Tech Stampede Wrestling Invitational with 12 students placing first and 25 students finishing in the top 3 in their respective weight classes. Utah Tech's wrestling team is a campus club sport that has podiumed multiple times within the past year and has also had a nationally ranked third-place title by a former student. The club competes with larger schools, including UNLV, the University of Southern California, and Grand Canyon University, making it experienced and ready to compete against anyone. As a team, the women are ranked 4th, and the men are ranked 8th in the nation.

Students at Utah Tech University in the Fall 2024 semester demonstrated remarkable academic prowess, with 1,208 students earning Dean's List honors. To qualify, students had to attain a semester GPA of 3.5 to 3.89 and complete at least 15 credits. "Congratulations to our exceptional students whose dedication and hard work have earned them a well-deserved place on the honor roll," Dr. Michael Lacourse, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Utah Tech, said. "Seeing our students embrace opportunities at Utah Tech and achieve excellence is truly inspiring. Their personal achievements exemplify the perseverance and resilience that define our educational community."

Chandler Jones, a second-year master's student in Utah Tech's athletic training program, experienced the opportunity of a lifetime interning for the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars this summer. Jones spent much of his internship at the field making sure things ran smoothly. He set up the practice fields, stocked the athletic training room and helped the staff wherever needed.

Students at Utah Tech University demonstrated outstanding academic performance during the Fall 2023 semester, with nearly 10 percent earning President's List recognition. A total of 1,233 students were included on the President's List, reflecting their strong commitment to academics. To qualify, students had to achieve a semester GPA of 3.9 and higher as well as complete at least 15 credits.

Students at Utah Tech University demonstrated remarkable academic performance during the Fall 2023 semester, with nearly 12 percent earning Dean's List recognition. A total of 1,489 students were included on the Dean's List, reflecting their strong commitment to academics. To qualify, students had to achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 to 3.89 as well as complete at least 15 credits.

Five Utah Tech University students were honored with Trailblazer Awards at an event held on campus last week. At the end of each academic year, Utah Tech University is pleased to host this annual award ceremony honoring students and members of the campus community for their many accomplishments. The Trailblazer Awards ceremony has been a traditional part of student life at Utah Tech University for decades, and recognizes the accomplishments of UT students, faculty, staff, community members and businesses who have been extraordinary in their commitment to success. As a formal event patterned after the Academy Awards, this annual ceremony recognizes the best and brightest at Utah Tech University and these awards are considered some of the most prestigious offered on campus. This year, UT student Trailblazer Awardees included: Student of the Year - Corey Gardner Stafford Student Involvement Award - Benji Welch Entertainer of the Year - Courtnee Ramos Personality of the Year Award - Dallas Clifford The GRIT Award - Lilliana Rogers

Utah Tech University's International Showcase is a celebration of cultures and talents from across the globe. Crowned international students are granted scholarships as encouragement to strive academically and be proud of who they are and where they come from. This year three winners were crowned - Alvaro Lopez, from Peru, won People's Choice, Ives Hong, from Vietnam, won Judge's Choice, and Amina Furuta, from Japan, won the runner-up award.

Utah Tech University recently celebrated its first group of graduates. Twenty-four students earned their Associate of Science degrees in Nursing and were honored at a pinning ceremony in early August. "These graduates are outstanding examples of those who are seeking excellence and professional growth." Associate Professor of Nursing Judy Scott said. "After graduation from the AASN program, all are ready to enter our RN-BSN program to continue to grow and learn." Utah Tech partnered with Dixie Technical College to provide pathway options for students who have already become licensed practical nurses or earned their paramedic certifications and want to work toward becoming a registered nurse.

Learning more about their art and working on their craft, select Utah Tech University dance students recently returned from participating in the Florence Summer Dance experience. The three-week intensive Study Abroad program offers students the opportunity to network with international artists, develop character, and release their artistic expression.

Kylee Newsome, an intern with Utah Tech's Digital Forensics Crime Lab, had the unique opportunity to spend six weeks at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences this summer. She spent this time exploring the Forensic Sciences program and piloting an upcoming student exchange program between Utah Tech University and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. While Newsome's emphasis at Utah Tech is Digital Forensics and Defense, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences emphasized additional programs, broadening Newsome's knowledge of forensics studies. As part of this opportunity, Newsome watched students participate in a mock fire crime scene investigation, listened to graduate students present their thesis projects, and gave a briefing to the Dutch students on American Universities and career paths post graduation. Newsome was also able to make connections with the Netherlands Forensic Institute and tour a local police department. For Newsome, Amsterdam offered a well-rounded experience beyond classroom studies, with weekend trips to Germany and Belgium, a river cruise, and time to immerse herself in a new culture. According to Newsome, it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. "Amsterdam was an amazing experience where I was able to learn about forensic sciences like biology and chemistry. It was a good way to broaden my knowledge of the field that I am studying."

Five Dixie State University students have been accepted into various medical schools after completing the Utah Health Scholars program available to them at DSU. All are on track to continue their education and follow their dreams of working in the healthcare industry. UHS is a program that helps students on the healthcare path including but not limited to medical, dental, physician assistant and pharmacy.

After receiving a grant from the Mathematical Association of America, Dixie State University is organizing an Enhancing Advancement to Graduate Education through Research experience to provide students with the opportunity to participate in full-time research for seven consecutive weeks. By participating in this National Research Experience for Undergraduates Program, the four selected students get to take part in meaningful research. The program aims to increase undergraduate completion rates and encourage more students from underrepresented groups to pursue advanced degrees and careers in mathematics by exposing them to a focused and challenging research experience.

Trailblazer Sydney Anderson is passionate about volunteering in the community, and she is hopeful that by doing so, it may increase her chances of being accepted into DSU's Nursing Program. In an effort to serve the community and better her chances of having her application accepted, Sydney spent much of her college semester at a local non-profit animal rescue organization, P.A.W.S., as she prepared to apply to nursing school. Sydney has volunteered for three semesters now, accumulating about 75 hours in service commitments.

Twelve recent Dixie State University graduates who were accepted this spring to Rocky Vista University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, received their white coats on October 9, signifying the official beginning of their medical school journey. Many of these DSU alumni were able to acheive their medical school goals through the Utah Health Scholars program at Dixie State. Rocky Vista University is located in Parker, Colorado and in Ivins, Utah. "The hope is that many of these students will return to Utah communities to practice once they have completed their medical school and residency training, "Rita Osborn, executive director of the Utah Center for Rural Health, said.

At the Dixie Awards ceremony held April 10 on the Dixie State University campus, five top finalists were recognized in six different student categories. The Dixie Awards highlights various extraordinary individuals annually and this year 30 students were recognized as part of this long-standing tradition.