Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University celebrated its 115th graduating class this week, recognizing 3,078 students at the 2026 Commencement Ceremonies. Held May 6-7 at the Burns Arena, the university hosted four different ceremonies to give each graduate a more personal and meaningful experience as they marked this major milestone. "I am incredibly proud of Utah Tech University's Class of 2026," President Shane B. Smeed said. "I am confident that as Utah Tech's newest alumni, our Trailblazers will take their next steps not only with knowledge but also with confidence. They are equipped with the capability that come from hands-on experience and are ready to apply what they've learned to solve real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve." Each graduating class is special in their own way. This year, the eldest graduate is 71, earning their General Studies Certificate. The youngest graduate is 15 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. 62% of this year's graduates are female, and 28% are first-generation graduates. The top 5 bachelor's degrees earned include: - Nursing - Management - Psychology - Communication Studies - Exercise Science

Utah Tech art students recently showcased and sold their work at the annual St. George Arts Festival, marking the third year of Utah Tech representation at the event. All participating students prepared at least 15 pieces they had worked on during their time at Utah Tech. Among the achievements: - Jon Sanders sold 24 functional ceramic pieces - Brittany Cowley sold 22 ceramic necklaces - Keanna Campbell sold 13 sculptural ceramic vessels - Brandon Raabe sold 8 oil paintings Buyers from previous years continue to return to the Utah Tech student booth to purchase multiple pieces. The Art Department's representation at this event each year is a strong example of the University's "active learning. active life." approach to education. To learn more about the Utah Tech Art Department, visit art.utahtech.edu/.

Cheever, the owner of Hooray! Engraving Shoppe is a St. George local and will be graduating in May of 2026 with a bachelor's degree in graphic design and a minor in art. Outside of her academics, Cheever loves creating, especially arts and crafts like crocheting. This year, she took her passion for creation and translated it into her business. She has officially been running the business since January. In the beginning, balancing the business along with her course load at Utah Tech was difficult. All of Cheever's current employees are Utah Tech students. She's even working with professors in the graphic design department to offer an internship to a student over the summer, and is hoping to create more internship opportunities for future students. Cheever attributes a lot of Hooray! The Engraving Shoppe's success to the things she learned at Utah Tech, both in her academics in the graphic design program, and her work experience in the Makerspace at Atwood Innovation Plaza.

Utah Tech University has selected seven valedictorians to represent their peers at graduation. These individuals demonstrated excellent academic achievements, maintaining impressive GPA's and dedication to their respective areas of study over the course of their time at Utah Tech. These selected students will represent the entirety of their individual colleges, as well as the University as a whole. As valedictorian, these have been honored at a presidential dinner and will be invited to the robing ceremony prior to graduation. They will also deliver a speech to their peers during their respective commencement ceremonies.

Students at Utah Tech University partnered with the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department to diversify pollinators in a campus desert garden. Originally renovated in October during a drop-in service project, the garden, located in the courtyard of the College of Education building, was updated with new plants designed to attract pollinators. Students volunteered to help plant a variety of species that support bees, birds and other beneficial insects. The initiative is part of an ongoing research project led by the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department, focused on increasing pollinator activity and biodiversity across campus. Introducing new plant life enhances biodiversity but also creates a more colorful and sustainable habitat. The added greenery and color have already transformed the space into a more inviting environment for students and pollinators. A follow-up cleanup event was held on April 17 to prepare the garden for an upcoming Earth Day reception on April 22. The event is open to the public and will give attendees the opportunity to learn more about the garden, the research project, and the importance of pollinators.

Utah Tech students opted for an alternative spring break last week, traveling to New Orleans for a service trip where they got to aid in a park clean-up, a garden restoration and event preparation in partnership with Swift Hands. The group of 15 participating students saw the trip as an opportunity to serve a community together while creating lasting memories. The Utah Tech Student Association service branch organized the trip in collaboration with Camp Hope and Swift Hands, allowing students to support multiple local initiatives during their stay. On the first full day of the trip, students helped de-litter and beautify a local park, ultimately protecting wildlife habitats. The second day, the team partnered with a local plant restoration organization to help plant trees and the last day concluded with helping a community garden to grow fresh produce. Outside of service work, students experienced the city's culture, including a swamp tour to observe Louisiana wildlife and visits to Bourbon Street, which is well known for its music scene. Each year, UTSA organizes two to three alternative breaks trips, giving students opportunities to travel, serve communities and earn service hours.

Utah Tech University senior Miles Kindred won the annual Mr. Trailblazer competition alongside two runners-up - Kyle Dorius and Sam Sharp. Hosted by the Utah Tech Student Association, the competition was held on Feb. 11 on the Utah Tech campus. The students participated in a comprehensive competition with scores from an opening number, introductions, a talent portion, onstage questions, head-to-head rounds, and a red carpet walk. Contestants prepared for two weeks to show off their talents and hard work. Some of the talents performed that night included, playing instruments, singing, doing magic, and a water show from winner Miles Kindred. Following Miles Kindred as the winner, each runner-up was awarded as follows: 1st Runner-up: Kyle Dorius 2nd Runner-up: Sam Sharp

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.

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.

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 1,208 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."

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.

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.

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.