Utah Tech University

As part of Utah Tech University's commitment to hands-on learning, students Rhys Ward and Natalia Cervantes conducted a two-semester project monitoring the developing aquatic environments in the ponds at Black Desert Resort. Ponds were included in the construction of the Black Desert golf course, creating an environment for many species to develop and flourish. The research conducted by UT students points to how to effectively keep these special and growing insect populations safe. The research also helps Black Desert plan for the future of its outdoor nature center to protect native plants and animals in the area. Dr. Bryan Stevens and Dr. Joseph Platt gave students the opportunity to conduct research on the aquatic insects that were living in the Black Desert Resort ponds. Dr. Platt has continued to work other projects at Black Desert Resort by sanctioning the endangered Virgin River chub fish and creating a partnership with the Utah Department of Agriculture to landscape Black Desert Resort with Utah's native plants.

Utah Tech University students celebrate an educational milestone at their White Coat Ceremony, symbolizing the beginning stages of a student's journey to becoming an occupational therapist. The white coat ceremony is considered the second major milestone for these students. The first is the presentation of a certificate of acceptance and enrollment into the occupational therapy doctoral program during orientation. This is Utah Tech's first doctoral program, making this the school's first white coat ceremony.

The dental hygiene program at Utah Tech provided comprehensive oral healthcare services at no cost during their annual Children's Dental Health Day. Under faculty supervision, students delivered dental hygiene therapies, radiographs, fluoride treatments and sealants. This initiative targeted children and families facing barriers to accessing dental care, helping address critical oral health needs in our community. Participating students gained invaluable clinical experience while providing essential preventative services to 38 children, helping reduce dental disease and promoting lifelong oral health.

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."

Students in Utah Tech University's Physical Therapy Assistant program and the University of Utah's Physical Therapy program gave the gift of mobility this holiday season by customizing and gifting electric kids' cars to area children with mobility disabilities through the Go Baby Go initiative. "Go Baby Go is a way that we, as a program, can give back to the community," Burke Jorgensen, an instructor at Utah Tech, said. "As we modify these cars, we are providing a way for these children to choose to move instead of passively being carried or pushed all day. That independence makes all the difference in that child's development and it changes the family's life."

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.

Zach Felts recently became Utah Tech University's first active golfer to earn the 2024 UGA Men's Player of the Year award. "Zach is very deserving of this award," Brad Sutterfield, head coach of men's golf at Utah Tech, said. "He had an incredible summer on the golf course and has worked very hard on his game to get to the next level."

In November, Utah Tech University Marching Band performed twice at the Red Rocks State Championships and Bands of America Regionals at Greater Zion Stadium. Performing in front of thousands of high school students from across six different states, the band performed classic rock tunes "Immigrant Song" and "Born to be Wild," the theme to "Phantom of the Opera," pep tunes "Hey Baby" and "Land of 1000 Dances," and Utah Tech's fight song, "Rise Up Trailblazers."

Utah Tech University's pickleball team recently became the DUPR Collegiate National Champions and finished the competition undefeated. The championship team included Averee Beck, Liam Duffin, Kamryn Kolb and Benson Parry competing for the title. Held Nov. 1-3 in Dallas, Texas, the DUPR Championship hosted 64 collegiate teams. Trailblazers secured the championship title from their combined wins in the women's, men's and mixed doubles matches. Other teams included in their bracket were University of Texas, Austin, Indiana University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the team they dueled in the final, the University of Virginia.

The Utah Tech University Art Department had seven juried students representing the Art Department at the All About Arts Festival held in Southern Utah recently. As part of this experience, Utah Tech students learned how to market their intentions and establish their brand as artists. "It was a wonderful experience where the students were able to stand in front of their pieces, discuss their artwork and project their opinions on why it's important for someone to purchase their armor," Utah Tech Art Advisor Van Mangus said. "So it was kind of a big deal for them. It was a very practical experience for students." A combination of mediums was represented at the event, including ceramics, sculpture, watercolor and oil painting. Forty-one curated pieces of art were sold by Utah Tech students, mostly more functional ceramic pieces but also some two-dimensional wall art.

As a part of Homecoming week, Alyssia Johnston was crowned as Miss Utah Tech University along with four attendants: Brooklyn Leifson, Ava Aiona, Kynda Cullimore, and Kennedi Drake. The Miss Utah Tech University pageant was held on Sept. 23 and eligible students participated in a comprehensive competition involving multiple areas. These include talent, interview skills, public speaking, community service, and overall poise.

The ninth annual Cello Festival of Southern Utah was held at Utah Tech University recently, giving music students a large-scale active learning opportunity. This two-day festival included various workshop sessions and a regional competition for cellists, along with concerts and lectures open to the general public.

Graduating from Utah Tech University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice earlier this year, Pryce Seely is already making a splash in the world of cybersecurity and has begun working with the NCIS, or the Naval Criminal Investigation Service. Pryce will be working for the NCIS in the state of Washington until November, when he'll report to Glynco, Georgia, to begin a five to six-month training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.

Utah Tech University's "active learning. active life." philosophy provides students with engaging opportunities every day, setting them up for success in their future careers and endeavors. Thanks to the hands-on practice that he has had so far pursuing a master's degree in athletic training at Utah Tech, Alex Foster was able to shine as an athletic training intern at the Tennessee Titans summer camp from July 16 to September 1.

Students from Utah Tech University's Dental Hygiene Program studied abroad over the summer in Central America, changing the lives of several residents there. Six students and two instructors traveled to Honduras for ten days to expand their skills and make a difference in the lives of the people in Roatan.

Bausten Rasmussen, a second-year athletic training master's student at Utah Tech University, had the opportunity to intern for the National Football League's Miami Dolphins team throughout the summer of 2024. This opportunity, facilitated by the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Association, is highly competitive and requires a portfolio of information to even be considered. Students are required to have a resume, cover letter and letters of recommendation. They also must be accepted into a CAATE Accredited Master of Athletic Training Program.

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.

For some students, the grind doesn't stop once summer hits. Six dance students and a photography student from Utah Tech University spent three weeks in Florence, Italy, this summer as a part of Utah Tech's Florence Dance Study Abroad Program. Utah Tech's students modeled the University's "active learning. active life." approach to education in Italy, spending at least six hours a day dancing, learning, and observing dancers and instructors from cultures all over the world.

Utah Tech University's very own Jenna Anderson tied for medalist honors at the 118th Utah Women's State Amateur golf tournament at TalonsCove Golf Club in Saratoga Springs, Utah, last month. After playing 18 holes, Anderson and Black Desert athlete Ali Mulhall had the best scores, tying for medalist honors and sharing the top position. The golfers finished with a score of 65, seven strokes under par for the course.

Utah Tech University held a ceremony for the 11 students who graduated from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Academy on August 17. Several of these graduates will be serving as full-time law enforcement officers as a result of this achievement.

Last month, two Utah Tech University student athletes attended the 2024 NCAA Career in Sports Forum in Indianapolis, Ind. The forum served to help students succeed in their career fields, especially throughout the transition from student-athlete to life after college. Women's basketball player Emily Isaacson, a current graduate student in sport management, and men's soccer player Traedon Chamberlain, a recent bachelor's degree graduate in recreation & sports management, represented Utah Tech at the forum.

Grace Williams, a student on the Utah Tech University women's golf team, received one of only four sponsor exemptions to compete in the Epson Tour's 2024 Copper Rock Championship golf tournament in May. "It was a great opportunity to be able to play in this tournament," Grace said. "The experience that I gained from this tournament was unmatched, and I will forever be so thankful for that!"

In April, Utah Tech University hosted the eighth Trailblazer Symposium for Research, Innovation, and Creativity on Utah Tech's campus. This event is a cornerstone for sharing cutting-edge research, fostering innovation, and creating invaluable networking opportunities within both academic and professional circles. Participating in the symposium demands a high level of dedication and effort from the students. Those involved meticulously prepared their findings and refined their presentation skills in order to effectively communicate their ideas and research. This preparation and engagement perfectly embody Utah Tech's philosophy of "active learning. active life."

Students at Utah Tech University showcased exceptional academic performance during the spring 2024 semester, with 1,276 students earning Dean's List honors. To qualify, students had to attain a 3.5 to 3.89 GPA and complete at least 15 credits.

Students at Utah Tech University showcased exceptional academic performance during the spring 2024 semester, with 1,040 students earning President's List honors. To qualify, students had to attain a semester GPA of 3.9 or higher and complete at least 15 credits.

Utah Tech University celebrated the 2024 graduating class of 2,967 students at its 113th Commencement ceremonies on Friday. During the first ceremony, held in the morning on May 3 at the Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University, 31 percent of graduates earned their associate degree. During the evening ceremony, 37 percent of the graduates received a bachelor's degree, 31 percent received a certificate, and one percent earned their master's degree.

Four students were honored at the Undergraduate Researcher Awards for their dedication to their research in their selected field. The ceremony was held on April 19 and allowed them to speak about their research during the IGNITE talks at the opening session of the Trailblazer Symposium. The students who won the award were required to research from any discipline that provided a significant impact or advancement within their respective field. Awardees were also prepared to present their research through an oral presentation at this year's Trailblazer Symposium.

Utah Tech University celebrated the 2024 graduating class of 2,967 students at its 113th Commencement ceremonies on Friday. During the first ceremony, held in the morning on May 3 at the Greater Zion Stadium at Utah Tech University, 31 percent of graduates earned their associate degree. During the evening ceremony, 37 percent of the graduates received a bachelor's degree, 31 percent received a certificate, and one percent earned their master's degree.

Two Utah Tech University students had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate with the CBDNA Western/Northwestern Intercollegiate Band in Las Vegas, Nevada. These two Utah Tech students went through a seating audition and rehearsals for over five hours per day with the guest conductor, Dr. John Lynch, director of Bands and professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.