{{Short description|Public university in Logan, Utah, US}} {{redirect|Utah State|the U.S. state|Utah}} {{Use American English|date=August 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2026}} {{Infobox university | name = Utah State University | native_name_lang = en | image_name = Utah State University seal.svg | image_upright = 0.6 | caption = Seal of Utah State University | former_names = Agricultural College of Utah (1888–1928)<br />Utah State Agricultural College (1928–1957) | motto = "Research, Service, Teaching" | type = Public land-grant research university | established = {{start date and age|1888|03|08}}<ref name="fourteen"/> | parent = Utah System of Higher Education | academic_affiliations = {{hlist|ORAU|UARC|UCAR|USTAR|Space-grant|U.S. Space Command AEE}} | endowment = $616.7 million (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2025-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL.xlsx |title=U.S. and Canadian 2025 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2025 Endowment Market Value |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) |access-date=February 14, 2026 |format=XLSX}}</ref> | budget = $1.3B (2025) | accreditation = NWCCU | president = Brad L. Mortensen<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tanner |first1=Courtney |title=Meet the new Utah State University president |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2025/10/30/new-utah-state-university/ |access-date=October 30, 2025 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=October 30, 2025}}</ref> | provost = Larry Smith<ref>{{cite news |last1=Casper |first1=Clarissa |title=USU establishes first endowed deanship in college of education |url=https://www.upr.org/utah-news/2024-06-11/usu-establishes-first-endowed-deanship-in-college-of-education |work=Utah Public Radio |date=June 11, 2024 |access-date=September 30, 2024}}</ref> | academic_staff = 1,200 (2025) | administrative_staff = 12,437 (2025)<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University 2025 Fast Facts |url=https://www.usu.edu/about/fast-facts/USU_fast-facts.pdf |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=September 29, 2025}}</ref> | students = 29,831 (fall 2025)<ref name="USHE Headcount"/> | undergrad = 26,629 (fall 2025)<ref name="USHE Headcount"/> | postgrad = 3,202 (fall 2025)<ref name="USHE Headcount"/> | city = Logan, Utah | country = United States | coor = {{Coord|region:US-UT_type:edu|format=dms|display=inline,title}} | campus_type = Small city / college town | campus_size = {{cvt|600|acre|km2}}(Logan, main campus)<br />{{cvt|6,896|acre|km2}} (all campuses) | colors = Dark navy and white <br />{{color box|#0F2439}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usu.edu/brand/standards/web/web-color-palette |title=USU Brand Standards |access-date=March 18, 2024}}</ref> | nickname = Aggies | mascot = Big Blue | sporting_affiliations = {{hlist|NCAA Division I (FBS)|Mountain West (through 2026)|Pac-12 (from 2026)}} | website = {{URL|https://www.usu.edu}} | logo = Utah State University logo.svg | logo_upright = 1.1 | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 13 | mapframe-caption = Location in Logan, Utah | free_label = Other campus locations | free = {{hlist|Blanding|Brigham City|Kaysville|Moab|Monument Valley|Price|Orem|Roosevelt|Tooele|Tremonton|Salt Lake City|St. George|Vernal}} }}
'''Utah State University''' ('''USU''' or '''Utah State''') is a public land-grant university and research university in Logan, Utah, United States.<ref>{{cite web |title=Members |url=https://www.aplu.org/members/ |website=Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities |access-date=September 6, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Puleo |first1=Mark |title=Where are all the schools in the men's NCAA Tournament located? Oakland, Duquesne and more |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5350698/2024/03/21/school-locations-mens-ncaa-tournament/ |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=New York Times |date=March 21, 2024}}</ref> Founded in 1888 under the Morrill Land-Grant Acts as Utah's only federal land-grant institution, USU is one of the state's two flagship universities.<ref>{{cite web |title=University of Utah -- Utah's Two Flagship Universities Team Up |url=https://unews.utah.edu/utah-flagship-universities-team-up-to-scale-student-success-in-the-state/ |access-date=April 26, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Holy cow! Utah State's new football helmet pays tribute to the Aggies' roots |url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/utah-state-sports/2024/08/23/utah-state-football-wear-cow/ |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=August 23, 2024}}</ref> It is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".<ref>{{cite web |title=Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education Lookup |url=https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu |website=Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education |publisher=American Council on Education |access-date=September 18, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stefanich |first1=Logan |title=What prestigious R1 classification means for Utah State University |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/50315540/what-prestigious-r1-classification-means-for-utah-state-university |access-date=September 18, 2024 |agency=KSL |publisher=KSL Broadcasting |date=December 25, 2021}}</ref> As of fall 2025, USU enrolled 29,831 students across its statewide system, making its Logan campus the largest public residential campus in Utah, with more than 84 percent of students living away from home.<ref name="USHE Headcount">{{cite web |title=Headcount |url=https://ushe.edu/institutional-data-resources-headcount/ |publisher=Utah System of Higher Education |access-date=October 14, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Weller |first1=Kristine |title=84% of students living away from home |url=https://www.kuer.org/education/2023-01-30/student-housing-or-parking-these-4-utah-universities-approach-it-differently |access-date=September 19, 2024 |work=KUER |date=January 30, 2023}}</ref>
Under the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, USU's original land-grant oriented mission was to provide education in agriculture, mechanical arts, science, classical studies, military science and officer training for all branches of the U.S. Department of Defense (then named the "United States Department of War"), later expanding to include liberal arts, business, and engineering.<ref name="Peterson1988">{{cite book |last=Peterson |first=Elmer G. |title=Utah State University: The First Hundred Years |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, Utah |year=1988}}</ref> Today, Utah State operates 14 separate statewide campuses (including 3 residential campuses), 29 extension office locations, 14 research farms, 8 field sites, and over 50 research centers, having the most campuses, the most total campus acreage, and the most degree offerings of any institution of higher education in the state of Utah (over 370 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities).<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University g|url=https://utahtransferguide.org/UtahStateUniversity/TransferProfile/tabid/4856/Default.aspx |publisher=Utah System of Higher Education |access-date=September 29, 2024}}</ref>
Utah State is recognized internationally for its academics and research in engineering, space science, satellite technology, aerospace, aviation, flight technology, rocket science, missile defense systems, electric propulsion, agriculture, animal science, energy, natural resources, business, economics, anticipatory intelligence, military leadership, and education. Utah State's Huntsman School of Business is the global seat for the Shingo Prize award in organizational excellence and the Steven R. Covey Leadership Center.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shingo Institute |url=https://shingo.org/ |access-date=2026-05-01 |website=Shingo Institute |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=University |first=Utah State |title=The Stephen R. Covey Leadership Center |url=https://huntsman.usu.edu/leadership/index |access-date=2026-05-01 |website=huntsman.usu.edu |language=en}}</ref>
Since World War I, Utah State's Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program has achieved national prominence — earning USU the nickname "West Point of the West."<ref name="Bateman2006" /><ref name="Felix2008_WestPointOfTheWest" /><ref name="Davison" /> Utah State's Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) currently serves as the sole University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) for the United States Missile Defense Agency and United States Space Force. In partnership with SDL, USU has participated in over 500 space missions and deployed more payloads, hardware and software systems into space than any university in the world.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Flores |first1=Vanessa |title=Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory collaborates with White Sands Missile Range for knowledge exchange |url=https://www.army.mil/article/277438/utah_state_universitys_space_dynamics_laboratory_collaborates_with_white_sands_missile_range_for_knowledge_exchange |access-date=October 1, 2024 |agency=U.S. Army |publisher=U.S. Army |date=June 20, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Science: Back to Space |url=https://www.usu.edu/science/discovery/summer-2022/back-to-space#:~:text=The%20team%20is%20largely%20responsible,space%20aboard%20NASA's%20space%20shuttles. |access-date=June 5, 2025 |website=Back to Space – Discovery Summer 2022}}</ref>
In 2023, the National Science Foundation ranked Utah State 80th nationally and among the top 50 public universities for research expenditures, reporting $401.5 million in 2023, $497.4 million in 2024, and $517 million in 2025.<ref name="NSF_HERD2025">{{cite web |title=Higher Education Research & Development (HERD) Survey, Fiscal Year 2023 |url=https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf25311 |publisher=National Science Foundation |access-date=May 30, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=University |first=Utah State |title=Office of Research {{!}} USU |url=https://research.usu.edu/index |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=research.usu.edu |language=en}}</ref> The university hosts the second-oldest undergraduate research program in the United States (second to MIT) and was recently named by The Council on Undergraduate Research as the best undergraduate research program in the nation.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Randall |first1=Taylor |last2=Cantwell |first2=Elizabeth R. |title=The magic behind the high-impact discoveries from Utah's universities |url=https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2024/1/19/24044244/research-on-capitol-hill-utah-state-university-of-utah/ |access-date=September 28, 2024 |work=Deseret News |publisher=Deseret News Publishing Company |date=January 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=University |first=Utah State |date=2026-02-10 |title=Beneath the Surface Celebrates 50 Years of Undergraduate Research at Utah State University |url=https://www.usu.edu/today/story/beneath-the-surface-celebrates-50-years-of-undergraduate-research-at-utah-state-university |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=Utah State Today |language=en}}</ref> USU also houses Utah's only colleges of veterinary medicine and agriculture.<ref>{{cite web |title=College of Veterinary Medicine: DVM Admissions FAQ |url=https://vetmed.usu.edu/cvm/faq |access-date=June 5, 2025 |website=USU College of Veterinary Medicine}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University: #1 College for Ag Majors |url=https://caas.usu.edu/number-one-ag |access-date=June 5, 2025 |website=Utah State College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences}}</ref>
Utah State's athletic teams, known as the Utah State Aggies, compete in NCAA Division I athletics. The Aggies currently participate in the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference as a full member beginning July 1, 2026.<ref>{{cite web |title=This is the Mountain West |url=https://themw.com/this-is-the-mountain-west/ |website=themw.com |date=August 4, 2023 |publisher=Mountain West Conference |access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Pac-12 Conference and Utah State University unite to advance a new era |url=https://pac-12.com/news/2024/9/24/general-pac-12-conference-and-utah-state-university-unite-to-advance-the-new-era-of-the-100-year-old-legacy.aspx |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=Press release |publisher=Pac-12 Conference |date=September 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Vannini |first=Chris |title=Utah State agrees to join Pac-12 as realignment standoff with Mountain West escalates |url=https://theathletic.com/5112977/2024/09/23/utah-state-pac-12-mountain-west-realignment/ |work=The Athletic |publisher=The Athletic Media Company, a New York Times Company |date=September 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924110315/https://theathletic.com/5112977/2024/09/23/utah-state-pac-12-mountain-west-realignment/ |archive-date=September 24, 2024 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |url-access=subscription }}</ref>
== History ==
=== Background and founding (1862–1890) === [[File:Old Main Utah St Univ.jpg|thumb|upright|Old Main, completed in 1890, is the university's oldest building and houses administrative offices and parts of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.]] The Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act, signed by Abraham Lincoln in 1862, created a system of publicly funded institutions devoted to agriculture and the mechanical arts.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Clinger |first1=James C. |title=July 2, 1862: President Abraham Lincoln Signs the Morrill Act Establishing Land Grant Colleges |url=https://constitutingamerica.org/july-2-1862-president-abraham-lincoln-signs-morrill-act-establishing-land-grant-colleges-guest-essayist-james-c-clinger/ |website=Constituting America |date=April 28, 2020 |publisher=Constituting America |access-date=October 2, 2024}}</ref> Utah leaders viewed the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act as an opportunity to advance scientific and agricultural education within the territory, aligning with a broader national movement toward practical, research-based instruction in the mechanical arts.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Fiege |first=Mark |title=Review of ''Irrigated Eden: The Making of an Agricultural Landscape in the American West'' |journal=Journal of Mormon History |volume=27 |issue=2 |pages=260–262 |date=2001 |publisher=Mormon History Association |url=https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/mormonhistory/vol27/iss2/ |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref> Following a visit to Denmark, territorial legislator Anthon H. Lund advocated for an agricultural college modeled after European land-grant institutions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Celebrating 150 years of learning and discovery |url=https://caas.usu.edu/uaes/archive-stories/celebrating-150 |website=caas.usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref>
After a period of political debate in which Salt Lake City retained the territorial university, citizens of Logan successfully lobbied the legislature to locate the agricultural college in Cache Valley.<ref name="Peterson 1994">{{cite web |last=Peterson |first=F. Ross |title=Utah State University |url=https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/u/UTAH_STATE_UNIVERSITY.shtml |website=Utah History Encyclopedia |publisher=Utah Education Network |year=1994 |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref><ref name="digitalcommons.usu.edu">{{cite web |last=Parson |first=Robert |title=An Encyclopedic History of Utah State University Academic Organization |url=https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/lib_pubs/121/ |publisher=Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University |date=January 2009 |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref> On March 8, 1888, the '''Agricultural College of Utah''' was chartered as the state's land-grant institution.<ref name="fourteen">{{cite news |last1=Romero |first1=Tyson |title=Utah State University turns 135 today, first-ever student was a 14-year-old |url=https://www.abc4.com/news/local-news/utah-state-university-turns-135-today-first-ever-student-was-a-14-year-old/ |access-date=September 20, 2024 |work=ABC4 |publisher=Nexstar Media Inc. |date=March 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Ricks|1938|p=20}}</ref> The college opened its doors on September 2, 1890, with 14-year-old Vendla Berntson enrolled as its first student.<ref name="Parson">{{cite web |last=Parson |first=Robert |title=An Encyclopedic History of Utah State University Academic Organization |work=Merrill-Cazier Library: Special Collections & Archives |url=http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/lib_pubs/121/ |date=January 2009 |access-date=June 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Monson |first1=Jay |title=USU grads making mark on Cache Valley, world |url=https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-grads-making-mark-on-cache-valley-world/article_73825c1c-4db3-11e4-be00-cb13f38607b9.html |access-date=November 6, 2025 |work=The Herald Journal |date=October 6, 2024}}</ref>
=== Growth and curricular controversies (1890–1916) === thumb|left|The Agricultural College of Utah in 1892. The new college was chartered to provide instruction in "agriculture, domestic science, and the mechanic arts."<ref name="Utah State University History - UEN">{{cite web |last1=Peterson |first1=F. Ross |title=Utah State University |url=https://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/u/UTAH_STATE_UNIVERSITY.shtml |website=uen.org |publisher=Utah Education Network |access-date=October 2, 2024}}</ref> Early expansion under President William J. Kerr drew opposition from some legislators who feared competition with the University of Utah. Efforts in 1907 sought to consolidate the two institutions, resulting in a compromise that restricted the Agricultural College's curriculum to agriculture, domestic science, and mechanical arts.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report of the Commissioner of Education, Volume 2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_LQ0AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA870 |publisher=U.S. Office of Education |year=1908 |access-date=June 12, 2016 |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222163153/https://books.google.com/books?id=_LQ0AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA870 |url-status=live}}</ref> The legislature gradually lifted these restrictions, and by the 1920s the college had regained broad academic autonomy.<ref name="Peterson 1994"/><ref name="digitalcommons.usu.edu"/>
=== Expansion and wartime contributions (1914–1945) === thumb|Military personnel with an 8-inch howitzer drill on the Quad, c. 1922. The college launched its statewide Extension Service in 1914 and awarded its first master's degrees the following year.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Juchau |first1=Karen |title=A history of the Utah Extension Service, 1888–1950 |journal=All Graduate Theses and Dissertations |date=1968 |volume=4824 |url=https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/4824/ |access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Parson" /> During World War I, Utah Agricultural College became a training site for the Student Army Training Corps, which prepared students for military service while continuing their studies.<ref>{{cite web |title=Student Army Training Corps |url=https://sites.google.com/a/mail.ic.edu/icinworldwari/home/student-army-training-corps |publisher=Illinois College |access-date=June 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014220008/https://sites.google.com/a/mail.ic.edu/icinworldwari/home/student-army-training-corps |archive-date=October 14, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
Under President Elmer George Peterson, the college expanded significantly, and its Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program achieved national prominence — earning the nickname "West Point of the West."<ref name="Bateman2006">{{cite journal |last=Bateman |first=Jeffery S. |title=Utah State Agricultural College as the "West Point of the West": The Leadership of E. G. Peterson |journal=Utah Historical Quarterly |volume=74 |issue=2 |date=2006 |pages=158–176 |url=https://issuu.com/utah10/docs/uhq_volume74_2006_number2/s/10304448 |access-date=November 6, 2025 }}</ref><ref name="Felix2008_WestPointOfTheWest">{{cite news |last1=Felix |first1=Devin |title=USU's ROTC known as West Point of the West? |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/usu-s-rotc-known-as-west-point-of-the-west/article_a665ef51-849c-56f2-b88f-4ecaadfd8eca.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |date=July 12, 2008}}</ref><ref name="Davison">{{cite news |last1=Davison |first1=John |title=Utah State ROTC honored for WWII leadership training |url=https://digitalnewspaperarchive.usunews.edu/article/1947-west-point-of-the-west/ |work=The Utah Statesman |date=June 12, 1947 |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref>
During World War II, Utah State hosted one of six United States Navy Primary Schools for the Electronics Training Program, graduating more than 2,700 Navy students between 1942 and 1944.<ref>Watson, Raymond C., Jr. (2007). ''Solving the Naval Radar Crisis.'' Trafford Publishing, pp. 213–215.</ref><ref>Finchum, W. Arnold, Doran Baker, and Darwin L. Salisbury (1996). "The Navy Training Station at Utah State Agricultural College During World War II," Archive Document, Utah State University Library.</ref> Utah State's technical and military training programs during World War II helped position the university for later federal research partnerships in electronics and defense, relationships that eventually led to the establishment of the Space Dynamics Laboratory.<ref>{{cite book |last=Lemon |first=D. Kent |title=Journey to the Stars: A History of Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory |date=2016 |location=Logan, Utah |publisher=Utah State University Research Foundation |pages=12–15 |isbn=978-0-9977703-0-9 }}</ref> <ref>{{cite book |last=Swenson |first=C. Edward |title=The Land-Grant Legacy: Utah State University and the Shaping of the American West |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, Utah |year=2002 |pages=241–244 |isbn=9780874214376}}</ref>
=== Post-war growth and university status (1946–1970s) === After the war, enrollment surged with returning veterans supported by the GI Bill.<ref name="Swenson2002"/><ref name="Peterson1994"/> The college expanded academic offerings, established new schools, and modernized its campus infrastructure. In 1957, the institution was renamed '''Utah State University of Agriculture and Applied Science''', soon shortened to '''Utah State University'''.<ref name="Parson" />
The university's research enterprise grew rapidly, and its influence spread statewide through satellite campuses and extension programs, reflecting the broader modernization of Utah's economy and education in the twentieth century.<ref name="Juchau1968"/><ref name="Swenson2002"/><ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Cannon |editor1-first=Brian Q. |editor2-last=Embry |editor2-first=Jessie L. |title=Utah in the Twentieth Century |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, Utah |year=2009 |isbn=9780874217445}}</ref> During the late 1970s, Utah State University enrolled one of the nation's largest groups of Iranian students, reflecting decades of educational and cultural exchange between the United States and Iran.<ref>{{cite book |last=Swenson |first=C. Edward |title=The Land-Grant Legacy: Utah State University and the Shaping of the American West |publisher=Utah State University Press |location=Logan, Utah |year=2002 |pages=298–299 |isbn=9780874214376}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Baktiari |first=Bahman |title=Guest opinion: 40 years after the Iran hostage crisis, enduring bonds of friendship remain |work=Deseret News |date=November 3, 2019 |url=https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2019/11/3/20942640/guest-opinion-40-years-after-the-iran-hostage-crisis-enduring-bonds-of-friendship-remain/ |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
=== Modernization and expansion (1980–2000) === The earliest roots of USU's distance education go back to 1904, when USU professors traveled by train from Logan to Burley, Idaho to deliver dairy lectures.<ref>{{cite web |title=1904 version of distance education by train |url=https://digital.lib.usu.edu/digital/collection/USU_Photos/id/1726/ |access-date=October 27, 2024 |website=digital.lib.usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University}}</ref> In the 1950s, professors regularly drove around the state to teach courses and advise students. The first Statewide Campus, Uintah Basin, was designated by the Utah State Legislature in 1967.<ref name="Utah State University">{{cite web |title=History of distance education innovation |url=https://statewide.usu.edu/about/ |access-date=October 27, 2024 |website=statewide.usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University}}</ref> The following year, "flying professors" traveled weekly to teach at USU's various campuses and centers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Monson |first1=Jay |date=January 24, 2017 |title=More adventures with USU's 'Flying Professors' program |url=https://www.hjnews.com/logan_hj/more-adventures-with-usu-s-flying-professors-program/article_86198f43-457d-5f74-b75d-34f6a79653a5.html |access-date=September 13, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group}}</ref> Traveling from the centers was necessary until Utah State installed satellite systems in 1996.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Housley |first1=Nate |title=Flying Professors |url=https://stories.utahhumanities.org/stories/items/show/523 |access-date=October 5, 2024 |website=utahhumanities.org |publisher=Utah Humanities}}</ref> In 2005, University President Stan Albrecht moved Utah State University's Continuing Education unit to the Provost's Office and established the USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education organization. The system grew in 2010 with the addition of USU Eastern to nearly one-half of USU's enrollment.<ref name="Utah State University" /> Today, the USU system includes USU Blanding, USU Eastern<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bishop |first1=Traci |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Douglas Miller Named Senior Associate Vice President |url=https://etvnews.com/douglas-miller-named-senior-associate-vice-president/ |access-date=September 21, 2024 |work=New article |publisher=Emery Telcom |agency=ETVNews}}</ref>, multiple regional campuses, several extension and field site locations, 14 statewide research farms, and 29 additional statewide extension offices.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 3, 2019 |title=USU announces statewide campuses name |url=https://www.hjnews.com/usu-announces-statewide-campuses-name/article_c9a800a7-8df7-5cbb-aa0c-113e8b41cb50.html |access-date=September 21, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Get a USU Degree Close to Home |url=https://statewide.usu.edu/locations/ |access-date=September 21, 2024 |publisher=Utah State University}}</ref> In 2012, RCDE completed construction of the Regional Campuses Distance Education (RCDE) Building which houses broadcast classrooms, RCDE offices, and the Utah Education Network.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ottley |first1=Kristi |title=RCDE's steel, concrete HQ to expand USU's virtual and online presence |url=http://hardnewscafe.usu.edu/?p=6973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821095535/http://hardnewscafe.usu.edu/?p=6973 |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |publisher=Hard News Cafe}}</ref>
By the late 20th century, Utah State sought to broaden its national reach beyond its regional mission. Under President George H. Emert (1992–2000), the university's endowment grew from $7 million to $80 million, and research funding reached new highs.<ref name="Parson" /> During this period, USU strengthened its statewide distance education system and began transitioning to digital research and online learning technologies.
=== Twenty-first century and present day (2000–present) === [[File:MerrillCazierLibrary.jpg|thumb|The Merrill-Cazier Library, completed in 2005.]] Under President Stan L. Albrecht, Utah State expanded its research partnerships and global collaborations, including initiatives in China, Saudi Arabia, and Peru.<ref>{{cite news |title=Peru business CEO speaking at USU |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/peru-business-ceo-speaking-at-usu/article_6f179176-83a0-53bd-8cac-dc446fb206fa.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=Cache Valley Daily |date=February 17, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=China Cooperative Academic Programs |url=http://www.huntsman.usu.edu/chinaprogram/ |access-date=June 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821044249/http://www.huntsman.usu.edu/chinaprogram/ |archive-date=August 21, 2016}}</ref> The Merrill-Cazier Library opened in 2005, followed by several new research and classroom facilities. In 2010, USU acquired both the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter near Park City and the College of Eastern Utah, extending its statewide reach.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parkinson |first1=Patrick |title=Preserve in Park City is USU's largest private gift |url=https://www.parkrecord.com/2010/01/19/preserve-in-park-city-is-usus-largest-private-gift/ |access-date=October 2, 2024 |work=The Park Record |date=January 19, 2010}}</ref> In 2012, USU concluded a $400 million fundraising campaign—the largest in its history.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Benjamin |title=Utah State Univ. raises $400M in fundraising campaign |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/22527180/utah-state-univ-raises-400m-in-fundraising-campaign |access-date=October 1, 2024 |work=KSL.com |date=October 12, 2012}}</ref>
From 2017 to 2023, President Noelle E. Cockett became USU's first female president, expanding statewide programs and research capacity while addressing campus safety and inclusion.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah Board of Higher Education and Utah State University Board of Trustees release joint investigative report regarding concerns raised by USU athletes |url=https://ushe.edu/joint-report-usu-ushe/ |website=ushe.edu |access-date=October 30, 2025}}</ref> She was succeeded by Elizabeth R. Cantwell (2023–2025), whose tenure was marked by fiscal and administrative controversy prior to her departure to lead Washington State University.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tanner |first1=Courtney |title=Auditors chastise Utah State University for former president's spending on new cars and other purchases |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2025/08/19/auditors-utah-state-university/ |access-date=October 30, 2025 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=August 19, 2025}}</ref>
Following an interim term under Alan L. Smith, the Utah Board of Higher Education appointed Brad L. Mortensen, former president of Weber State University, as Utah State's 18th president on October 30, 2025. Mortensen's administration, beginning November 10, 2025, has emphasized fiscal accountability, academic restructuring, and statewide access initiatives.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Colby |first1=Emily |title=Brad L. Mortensen named president of Utah State University |url=https://www.upr.org/utah-news/2025-10-30/brad-l-mortensen-named-president-of-utah-state-university |access-date=October 30, 2025 |work=Utah Public Radio |date=October 30, 2025}}</ref>
== Campus and locations == In addition to its Main Campus in Logan, Utah State University operates a system of 13 separate state-wide campuses (including 3 residential campuses); Utah State Extension offices in all 29 counties, 14 separate research farms, and seven (7) additional field site locations throughout Utah.<ref>{{cite news |title=County renews USU Extension contract |url=https://www.benewsjournal.com/articles/county-renews-usu-extension-contract/ |access-date=October 3, 2024 |work=Box Elder News Journal |date=January 31, 2024 }}</ref> Utah State is the largest school in the state of Utah in terms of both the number of campuses and in total campus acreage; and, it is the 13th largest school in the United States by total campus acreage.
USU has submitted, and the state legislature of Utah has approved as to strategy for the university, growth and expansion plans for each of its state-wide campuses as well as additional future campus locations throughout the state.<ref>{{Cite web |last=University |first=Utah State |title=Studies & Plans |url=https://www.usu.edu/facilities/planning-design-and-construction/studies-and-plans |access-date=2026-05-14 |website=www.usu.edu |language=en}}</ref>
=== Logan Campus (Main Campus) === [[File:UsuOldMainDistance.jpg|thumb|Old Main from outside the Taggart Student Center]]
Utah State University's main academic, research, residential, athletic, and innovation campus is located in Logan, Utah, spanning over 600 acres at the mouth of Logan Canyon.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scholl |first1=Jacob |title='Private property' or public trail? Hikers are fed up with a blocked path near the Utah State campus. |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/politics/2024/04/05/utah-hiking-trail-is-blocked-with/ |access-date=September 29, 2024 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=April 5, 2024 }}</ref> The campus sits on a "bench," a shelf-like foothill overlooking Cache Valley to the west, with Mount Logan and the Bear River Range rising sharply to the east.<ref>{{cite web |title=Logan Peak (Mount Logan), UT |url=https://www.summitpost.org/logan-peak-mount-logan-ut/349944 |website=summitpost.org |access-date=October 15, 2024 }}</ref>
The campus is home to more than 100 buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotlight on Facilities -- Logan Campus |url=https://www.usu.edu/sea/news/09-2021-spotlight-on-facilities |access-date=April 18, 2024 }}</ref> Key facilities include Maverik Stadium,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Michelle |title=Utah State adds 1,000 seats back to student section before game against the Utes |url=https://kslnewsradio.com/2135349/utah-state-university-adds-1000-seats-back-to-student-section/ |access-date=October 15, 2024 |work=KSL News Radio |publisher=Bonneville International |date=September 13, 2024 }}</ref> the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum,<ref name="NPU-Spectrum">{{cite web |title=Dee Glen Smith Spectrum |url=https://nowplayingutah.com/venue/dee-glen-smith-spectrum/ |website=NowPlayingUtah |access-date=November 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322050130/https://nowplayingutah.com/venue/dee-glen-smith-spectrum/ |archive-date=March 22, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Old Main (the university's first building),<ref>{{cite web |last1=Admin |first1=Clio |last2=Barrett |first2=Dylan |last3=Nield |first3=Derrick |last4=M. |first4=Ben |title=Old Main "The College Building" |url=https://theclio.com/entry/26714 |website=theclio.com |publisher=Clio Foundation |access-date=October 15, 2024 }}</ref> the Merrill-Cazier Library (305,000 square feet),<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University Library |url=https://www.nowplayingutah.com/organization/utah-state-university-library/ |website=nowplayingutah.com |publisher=Utah Cultural Alliance Foundation |access-date=October 15, 2024 }}</ref> and the Manon Caine Russell-Kathryn Caine Wanlass Performance Hall.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University Performance Hall |url=https://www.sasaki.com/projects/utah-state-university-performance-hall/ |website=sasaki.com |publisher=Sasaki Associates, Inc. |access-date=October 15, 2024 }}</ref> thumb|left|Utah State University's quad during the summer
The Logan City Cemetery divides much of the campus, with the main academic buildings to the south and the innovation and research facilities to the north.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Petersen |first1=Craig |title=Guest commentary: With your help, Logan can enhance beautiful cemetery |url=https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/guest-commentary-with-your-help-logan-can-enhance-beautiful-cemetery/article_b01ab2ae-cdb1-11e4-977a-5b5fb4769e3c.html |access-date=October 16, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |date=March 18, 2015 }}</ref> The campus also includes residential, recreational, and athletic buildings. To the west and north are located the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum<ref name="NPU-Spectrum" /> and Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium.<ref name="Merlin Olsen Field">{{cite web |title=Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium |url=https://www.nowplayingutah.com/venue/merlin-olsen-field-at-romney-stadium/ |website=nowplayingutah.com |publisher=Utah Cultural Alliance Foundation |access-date=October 17, 2024 }}</ref>
==== Recreation and wellness facilities ==== Students have full access to the HPER (pronounced "hyper"), Nelson Fieldhouse, and the 117,000-sq-ft ARC (Aggie Recreation Center) exercise facilities, which include basketball courts, indoor rock climbing, gymnastics equipment, two swimming pools, racquetball, squash, and outdoor field space for lacrosse, rugby, soccer, ultimate, and other sports.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Teasdale |first1=Heather |title=At Utah State, women climbers are ascending on their own terms |url=https://www.sltrib.com/amplify-utah/2023/11/30/utah-state-women-climbers-are/ |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=November 30, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sports/Entertainment Award of Merit - Utah State University Aggie Recreation Center |url=https://www.enr.com/articles/40596-sportsentertainment-award-of-merit---utah-state-university-aggie-recreation-center |access-date=September 25, 2024 |agency=ENRMountain States |publisher=BNP Media |date=October 21, 2016 }}</ref>
==== Arboretum and natural surroundings ==== With more than 30 of Utah's largest tree species and more than 7,000 trees, Utah State University's Logan campus has earned international recognition as an arboretum, accredited by ArbNet.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University Arboretum |url=https://arbnet.org/morton-register/utah-state-university-arboretum |website=arbnet.org |publisher=The Morton Arboretum |access-date=October 16, 2024 }}</ref>
==== Outdoor recreation and campus surroundings ==== USU's main campus in Logan, Utah, and the city of Logan have received several accolades, including being named the "Best College Town" for the 2019–2020 school year<ref>{{cite news |last1=Seikaly |first1=Simone |title=Logan ranked the best college town in Utah for 2019-2020 school year |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/46636225/logan-ranked-the-best-college-town-in-utah-for-2019-2020-school-year#:~:text=SALT%20LAKE%20CITY%20—%20Logan%2C%20the%20home%20of,product%20is%20the%20best%20college%20town%20in%20Utah. |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=KSL.com |publisher=KSL Broadcasting |date=September 11, 2019 }}</ref> and "Most Beautiful Campus in Utah."<ref>{{cite web |title=30 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the U.S. |url=https://www.travelandleisure.com/most-beautiful-college-campuses-8641609 |website=Travel + Leisure |publisher=Travel + Leisure Editors |date=June 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250322223410/https://www.travelandleisure.com/most-beautiful-college-campuses-8641609 |archive-date=March 22, 2025 |access-date=November 5, 2025 }}</ref>
Directly adjacent to the campus are Logan Canyon and the Cache National Forest, which provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and skiing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rees |first1=Arianna |title=Logan Canyon trail guide roundup |url=https://www.visitutah.com/articles/logan-canyon-hiking |website=visitutah.com |publisher=Utah Office of Tourism |access-date=October 19, 2024 }}</ref> Logan Canyon also serves as the main route to Beaver Mountain Ski Resort and Bear Lake, both of which are popular among students for winter sports and summer activities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hislop |first1=Craig |title=USU Libraries produce oral history of Beaver Mountain Ski Resort |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/usu-libraries-produce-oral-history-of-beaver-mountain-ski-resort/article_318482dd-fa1c-534f-9d5d-ffa508413200.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Cache Valley Daily.com |publisher=Cache Valley Media Group |date=March 30, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hislop |first1=Craig |title=Saturday USU will share results of Bear Lake tourism study |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/saturday-usu-will-share-results-of-bear-lake-tourism-study/article_130ec59e-17db-11ef-bd51-873bc0e3ab05.html |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=Cache Valley Daily.com |publisher=Cache Valley Media Group |date=May 22, 2024 }}</ref> Students often visit these nearby areas for recreational activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and skiing. The USU Outdoor Recreation Program supports these activities by renting equipment for camping, water sports, mountain sports, and winter sports, as well as providing trail maps and local expertise.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Howard |first1=Brittany |title=Utah State University |url=https://campusrecmag.com/utah-state-university/ |website=campusrecmag.com |date=December 2, 2019 |publisher=Campus Rec Magazine |access-date=October 18, 2024 }}</ref>
Several notable sites are located on or near campus property. First Dam, a small research reservoir situated at the mouth of Logan Canyon, is a popular spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing.<ref>{{cite web |title=First Dam on the Logan River |url=https://bearriverheritage.com/item/first-dam/ |website=bearriverheritage.com |publisher=Bear River Heritage Area |access-date=October 17, 2024 }}</ref> The Logan Country Club, adjacent to the campus, is home to the university's men's golf team.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Weeks |first1=Andrew |title=Logan Country Club gets new owner, liquor licenses |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/business/logan-country-club-gets-new-owner-liquor-licenses/article_ae0454ec-a0fe-11ed-a57d-f39954271ea1.html |access-date=October 17, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=January 31, 2023 }}</ref> Additionally, the Utah Water Research Laboratory is a key research facility near Logan Canyon.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah Water Research Laboratory |url=https://galvanizeit.org/project-gallery/utah-water-research-laboratory |website=galvanizeit.org |publisher=American Galvanizers Association |access-date=October 17, 2024 }}</ref>
In the broader region, students have access to other ski resorts, such as Powder Mountain<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jag |first1=Julie |title=These 5 Utah ski areas have been nominated among the best in North America. Are they even the best in the state? |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/environment/2024/10/21/5-utah-ski-resorts-nominated-usa/ |access-date=October 30, 2024 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=October 21, 2024 }}</ref> and Cherry Peak Resort,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=Mike |last2=Houck |first2=Michael |title=Utah's snowpack is starting off below average, but has potential to increase |url=https://ksltv.com/610668/utahs-snow-pack-is-starting-off-below-average-but-has-potential-to-increase/ |work=KSL TV |publisher=Bonneville International |date=December 27, 2023 |access-date=October 4, 2025 }}</ref> as well as local golf courses, lakes, and reservoirs, including Hyrum Reservoir at Hyrum State Park.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Hamish |title=Hyrum Dam Lake Bonneville sediment |url=https://glazy.org/recipes/200442 |website=glazy.org |access-date=October 19, 2024 }}</ref> Many students take advantage of Utah's YETI ski pass, which allows limited access to all of Utah's ski resorts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Snyder |first1=Julie |title=Early purchase perks: Utah's ski passes for the 2024/2025 season |url=https://townlift.com/2024/07/early-purchase-perks-utahs-ski-passes-for-the-2024-2025-season/ |access-date=October 30, 2024 |work=Town Lift |date=July 14, 2024 }}</ref> Weekend getaways to Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park, and Lava Hot Springs are also popular due to their proximity to Logan.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Carter |title=Utah retains title as 'youngest' state as US population continues to age |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/50431360/utah-retains-title-as-youngest-state-as-us-population-continues-to-age |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=KSL.com |publisher=KSL Broadcasting |date=June 30, 2022 }}</ref>
{{Clear}} {{wide image|Panoramic view of Utah State University Quad.png|1670px|Panoramic view of the Quad}}
=== Utah State University Eastern and USU Blanding === {{Main|Utah State University Eastern}}
In addition to its main campus in Logan, Utah State operates two separate residential campuses: one in Price (USU Eastern) and another in Blanding.
==== Utah State University Eastern ==== Located in Price, Utah, the former College of Eastern Utah joined the USU system in 2010 and became Utah State University College of Eastern Utah (USU Eastern).<ref>{{cite web |title=USU and CEU Create Historic Union |date=March 4, 2010 |url=http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=43898 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |archive-date=August 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821002400/http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=43898 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2013, the official name was shortened to Utah State University Eastern, as was officially designated as a campus of Utah State University.<ref>{{cite news |last1=AP |title=utah state university college of eastern utah shortened name to "Utah State University Eastern" |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/senate-approves-bill-renaming-usu-college-of-eastern-utah/article_69eda490-00ab-553f-8f4f-d3fb638d32d8.html |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=Cache Valley Daily.com |publisher=Cache Valley Media Group |date=March 9, 2013 }}</ref> USU Eastern is the only campus besides Logan to have an athletics program; and, competes as the Utah State Eastern Utah Golden Eagles.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Opsahl |first1=Kevin |title=USU Eastern sees big changes in athletics |url=http://news.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-eastern-sees-big-changes-in-athletics/article_8511cb96-c8a1-54e1-82bd-388b294b69ff.html |access-date=June 19, 2016 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=April 29, 2016 |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222163153/https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-eastern-sees-big-changes-in-athletics/article_8511cb96-c8a1-54e1-82bd-388b294b69ff.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Utah State University Blanding ==== USU also operates a residential satellite campus, known as the Blanding campus, in Blanding, Utah.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Childs |first1=Shannon |title=USU Eastern Chancellor Joe Peterson announces retirement |url=https://etvnews.com/usu-eastern-chancellor-joe-peterson-announces-retirement/ |website=etvnews.com |date=February 3, 2018 |publisher=ETV News |access-date=October 6, 2024 }}</ref>
=== Statewide Campuses === {{Main|USU-Brigham City|USU-Tooele|USU-Uintah Basin}}
Regional Campuses and Distance Education (RCDE) work to fulfill USU's land-grant mission to increase access to high-quality education throughout Utah.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University |url=https://trustlands.utah.gov/our-impact/beneficiaries/utah-state-university/#:~:text=Utah%20State%20University%20uses%20its,culture%2C%20and%20by%20serving%20the |website=trustlands.utah.gov |publisher=Trust Lands |access-date=October 6, 2024 }}</ref>
Logan is one of many cities and towns hosting a statewide campus for Utah State.<ref name="usnews.com">{{cite web |title=Utah State University |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/utah-state-university-3677 |website=usnews.com |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=October 11, 2024 }}</ref> Additional campus sites are located as:
* '''Main Campus:''' Logan * '''Other Residential Campuses:''' USU Eastern (Price), USU Blanding * '''Other Regional Campuses:''' Brigham City, Kaysville, Moab, Monument Valley, Orem, Roosevelt, Salt Lake City, St. George, Tooele, Tremonton, Vernal
Utah State University has conducted studies and proposed long-term development master plans to the state of Utah, which have been approved in concept to create residential and research campuses at each of its additional campuses throughout the State.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Master Plans -- Main Campus and Statewide Campuses |url=https://www.usu.edu/facilities/planning-design-and-construction/studies-and-plans |access-date=October 4, 2025}}</ref>
=== USU Extension and Field Site Locations === USU instructional office extension locations are also located in every county in Utah including Beaver, Bicknell,<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University, Bicknell |url=https://ielts.org/receiving-organisations/utah-state-university-bicknell |website=ielts.org |publisher=IELTS |access-date=October 8, 2024 }}</ref> Blanding,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bishop |first1=Traci |title=USU Eastern announces speaker series exploring history of Eastern Utah |url=https://etvnews.com/usu-eastern-announces-speaker-series-exploring-history-of-eastern-utah/ |access-date=October 8, 2024 |work=ETVNews |publisher=Emery Telcom |date=August 31, 2024 }}</ref> Brigham City,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Opsahl |first1=Kevin |title=New USU-Brigham campus ceremony set for Dec. 1 |url=https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/new-usu-brigham-campus-ceremony-set-for-dec-1/article_75d77367-4a5d-56f7-9e60-e7353b36f402.html |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=October 23, 2015 }}</ref> Castle Dale, Cedar City, Delta, Ephraim, Heber City, Junction, Kanab, Kaysville, Logan,<ref name="usnews.com" /> Moab,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schuman |first1=Timber |title=Utah State University Moab's new campus |url=https://www.westernslopenow.com/news/utah-state-university-moabs-new-campus/ |access-date=October 11, 2024 |work=Western Slope Now.com |publisher=Nexstar Media Inc. |date=September 5, 2023 }}</ref> Montezuma Creek,<ref name="Stefanich2024">{{cite news |last1=Stefanich |first1=Logan |title=USU expanding rural access to education through Monument Valley building |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/51088477/usu-expanding-rural-access-to-education-through-monument-valley-building |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=KSL.com |publisher=KSL Broadcasting |date=August 2, 2024 }}</ref> Monticello,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shumway |first1=Mia |title=Preserving artifacts and relationships: Lessons from a pioneering District Ranger |url=https://www.upr.org/show/rural-utah-at-a-crossroads/2024-08-21/crossroads-lee-bennett-monticello |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=Utah Public Radio |date=August 21, 2024 }}</ref> Monument Valley,<ref name="Stefanich2024" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilber |first1=Logan |title=USU breaks ground on Monument Valley academic center |url=https://www.nhonews.com/news/usu-breaks-ground-on-monument-valley-academic-center/article_68759edc-59a7-11ef-ae0f-af2640add745.html |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=Navajo-Hopi Observer |date=August 13, 2024 }}</ref> Nephi, Orem, Panguitch, Park City, Price,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bishop |first1=Traci |title=Welcome Back to Campus: USU Eastern Students Kick Off the 2024/2025 Year in Style |url=https://etvnews.com/welcome-back-to-campus-usu-eastern-students-kick-off-the-2024-2025-year-in-style/ |access-date=October 12, 2024 |work=ETV News |date=September 6, 2024 }}</ref> Richfield, Roosevelt, Salt Lake City, St. George, Tooele, Tremonton, Vernal, and Wendover. Courses and degrees are also made available online through online, international and Distance Education.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University: #32 in Best Online Bachelor's Programs |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/utah-state-university-3677/bachelors |website=usnews.com |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=October 12, 2024 }}</ref>
USU, operates a number of centers and field sites throughout the state, including 14 separate research farms throughout the state of Utah. In addition, USU operates the following, large field-site locations: * '''Thanksgiving Point (Lehi).''' Botanical gardens, arboretum, museums, research and education classes as an extension of USU. * '''Ogden Botanical Gardens (Ogden).''' Botanical Gardens, and education classes as an extension of USU. * '''Bastian Agricultural Center (South Jordan).''' Equestrian, agricultural education, and event facilities, including equestrian competition events.<ref name="BastianCenter">{{cite news |last=Cortez |first=Marjorie |title=How Utah State University plans to provide agricultural education in expanding urban setting |url=https://www.deseret.com/2022/1/10/22876135/utah-state-university-bastian-agricultural-center-agriculture-education |work=Deseret News |publisher=Deseret News Publishing Company |date=January 10, 2022 |access-date=September 6, 2024 }}</ref> * '''USU Botanical Center (Kaysville).''' Teaching gardens, extension classrooms, amphitheater, wetlands, and outreach sites.<ref name="USUBotanicalCenter">{{cite news |last1=O'Donoghue |first1=Amy Joi |date=April 22, 2024 |title=Shorelands Preserve highlights recreation at Great Salt Lake |url=https://www.standard.net/news/environment/2024/apr/22/shorelands-preserve-highlights-recreation-at-great-salt-lake/ |access-date=September 6, 2024 |publisher=Standard-Examiner}}</ref><ref name="OgdenBotanicalGardens">{{cite news |last1=Aston |first1=Ryan |date=April 24, 2024 |title=Ogden Botanical Gardens hosting Earth Day Birthday fair |url=https://www.standard.net/news/local/2024/apr/24/ogden-botanical-gardens-hosting-earth-day-birthday-fair/ |access-date=September 6, 2024 |publisher=Standard-Examiner}}</ref> * '''Sam Skaggs Family Equine Education Center (Wellsville).''' Instructional and research facilities for equine sciences.<ref name="SkaggsEquine">{{cite news |last1=Opsahl |first1=Kevin |date=January 12, 2015 |title=USU opens classroom building at Sam Skaggs Family Equine Education Center |url=https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-opens-classroom-building-at-sam-skaggs-family-equine-education-center/article_4a7810f0-9a8e-11e4-bbdb-9b9995212dd6.html |access-date=September 6, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group}}</ref> * '''Logan-Cache Airport.''' Houses USU's offisite aircraft, hangars, and supports USU's aviation and flight technology programs, as well as USU flight technology and community outreach programs. * '''Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter (Park City).''' A {{convert|1200|acre|km2|adj=on}} land trust and a {{convert|10000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} education center focused on wetlands, wildlife, and sustainability; LEED Platinum certified.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 15, 2010 |title=Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Makes Largest Gift in USU's History |url=http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=42009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105133958/http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=42009 |archive-date=January 5, 2016 |access-date=July 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Iwasaki |first1=Scott |date=June 28, 2016 |title=Recycle Utah plans 100 mile meal for 100 people |url=https://www.parkrecord.com/2016/06/28/recycle-utah-plans-100-mile-meal-for-100-people/ |access-date=October 27, 2024 |work=The Park Record}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Vitale |first=Tim |title=Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Makes Largest Gift in USU's History |url=http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=42009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119161028/http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=42009 |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=January 18, 2010 |work=Utah State Today |publisher=Utah State University}}</ref>
== Sustainability == {{Undue weight section|date=November 2025}} Utah State University (USU) integrates sustainability into campus operations, academics, and statewide outreach through the Office of Sustainability, which was elevated under the Office of the President in 2023 to strengthen institution-wide coordination and embed sustainability into university policy and culture.<ref name="GHG2023">{{cite report |title=FY 2023 Greenhouse Gas Update |publisher=Utah State University Office of Sustainability |date=2023 |url=https://www.usu.edu/sustainability/how-were-doing |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref> The university signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment in 2007, pledging carbon neutrality by 2050; the Faculty Senate advanced that goal to 2040 in 2023.<ref name="Decarb2022">{{cite report |title=Decarbonization Master Plan 2022 – Executive Summary |publisher=Utah State University Facilities Management |date=2022 |url=https://www.usu.edu/sustainability/campus-initiatives/clean-energy |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
=== Energy and decarbonization === The Decarbonization Master Plan (2022) establishes a roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions on the Logan campus by 2040. It outlines four complementary strategies: (1) deep energy-efficiency retrofits and controls optimization, (2) electrification of space and domestic water heating systems, (3) procurement of low- or zero-carbon electricity through on-site generation and power-purchase agreements, and (4) lifecycle carbon analysis for all new construction.<ref name="DecarbPlan">{{cite report |title=Decarbonization Master Plan |publisher=Utah State University Facilities Management |date=2022 |url=https://www.usu.edu/facilities/services/energy-management |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
The plan recommends converting the campus's central steam system to low-temperature hydronic heating, installing domestic-water heat pumps in 75 buildings, and expanding solar generation to 8.4 MW by 2040. As of FY 2024, USU issued a request for proposals for 3 MW of distributed solar co-located with battery storage, expected to reduce emissions by about 2,900 metric tons CO₂e annually.<ref name="GHG2023" /> Energy performance and emissions are tracked through a public Power BI Energy Management Dashboard, supplemented by GRITS for project-level transparency.<ref name="Dashboard">{{cite web |title=Energy Management Dashboard |url=https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiNWQ3MTAwNjgtZTE5NS00ZmE1LWE1ZDUtMTk3NjkxNWY0ZTdhIiwidCI6ImFjMzUyZjliLWViNjMtNGNhMi05Y2Y5LWY0YzQwMDQ3Y2VmZiIsImMiOjZ9 |publisher=Utah State University Facilities Management |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
According to the FY 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory, USU's total emissions were 106,126 metric tons CO₂e, a 3 percent decline from 2008 despite significant campus growth.<ref name="GHG2023" />
=== Renewable energy and clean power === USU collaborates with Logan City Power, whose goal of obtaining 50 percent renewable electricity by 2030 is projected to reduce campus emissions by about 4 percent.<ref name="GHG2023" /> The university's distributed-solar strategy supplements this with on-site arrays and battery systems. Statewide decarbonization planning is underway for all USU campuses, which collectively account for about 11 percent of total university energy use.<ref name="DecarbPlan" />
=== Sustainable buildings and infrastructure === USU's Policy 5310 – Energy Conservation mandates that all new construction meet LEED Silver or higher standards. As of 2025, the university operates 22 LEED-certified buildings emphasizing energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water conservation.<ref name="LEED">{{cite web |title=Efficient and Sustainable Buildings |url=https://www.usu.edu/sustainability/campus-initiatives/efficient-sustainable-buildings |publisher=Utah State University Office of Sustainability |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref> New design guidelines require "solar-ready" roofs and low-embodied-carbon materials, consistent with lifecycle carbon accounting principles established in the Decarbonization Master Plan.<ref name="Decarb2022" />
=== Water conservation and landscape resilience === The Landscape Resiliency and Drought Plan (2020) and Stormwater Management Plan (2020) designate USU as a model for institutional water stewardship. Initiatives include drought-tolerant plantings, irrigation audits, bioswales, and stormwater capture systems across the Logan campus.<ref name="LRDP">{{cite report |title=Landscape Resiliency and Drought Plan |publisher=Utah State University Facilities Management |date=2020 |url=https://www.usu.edu/facilities/ |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref><ref name="SWMP">{{cite report |title=Stormwater Management Plan |publisher=Utah State University Facilities Management |date=2020 |url=https://www.usu.edu/facilities/services/ |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref> Irrigation is managed via a weather-responsive central control system that draws primarily from the Cache Highline Water Association canal, achieving substantial efficiency gains over previous baselines.<ref name="LRDP" /> USU Extension's Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping (CWEL) extends these practices statewide through workshops, design research, and the ''Water Check'' residential efficiency program.<ref>{{cite web |title=Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping |url=https://extension.usu.edu/cwel/ |publisher=Utah State University Extension |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
=== Food systems and permaculture === The Permaculture Initiative and Food Forest Program convert underused campus areas into educational landscapes for regenerative agriculture. The ''Permaculture Impacts 2024'' report documents measurable gains in soil carbon, pollinator habitat, and student participation through garden labs, workshops, and design courses, aligning with USU's land-grant outreach mission.<ref>{{cite report |title=Permaculture Impacts 2024 |publisher=Utah State University Permaculture Initiative |date=2024 |url=https://extension.usu.edu/permaculture/ |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |title=Food Forest Program Information |publisher=Utah State University Facilities Management and Office of Sustainability |date=2024 |url=https://www.usu.edu/sustainability/campus-initiatives/campus-ecology |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
=== Transportation and mobility === The Innovation Campus District Plan (2017) introduced electric-vehicle charging infrastructure, carpool and transit pickup zones, and expanded Aggie Shuttle and Cache Valley Transit District service routes to support active commuting.<ref>{{cite report |title=Innovation Campus District Plan |publisher=Utah State University Planning and Design |date=2017 |url=https://www.usu.edu/facilities/planning/ |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref> By 2023, USU had replaced part of its fleet with compressed-natural-gas Aggie Shuttles and launched an EV integration study. The university also partners with Logan's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Aggie Blue Bikes to promote low-emission commuting and alternative transportation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Active and Shared Transportation |url=https://www.usu.edu/sustainability/campus-initiatives/active-shared-transportation |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
=== Tracking, engagement, and statewide impact === USU allocates about US$800,000 per year to energy-efficiency projects and is developing a green revolving fund to reinvest savings across its statewide campuses.<ref name="GHG2023" /> Progress is tracked through the Office of Sustainability's public "How We're Doing" dashboard and annual greenhouse-gas inventories, while competitions such as Energy Wars engage students and departments in reducing energy use.<ref>{{cite web |title=How We're Doing – Office of Sustainability |url=https://www.usu.edu/sustainability/how-were-doing |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
The Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air (ILWA) coordinates interdisciplinary research on Utah's climate, renewable energy, and environmental resilience. Each year, ILWA submits reports to the Utah Legislature detailing university-led findings on air quality, drought response, clean-energy development, and long-term natural resource trends.<ref>{{cite web |title=Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water & Air |url=https://www.usu.edu/ilwa/ |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref>
== Governance and administration ==
=== Legal status and system affiliation === Utah State University (USU) is a public land-grant research university within the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). The institution operates under the supervision of the Utah Board of Higher Education, which sets statewide policy, approves presidential appointments, and oversees budgetary and strategic priorities for Utah's public colleges and universities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah Board of Higher Education |url=https://ushe.edu/board/ |website=ushe.edu |publisher=Utah System of Higher Education |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref>
=== Governing boards === USU's local governing body is the Board of Trustees, which provides institutional oversight, approves significant policies and transactions, conducts presidential evaluations, and advises the statewide board on campus matters.<ref>{{cite web |title=USU Board of Trustees |url=https://www.usu.edu/board-of-trustees |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref> Trustees include the university president, appointed members representing the state and community, and ex officio participants as defined by state policy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah System of Higher Education: Boards and Governance |url=https://ushe.edu/about/ |website=ushe.edu |publisher=Utah System of Higher Education |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref>
=== Executive leadership === The university is led by a president appointed by the Utah Board of Higher Education. On October 30, 2025, the board named Brad L. Mortensen the 18th president of Utah State University; he began his tenure on November 10, 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Colby |first1=Emily |title=Brad L. Mortensen named president of Utah State University |url=https://www.upr.org/utah-news/2025-10-30/brad-l-mortensen-named-president-of-utah-state-university |work=Utah Public Radio |date=October 30, 2025 |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Stefanich |first1=Logan |title=Brad Mortensen unanimously selected to lead Utah State University as its 18th president |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/51397948/brad-mortensen-unanimously-selected-to-lead-utah-state-university-as-18th-president |work=KSL.com |publisher=KSL Broadcasting |date=October 30, 2025 |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref> Day-to-day academic administration is headed by the provost and executive vice president, who oversees the deans of the colleges and schools, graduate education, and statewide academic operations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Office of the Provost |url=https://www.usu.edu/provost/ |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref>
=== Organizational structure === Utah State University is organized into academic colleges and schools that offer undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. In 2025, the university announced plans to merge five existing colleges into two new colleges as part of a strategic reinvestment plan required under Utah House Bill 265. The proposal combines the Caine College of the Arts, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science into a new college aligned with national arts and sciences models, to be led by Dean Joe Ward, current dean of CHaSS. A second merger will join the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources with the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. According to Interim President Alan Smith, these mergers aim to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and academic efficiency.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Corbin |last2=Goddard |first2=Amanda |title=USU announces plans to merge colleges under accelerated timeline to propose strategic reinvestment plan |work=The Herald Journal |date=April 10, 2025 |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/education/usu-announces-plans-to-merge-colleges-under-accelerated-timeline-to-propose-strategic-reinvestment-plan/article_83077d5d-dfd7-4615-8956-e1e114fe1fd7.html |access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref>
In addition to these merged units, the university continues to operate the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services, and the College of Engineering.
In keeping with its land-grant mission, USU also administers a statewide system of regional campuses, centers, and online programs in coordination with the Office of Statewide Campuses and USU Extension.<ref>{{cite web |title=USU Statewide Campuses |url=https://statewide.usu.edu/ |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref>
=== Finance === USU's operating budget totaled approximately $1.2 billion in fiscal year 2024, reflecting a mix of state appropriations, tuition and fees, research grants and contracts, auxiliaries, and philanthropic support.<ref>{{cite web |title=2024 Annual Financial Report |url=https://www.usu.edu/controllers/files/reports/2024-Financial-Report.pdf |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=February 17, 2025}}</ref> The university's endowment was valued at approximately $614.9 million as of June 30, 2024, according to NACUBO's annual survey.<ref name=NACUBO>As of June 30, 2024. {{cite web |url=https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2024-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-REVISED.xlsx |title=U.S. and Canadian 2024 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2024 Endowment Market Value, Change in Market Value from FY23 to FY24, and FY24 Endowment Market Values Per Full-time Equivalent Student |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) |date=February 17, 2025 |access-date=February 17, 2025 |format=XLS }}</ref>
=== Accreditation and affiliations === USU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).<ref>{{cite web |title=NWCCU Member Directory |url=https://nwccu.org/member-institutions/directory/ |website=nwccu.org |publisher=Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref> The university participates in national consortia and programs aligned with its research and outreach mission, including Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), and the Space Grant network, among others.<ref>{{cite web |title=USU Research Partnerships and Affiliations |url=https://www.usu.edu/research/ |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=October 31, 2025}}</ref>
== Academics == Utah State University offers more than 270 degree programs across its main campus in Logan and statewide campuses. As of fall 2024, total enrollment was 28,900 students, including 25,702 undergraduates and 3,198 graduate students.<ref name="USHE Headcount"/> The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and maintains a 19-to-1 student–faculty ratio, with nearly half of its classes enrolling fewer than 20 students.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University Academics |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/utah-state-university-3677/academics |website=usnews.com |publisher=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=November 22, 2024 }}</ref>
USU's academic programs span liberal arts, sciences, engineering, business, education, and agriculture. Students can pursue 137 undergraduate, 95 master's, and 39 doctoral programs, along with extensive opportunities for study abroad in more than 90 countries.<ref>{{cite web |title=Academics Fast Facts |url=https://www.usu.edu/about/fast-facts/USU_fast-facts.pdf |access-date=March 22, 2024 }}</ref>
=== Academic organization === Utah State's academic enterprise is structured into ten colleges and schools that support both teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines. These academic units are listed below in detail under Colleges and schools.
=== Degree programs === The university awards associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees as well as professional credentials and certificates. It also operates statewide campuses that deliver hybrid and online programs, making Utah State one of the state's leaders in distance education.
=== Accreditation and affiliations === Utah State University has maintained continuous accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1924. Several of its academic programs hold specialized accreditations, including those from the American Psychological Association, the ABET, and the NCATE.
== Colleges and schools == {{Main|List of Utah State University colleges and schools}}
As of July 1, 2025, Utah State University is organized into seven academic colleges and schools, plus the Graduate School, that collectively oversee the university's teaching, research, and statewide outreach missions.<ref name="USUColleges">{{cite web |title=Changes to Academic Colleges |url=https://www.usu.edu/president/reinvestment/colleges.cfm |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref> This structure reflects USU's land-grant heritage and continuing strengths in agriculture and natural resources, arts & sciences, education, engineering, and business.
{| class="toccolours" style="float:right; margin-left:1em; font-size:90%; line-height:1.4em; width:320px;" ! colspan="5" style="text-align:center;"| USU Colleges and Schools (current)<ref name="USUColleges" /> |- ! College or school || || || Notes |- | College of Arts & Sciences || || || Formed July 1, 2025, from the Caine College of the Arts, the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and the College of Science; the Caine College continues as the embedded School of the Arts. Dean: Joe Ward. |- | S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources || || || Formed July 1, 2025, from the College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences and the Quinney College of Natural Resources. Interim dean: Grant Cordon. |- | Jon M. Huntsman School of Business || || || Established 1889 (renamed 2007). |- | Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services || || || Established 1924. |- | College of Engineering || || || Established 1903. |- | College of Veterinary Medicine || || || Established 2022 (Utah's first four-year veterinary college). |- | School of Graduate Studies || || || Established 1950. |}
=== Historical development === In 1903, the Agricultural College of Utah (now Utah State University) organized six schools: Agriculture, Military Science, Agricultural Engineering and Mechanical Arts, Home Economics, General Science, and Commerce.<ref name="Parson" /> By 1923, the institution had expanded to seven academic colleges—Agriculture, Home Economics, Military Science, Agricultural Engineering, Commerce and Business Administration, Mechanic Arts, and General Science.<ref name="Parson" /> A School of Education was created in 1924, and the School of General Science was reorganized into the School of Basic Arts and Sciences.<ref name="Parson" />
=== Recent restructuring (2025) === In April 2025, USU announced a major academic reorganization in response to state-mandated budget reductions and Utah House Bill 265. The plan merged five existing colleges into two new colleges and reduced administrative overhead, with program adjustments to follow.<ref name="HJNews2025">{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Corbin |last2=Goddard |first2=Amanda |title=USU announces plans to merge colleges under accelerated timeline to propose strategic reinvestment plan |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/education/usu-announces-plans-to-merge-colleges-under-accelerated-timeline-to-propose-strategic-reinvestment-plan/article_83077d5d-dfd7-4615-8956-e1e114fe1fd7.html |work=The Herald Journal |date=April 10, 2025 |access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref><ref name="SLTrib2025">{{cite news |last1=Tanner |first1=Courtney |title=Utah State University merges 5 colleges into 2 as state mandates multimillion-dollar budget cuts |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/education/2025/04/15/utah-state-university-merges/ |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=April 15, 2025 |access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref> USU confirms the new colleges became official on July 1, 2025, with Joe Ward named dean of Arts & Sciences and Grant Cordon serving as interim dean of Agriculture & Natural Resources.<ref name="USUColleges" /> Implementation of the new structure took effect July 1, 2025, and the reorganized colleges are reflected below.
=== College of Arts & Sciences === The College of Arts & Sciences integrates programs from the former Caine College of the Arts, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHaSS), and College of Science, aligning with "Letters and Science" models at peer institutions.<ref name="USUColleges" /> It comprises divisions for (a) the humanities, social sciences, and communication; (b) the natural, physical, and mathematical sciences; and (c) the School of the Arts (continuation of the Caine College as an embedded unit).
The college hosts ''Western American Literature'' and ''Western Historical Quarterly'', official journals of the Western Literature Association and Western History Association, respectively.<ref name="UNL_WAL">{{cite web |title=Western American Literature |url=https://www.unl.edu/westernlit/ |website=University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Department of English |publisher=University of Nebraska–Lincoln |access-date=November 3, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415000000/https://www.unl.edu/westernlit/ |archive-date=April 15, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Western Historical Quarterly |url=https://www.jstor.org/journal/westhistquar |website=jstor.org |publisher=JSTOR |access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Affiliations |url=https://westernlit.org/association-wla/affiliations/ |website=westernlit.org |publisher=Western Literature Association |access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=About the WHA |url=https://www.westernhistory.org/ |website=westernhistory.org |publisher=Western History Association |access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref> It also includes the USU Museum of Anthropology in Old Main.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Goddard |first1=Amanda |title=Families, folklore and fright mixed at USU ghost and monster activity |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/community/families-folklore-and-fright-mixed-at-usu-ghost-and-monster-activity/article_f7761ec0-835c-11ef-aab0-07272e60ce87.html |access-date=November 20, 2024 |work=Herald Journal |date=October 7, 2024}}</ref>
=== S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources === Created by merging the former College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences (CAAS) with the Quinney College of Natural Resources (QCNR), the college advances land-grant missions in agricultural production, food systems, natural resources stewardship, ecology, and environmental science.<ref name="USUColleges" /> The College also houses USU's Aviation and Flight Technology programs, and owns and operates a fleet of aircraft at the nearby Logan-Cache Airport, in addition to being one of the few public colleges in the nation to own and operate its own jet simulators.
=== College of Engineering === thumb|The David G. Sant Engineering Innovation Building The College of Engineering grants undergraduate degrees in six engineering disciplines—biological, civil, computer, electrical, environmental, and mechanical—and graduate degrees in aerospace, composites/structures, space systems, and engineering education.<ref>{{cite web |title=College Overview {{!}} College of Engineering |url=https://engineering.usu.edu/about/ |access-date=August 28, 2024 |website=engineering.usu.edu}}</ref> The college has close ties to the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), which employs about 130 students on technical projects.<ref>{{cite web |title=Internships & Student Jobs – Space Dynamics Laboratory |url=https://www.sdl.usu.edu/careers/internships/ |access-date=August 28, 2024 |website=www.sdl.usu.edu}}</ref>
Research facilities and outreach in the college include the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL), the nation's oldest and largest academic water research facility.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Farr |first1=Andrew |title=Analyzing Utah State University's third study examining break rates |url=https://waterfm.com/water-main-breaks-u-s-canada/ |website=Water Finance & Management |date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=November 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Utah Water Research Laboratory Publications |url=https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/water_pubs/ |website=digitalcommons.usu.edu |access-date=November 17, 2024}}</ref> The college also sponsors an annual trebuchet pumpkin-toss and Engineers Without Borders chapter activities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boam |first1=Rod |title=Engineering students ready for annual pumpkin chucking contest Saturday |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/engineering-students-ready-for-annual-pumpkin-chucking-contest-saturday/article_0de2d188-c78f-55e4-8246-3109709fb9ef.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |date=October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University Chapter |url=https://support.ewb-usa.org/campaign/utah-state-university-chapter/c443573 |website=Engineers Without Borders USA |access-date=October 5, 2024}}</ref>
=== Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services === {{Main|Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services}}
thumb|left|Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services Research Center USU's Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (founded 1924) enrolls approximately 5,700 students and offers nationally recognized programs in psychology, special education, human development and family studies, communicative disorders and deaf education, kinesiology, and rehabilitation.<ref>{{cite web |year=2014 |title=Rankings: Best Education Programs |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings?name=Utah%20State%20University |access-date=September 24, 2024 |work=U.S. News & World Report |archive-date=November 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130055732/https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-education-schools/edu-rankings?name=Utah%20State%20University}}</ref> The college includes the APA-accredited Department of Psychology and the National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management (NCHAM).<ref>{{cite web |title=Database of APA-Accredited Psychology Programs |url=http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/programs/using-database.aspx |access-date=June 26, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NCHAM Staff |url=https://www.infanthearing.org/about/staff.html |website=infanthearing.org |access-date=October 23, 2024}}</ref> The college also houses the USU Family Life Center which provides housing and financial counseling and includes a marriage and family therapy clinic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Opsahl |first1=Kevin |title=USU to receive HUD money for financial counseling center |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/usu-to-receive-hud-money-for-financial-counseling-center/article_fd3fc2a2-121e-11e0-af95-001cc4c002e0.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |date=December 28, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University Marriage & Family Therapy |url=https://www.opencounseling.com/utah/logan/counseling-agency/utah-state-university-marriage-family-therapy |website=OpenCounseling |access-date=October 5, 2024}}</ref>
{{clear}}
=== Jon M. Huntsman School of Business === {{Main|Jon M. Huntsman School of Business}}
right|thumb|The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business north-facing entrances Founded in 1889 (renamed 2007 after a $26M gift from Jon Huntsman Sr.), the Huntsman School is the oldest continuously operating business college in the Western U.S. and the first in Utah.<ref>{{cite web |title=Business Administration Major |url=https://huntsman.usu.edu/undergraduate/majors/business-administration-major |access-date=July 2, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Collier |first1=Robert P. |title=Utah's First Business College |journal=Utah State University Magazine |date=1967 |volume=20 |issue=Winter 1967 |pages=14–18}}</ref> It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in management, accounting, economics, finance, and management information systems (MIS), among others, and houses the Shingo Institute (home of the Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence).<ref>{{cite web |author=The Shingo Institute at Utah State University |url=http://www.shingo.org/education |title=Education – Shingo Institute |access-date=September 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=How mining companies reach the operational excellence gold standard |url=https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/how-mining-companies-reach-the-operational-excellence-gold-standard |website=McKinsey & Company |access-date=October 27, 2024}}</ref>
=== College of Veterinary Medicine === Established in 2022 as Utah's first four-year veterinary college (building on the prior WIMU regional partnership with Washington State University), the college offers the DVM and allied veterinary programs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Britt |title=Utah State University to open Utah's first veterinary college |url=https://kslnewsradio.com/2106822/utah-state-university-to-open-utahs-first-veterinary-college/ |access-date=October 7, 2024 |work=KSL News Radio |date=May 30, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WIMU Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine |url=https://vetmed.usu.edu/future-students/ |access-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822224907/https://vetmed.usu.edu/future-students/}}</ref>
=== School of Graduate Studies === Established in 1950, the School of Graduate Studies coordinates USU's master's and doctoral programs, graduate policies, and assistantships across all colleges.
==== Notes on legacy colleges (pre-2025) ==== Prior to July 1, 2025, USU's colleges included the Caine College of the Arts, the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, the College of Science, the College of Agriculture & Applied Sciences, and the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources as separate entities. Historical information, departmental rosters, facilities, centers, and notable achievements from those legacy units are preserved within the relevant merged subsections above.
== Research == [[File:Utah State University observatory and business building at night.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Observatory built in 2009 on top of the SER building as seen at night.|Observatory built in 2009 on top of the SER building. For the Department of Physics and public use, it houses a {{convert|20|in|mm|adj=on}} reflecting telescope.]]
Utah State University is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".<ref name="Carnegieclassifications">{{cite web |title=Utah State University |url=http://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=230728 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527131036/https://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=230728 |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |access-date=December 16, 2021 |publisher=Indiana University Center for Postsecondary Research }}</ref> USU is listed in the top 80 universities and the top 50 public universities in the nation for total research and development expenditures with over $494 million in 2024 and a reported $517 million in research development and expenditures in 2025.<ref name="NSF_HERD2025" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=University |first=Utah State |title=Office of Research {{!}} USU |url=https://research.usu.edu/index |access-date=2026-03-17 |website=research.usu.edu |language=en}}</ref>
Utah State has more than 50 research institutes and centers. Notable research centers based at USU include the Space Dynamics Laboratory,<ref name="SDL_About">{{cite web |title=About |url=https://www.sdl.usu.edu/company/about |website=sdl.usu.edu |publisher=Space Dynamics Laboratory |access-date=November 25, 2024 }}</ref> Bingham Energy Research Center,<ref name="Bingham">{{cite web |title=Bingham Research Center |url=https://www.usu.edu/binghamresearch/ |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 25, 2024 }}</ref> Center for Integrated BioSystems,<ref name="CIB">{{cite web |title=Utah State University Center for Integrated BioSystems |url=https://www.nucleics.com/dna-sequencing-support/dna-sequencing-service-reviews/utah-state-university-center-for-integrated-biosystems/ |website=nucleics.com |publisher=Nucleics |access-date=November 26, 2024 }}</ref> Center for Growth and Opportunity,<ref name="CGO">{{cite web |title=The Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University |url=https://www.thecgo.org/ |website=thecgo.org |publisher=The Center for Growth and Opportunity |access-date=January 13, 2025 }}</ref> Center for Anticipatory Intelligence,<ref name="CAI_TechBuzz">{{cite news |last1=Tullis |first1=Mark |title=Strider Technologies Establishes Strider Fellows, a New Scholarship Program for Utah Students |url=https://www.techbuzznews.com/strider-technologies-establishes-strider-fellows-a-new-scholarship-program-for-utah-students/ |access-date=January 13, 2025 |work=TechBuzz |date=December 10, 2024 }}</ref> Energy Dynamics Laboratory, The Stephen R. Covey Leadership Center, Utah Water Research Laboratory, Center for High Performance Computing, Ecology Center, Utah Climate Center, Center for Advanced Nutrition, Thanksgiving Point, Center for the School of the Future, National Aquatic Monitoring Center, Ogden Botanical Center, Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter,<ref name="SwanerPreserve">{{cite news |last1=Miles |first1=Danielle |date=April 12, 2024 |title=Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter appoints new executive director |url=https://townlift.com/2024/04/swaner-preserve-ecocenter-appoints-new-executive-director/ |access-date=September 6, 2024 |publisher=Town Lift}}</ref> Intermountain Center for River Rehabilitation and Restoration, Bastian Agricultural Center (South Jordan),<ref name="BastianCenter" /> Mountain West Center for Regional Studies, National Center for Hearing Assessment and Management, The Shingo Institute, Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air, and Utah Botanical Center.
{{As of|2010}}, Utah State University has placed more student experiments into space than any educational institution worldwide.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=41990 |title=Back in Flight: Aggie GAS Team to Ride NASA's 'Vomit Comet' |publisher=Utah State Today |date=January 14, 2010 |access-date=November 27, 2010 |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112222522/http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=41990 |url-status=live }}</ref> thumb|Merrill-Cazier Library's "Borrower's Automated Retrieval Network" (BARN) as viewed from the basement|leftIn 2024, Utah State became a member of the U.S. Space Command Academic Engagement Enterprise.<ref name="USSPACECOM_AEE">{{cite web |last=Dahle |first=Sydney |date=February 15, 2024 |title=USU Joins U.S. Space Command as Academic Partner |url=https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-joins-us-space-command-as-academic-partner |website=Utah State Today |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref>
=== Space Dynamics Laboratory === {{Main|Space Dynamics Laboratory}}
Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a contractor owned by Utah State, is one of 15 University Affiliated Research Centers (UARCs) of the United States Department of Defense and is the only UARC for the Missile Defense Agency and Space Force. As of 2018, SDL has conducted more than 430 successful space missions and deployed more than 500 hardware and software systems.<ref name="SDL_Capabilities2018">{{Cite web |title=Space Dynamics Laboratory — Capabilities Presentation |website=YouTube |date=August 8, 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX6gXRiqEE0 |access-date=April 19, 2024 }}</ref>
Some of SDL's projects include: * WISE * SABER<ref name="SABER">{{Cite web |title=SABER (Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry) |date=August 22, 2022 |url=https://science.larc.nasa.gov/saber/ |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref> * SOFIE<ref name="SOFIE">{{Cite web |title=SoFIE ISS Facility |date=June 15, 2023 |url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/sofie/ |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref> * ICON<ref name="ICON">{{Cite web |title=ICON — Ionospheric Connection Explorer |date=May 22, 2016 |url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/icon/ |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref> * OSIRIS-REx<ref name="OSIRIS_REX_NASA">{{Cite web |title=OSIRIS-REx |date=March 7, 2023 |url=https://science.nasa.gov/mission/osiris-rex/ |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref><ref name="OSIRIS_REX_SciTech">{{Cite web |title=Osiris-Rex spacecraft makes contact with asteroid Bennu |date=October 20, 2020 |url=https://scitechdaily.com/incredible-feat-nasas-osiris-rex-spacecraft-successfully-touches-asteroid-bennu/ |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref>
In 2021, Utah State received a $1 billion contract for aerospace research, including "space and nuclear advanced prototypes, experiments and technology," from the Air Force Research Laboratory, the largest contract ever awarded by AFRL.<ref name="AFRL_KSL">{{Cite web |title=Record-breaking $1B contract headed for Utah State University's Space Dynamics Lab |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/50285803/record-breaking-1b-contract-headed-for-utah-state-universitys-space-dynamics-lab |website=KSL.com |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref><ref name="AFRL_SpaceNews">{{Cite web |last1=Erwin |first1=Sandra |title=Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory wins $1 billion contract from AFRL |work=SpaceNews |date=November 15, 2021 |url=https://spacenews.com/utah-state-universitys-space-dynamics-laboratory-wins-1-billion-contract-from-afrl/ |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref>
In partnership with SDL, Utah State has placed more experiments into space than any institution of higher learning in the world.<ref name=":0" /><ref name="USU_SpaceSeries">{{Cite web |title=Utah "Space" University |date=January 12, 2023 |url=https://www.usu.edu/today/series/utah-space-university/ |access-date=March 21, 2024 |website=Utah State Today }}</ref>
=== Utah Water Research Laboratory === {{Main|Utah Water Research Laboratory}}
The '''Utah Water Research Laboratory''' ('''UWRL''') is a research institution at Utah State. It is the oldest and one of the largest water research facilities in the United States, and is considered one of the most well-respected such facilities in the world.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fox|first=Annalisa|title=USU Water Research Soars to New Heights|work=Utah State Today|publisher=Utah State University|date=8 May 2008|url=http://www.usu.edu/ust/index.cfm?article=27066|access-date=12 January 2010}}</ref> The UWRL has completed more than 100 major projects around the world and operates with more than $400 million in international funding.<ref name="UWRLppt">{{Cite web |last=McKee|first=Mac and DeeVon Bailey|title=Water Resources Research and Training Capabilities at Utah State University|work=Presentation given to University of Florida International Programs|publisher=Utah State University|date=7–9 July 2008|url=http://international.ifas.ufl.edu/WLI/17.%20ICARDA%20USU%20presentation.ppt|format=PowerPoint Presentation|access-date=25 February 2010}}</ref>
=== GASPACS === {{Main|GASPACS}}
[[File:GASPACS moments after deployment from the International Space Station.jpg|thumb|GASPACS moments after deployment from the International Space Station. GASPACS was developed entirely by USU undergraduate student researchers in programs funded through USU and in collaboration with NASA. ]]
GASPACS (Get Away Special Passive Attitude Control Satellite)<ref name="USU_GASPACS">{{Cite web |last=University |first=Utah State |title=GASPACS CubeSat {{!}} Projects {{!}} GAS {{!}} Physics |url=https://www.usu.edu/physics/gas/projects/gaspacs |access-date=May 22, 2022 |website=usu.edu |language=en }}</ref> was a NASA-sponsored 1U CubeSat developed entirely by undergraduate members of Utah State University's Get Away Special (GAS) team. The primary mission objective of GASPACS was to deploy a 1-meter inflatable aerodynamic boom to passively stabilize its attitude.<ref name="ELaNa38">{{Cite web |title=ELaNa 38 CubeSats: Small Satellites Making a Big Impact – Kennedy Space Center |url=https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2021/12/17/elana-38-cubesats-small-satellites-making-a-big-impact/ |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=blogs.nasa.gov |date=December 17, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=January 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126170636/https://blogs.nasa.gov/kennedy/2021/12/17/elana-38-cubesats-small-satellites-making-a-big-impact/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="HAPCAD">{{Cite journal |last1=Zollinger |first1=Jessica |last2=Sojka |first2=Jan |date=May 12, 2015 |title=High Altitude Payload for CUBESAT Aeroboom Development (HAPCAD) |url=https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/spacegrant/2015/Posters/1 |journal=Utah Space Grant Consortium }}</ref> GASPACS was the world's first CubeSat to be developed entirely by undergraduate students, and was also the world's first CubeSat to utilize a Raspberry Pi Zero as its flight computer.<ref name="RaspberryPi">{{Cite web |date=June 22, 2022 |title=World's first Raspberry Pi-powered CubeSat celebrates record-making orbit |url=https://www.raspberrypi.com/news/worlds-first-raspberry-pi-powered-cubesat-celebrates-record-making-orbit/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Raspberry Pi |language=en-GB }}</ref><ref name="SmartHomeScene">{{Cite web |last=SHS |date=March 15, 2022 |title=World's First Raspberry Pi Powered Satellite |url=https://smarthomescene.com/news/worlds-first-raspberry-pi-powered-satellite/ |access-date=April 6, 2022 |website=SmartHomeScene |language=en-US }}</ref><ref name=":4">{{cite web |date=February 26, 2010 |title=Utah State University Undergraduate Research Program Celebrates 35 Years of Hands-On Learning |url=http://research.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8747 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719162220/http://research.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8747 |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |access-date=March 22, 2010 |publisher=Utah State University }}</ref><ref name="KSL_GASPACS">{{Cite web |last1=Stefanich |first1=Logan |title='That's insane': Satellite built by USU undergraduates completes space mission |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/50415442/thats-insane-satellite-built-by-usu-undergraduates-completes-space-mission |access-date=June 7, 2022 |website=KSL.com }}</ref>
=== USTAR === thumb|left|USU's USTAR BioInnovations CenterAlong with the University of Utah, Utah State is an anchor in the Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) program, which is aimed at optimizing the region's most marketable strengths to bolster Utah's high-tech economy.<ref name="USTAR_Overview">{{cite web |last1=Estabrooke |first1=Ivy |title=Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) |url=https://www.utah.gov/pmn/files/115897.pdf |website=utah.gov |publisher=State of Utah |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref> Eight USTAR teams currently perform research at Utah State as follows:<ref name="USTAR_Teams">{{cite web |title=Business, Economic Development, and Labor Appropriations Subcommittee |url=https://le.utah.gov/lfa/reports/cobi2014/LI_CRB.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817103754/https://le.utah.gov/lfa/reports/cobi2014/LI_CRB.htm |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |access-date=July 2, 2016 |website=Utah State Legislature }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" !USTAR research teams !Description of research and markets |- |Arrhythmia Consortium |Electrolyte imbalance in blood, coronary artery disease |- |Applied Nutrition |Obesity, cardiovascular, diabetes, Alzheimer's |- |Intuitive Building |Task-adaptive lighting solutions |- |Synthetic Bio-Manufacturing |Pharmaceuticals, fuels, plastics |- |STORM |Accurate weather prediction |- |Veterinary Diagnostics and Infectious Disease (VDID) |Diagnostics and infectious disease |- |Space Weather |Telecommunications, aviation, space |- |Wireless Power Transfer |Wireless energy and power conversion |}
=== Undergraduate research === USU's undergraduate research program was founded in 1975, making it the second program of its kind in the nation (after MIT).<ref name=":4" /> In 2021, it was named the "Best Undergraduate Research Program in the Nation" by the Council on Undergraduate Research.<ref name="CUR_UPR">{{cite news |last1=Hewitt |first1=Tyler |title=USU receives award for best undergraduate research program in the nation |url=https://www.upr.org/utah-news/2021-02-16/usu-receives-award-for-best-undergraduate-research-program-in-the-nation |access-date=October 27, 2024 |work=Utah Public Radio |date=February 16, 2021 }}</ref><ref name="CUR_USU">{{Cite web |date=February 16, 2021 |title=USU Recognized for "Best Undergraduate Research Program in the Nation" |url=https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-recognized-for-best-undergraduate-research-program-in-nation |access-date=March 20, 2024 |website=Utah State Today }}</ref>
=== Animal and veterinary sciences === Since 2022, Utah State has been home to the only college of veterinary medicine operating in Utah.<ref name="USU_VetCollege">{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Britt |title=Utah State University to open Utah's first veterinary college |url=https://kslnewsradio.com/2106822/utah-state-university-to-open-utahs-first-veterinary-college/ |access-date=September 25, 2024 |work=KSL News Radio |publisher=Bonneville International |date=May 30, 2024 }}</ref>
A team of USU and University of Idaho researchers were the first in the world to successfully clone an equine.<ref name="CNN_Cloning">{{cite news |title=Cloning Fast Facts |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/health/cloning-fast-facts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625075308/http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/30/health/cloning-fast-facts |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |access-date=July 2, 2016 |publisher=CNN }}</ref> The baby mule, named Idaho Gem, was born May 4, 2003.<ref name="LAT_IdahoGem">{{cite news |title=NATION Gordon Woods dies at 57; Veterinary scientist helped create first cloned mule |url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-me-gordon-woods25-2009aug25-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422054934/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-me-gordon-woods25-2009aug25,0,5372986.story |archive-date=April 22, 2014 |access-date=July 2, 2016 |work=Los Angeles Times }}</ref>
USU researchers made headlines in 2011 after breeding transgenic goats.<ref name="AJAM_SpiderGoats">{{cite news |last1=Torres |first1=Phil |date=October 28, 2014 |title=Spiders and transgenic goats lead to new silk road |url=http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/techknow/articles/2014/5/1/spiders-and-transgenicgoatsleadtonewasilkroada.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160706044813/http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/shows/techknow/articles/2014/5/1/spiders-and-transgenicgoatsleadtonewasilkroada.html |archive-date=July 6, 2016 |access-date=July 2, 2016 |agency=Al Jazeera }}</ref> Utah State University professor Randy Lewis' "spider goats," the milk of which contains spider silk, are being studied for uses including human muscle tissue and lightweight bulletproof vests.<ref name="DN_SpiderGoats">{{cite web |last=Fattah |first=Geoffrey |date=July 5, 2011 |title=A web of possibilities: Utah researcher uses goats to make one of the strongest known substances |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705375752/A-web-of-possibilities-Utah-researcher-uses-goats-to-make-one-of-the-strongest-known-substances.html?pg=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907013324/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705375752/A-web-of-possibilities-Utah-researcher-uses-goats-to-make-one-of-the-strongest-known-substances.html?pg=2 |archive-date=September 7, 2011 |access-date=September 3, 2011 |work=Deseret News |publisher=Deseret News Publishing Company }}</ref>
=== Research farms === Utah State owns and operates 14 separate research farms as well as several equestrian, agricultural, ecological, and botanical centers located throughout the state.<ref name="USU_Farms">{{Cite web |title=USU Research Farms |url=https://caas.usu.edu/uaes/farms/ |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref>
=== Open Courseware === Utah State University promotes the OpenCourseWare (OCW) Project (open and free university courses) and developed an open content management system for OCW called eduCommons.<ref name="MERLOT_OCW">{{cite web |title=Utah State University Open Courseware (OCW) |url=https://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=288822 |website=merlot.org |publisher=MERLOT |access-date=October 5, 2024 }}</ref> This open source content management system is one of the technology projects in the MIT OpenCourseWare Initiative. eduCommons has been adopted by several universities to create OCW sites.<ref name="Chronicle_OCW">{{cite news |last1=Kirchner |first1=Ann |date=April 8, 2012 |title=Innovations in Higher Education? Hah! College leaders need to move beyond talking about transformation before it's too late |url=http://chronicle.com/article/Innovations-in-Higher/131424/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725221820/http://chronicle.com/article/Innovations-in-Higher/131424/ |archive-date=July 25, 2016 |access-date=July 2, 2016 |work=The Chronicle of Higher Education }}</ref>
== Rankings and reputation == {{Infobox US university ranking | Forbes_NU = 237 | USNWR_NU = 259 <small>(tie)</small> | Wamo_NU = 54<ref name="WashingtonMonthly2024" /> | WSJ_NU = 293 | QS_W = 1001–1200 | THE_W = <small>Unranked</small> | USNWR_W = 749 <small>(tie)</small> | ARWU_W = 501–600 }}
{|class="wikitable floatright" style="width: 22em;" |+USNWR graduate school rankings<ref name="USNewsGrad">{{cite web |title=U.S. News & World Report Grad Schools rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/utah-state-university-cehs-230728/overall-rankings |website=usnews.com |publisher=U.S. News & World Report L.P. |access-date=November 3, 2025}}</ref><br /><small>(2024)</small> |- | Business | Unranked |- | Education | 35 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Engineering | 111 <small>(tie)</small> |}
{|class="wikitable floatright" style="width: 22em;" |+USNWR departmental rankings (2025)<ref name="USNewsGrad" /> |- | Audiology | 29 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Biological Sciences | 119 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Chemistry | 119 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Computer Science | 133 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Earth Sciences | 113 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Economics | 113 <small>(tie)</small> |- | English | 142 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Fine Arts | 158 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Mathematics | 117 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Physics | 163 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Psychology | 165 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Public Health | 168 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Rehabilitation Counseling | 7 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Social Work | 120 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Speech-Language Pathology | 54 <small>(tie)</small> |- | Statistics | 79 <small>(tie)</small> |}
In 2021, Utah State was recognized by the Council on Undergraduate Research for excellence in undergraduate research programs.<ref name="CUR_UPR" /><ref name="CUR_USU" />
Most recently, in 2024, ''Washington Monthly'' ranked Utah State 54th among 438 national universities and the 8th-best public university in the nation, based on contribution to the public good (social mobility, research, public service).<ref name="WashingtonMonthly2024">{{cite web |title=2024 National University Rankings |url=https://washingtonmonthly.com/2024-college-guide/national/ |website=washingtonmonthly.com |publisher=Washington Monthly |access-date=September 24, 2024 }}</ref>
In 2024, ''U.S. News & World Report'' ranked USU 32nd nationally for "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" out of 360+ reviewed institutions.<ref name="USNWR_Online2024">{{cite web |title=Best Online Bachelor's Programs |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/rankings |magazine=U.S. News & World Report |access-date=September 24, 2024 |archive-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527111234/http://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/rankings |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Forbes'' ranked the university No. 140 in Public Colleges, No. 177 in Research Universities, and No. 74 in the West (2023).<ref name="Forbes2023">{{cite web |title=#295 Utah State University |website=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/colleges/utah-state-university/?list=top-colleges |access-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-date=October 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001193711/https://www.forbes.com/colleges/utah-state-university/?list=top-colleges |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Admissions === In fall 2022, Utah State received 16,069 applications for first-time freshman enrollment, of which 15,061 (93.7%) were accepted, and 4,625 freshmen enrolled, yielding a yield rate of 30.7%. The freshman retention rate is 74.5%, with 52.5% graduating within six years.<ref name="CDS2022">{{cite web |url=https://www.usu.edu/aaa/nw/PDF/CommonDataSets/CDS2022-23.pdf |title=Common Data Set for 2022-2023 |date=May 3, 2023 |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=February 26, 2024 }}</ref> {{Infobox U.S. college admissions |year = 2022 |ref = <ref name="CDS2022" /> |change ref = <ref name="CDS2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.usu.edu/aaa/nw/PDF/CommonDataSets/CDS2017-18.pdf |title=Common Data Set for 2017-2018 |date=May 1, 2018 |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=February 26, 2024 }}</ref> |admit rate = 93.7% |admit rate change = 4.6 |yield rate = 30.7% |yield rate change = 0.1 |test optional = recent |SAT Total = 1070–1300<br />(among 13.6% of FTFs) |SAT EBRW = 530–660 |SAT Math = 520–660 |ACT Composite = 20–27<br />(among 80.0% of FTFs) |top decile = 22.8% |top quarter = 46.1% |top half = 75.6% |GPA = 3.61 }}
==Student life and culture== {| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible" style="text-align:right; font-size:80%;" |+ style="font-size:90%" |Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023<ref name="CollegeScorecard2023">{{cite web |title=College Scorecard: Utah State University |url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?142328-Utah-State-University |website=College Scorecard |publisher=United States Department of Education |access-date=June 20, 2025 }}</ref> |- ! Race and ethnicity ! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total |- | White |align=right| {{bartable|82|%|2||background:cyan}} |- | Hispanic |align=right| {{bartable|7|%|2||background:green}} |- | Unknown |align=right| {{bartable|5|%|2||background:grey}} |- | Two or more races |align=right| {{bartable|3|%|2||background:violet}} |- | American Indian/Alaska Native |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:yellow}} |- | Asian |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:orange}} |- | Black |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:purple}} |- | International student |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:#008080}} |- ! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |Economic diversity |- | Low-income{{efn|The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.}} |align=right| {{bartable|32|%|2||background:red}} |- | Affluent{{efn|The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.}} |align=right| {{bartable|68|%|2||background:black}} |}
thumb|The Living Learning Community on-campus housing complex thumb|Students have access to Aggie Legacy Fields, which are equipped with durable astroturf and lighting for after-dark activities.
===Campus housing and dining=== Utah State University is Utah's oldest and largest public residential campus. About 84% of Aggies live away from home.<ref name="ResidenceLife">{{Cite web |title=Residence Life at USU |url=https://www.usu.edu/residencelife/ |access-date=April 16, 2024 }}</ref>
Twenty-one widely varying on-campus buildings house single students, and 39 buildings on the north side of campus are available for married housing.<ref name="Housing">{{cite web |title=USU Housing Services |publisher=Utah State University |url=http://www.housing.usu.edu/ |access-date=January 15, 2010 |archive-date=March 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100306020340/http://www.housing.usu.edu/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Many more students live in the multitude of off-campus housing options nearby. "Students on campus may dine in on-campus venues such as The Marketplace and The Junction dining halls, the Forum Café at Merrill-Cazier Library, as well as the full-service Skyroom restaurant and The Hub food court with multiple dining options."<ref>{{cite web |title=Locations & Hours for All Locations – Dining Services |url=https://www.usu.edu/dining/locations/ |access-date=November 6, 2025}}</ref> On the east edge of campus sits Aggie Ice Cream, a popular local destination that has been producing ice cream, cheese products, sandwiches, and soups since 1888.<ref name="AggieIce_SLTrib">{{cite news |last1=Casper |first1=Clarissa |title=A look into Utah's favorite (or second favorite, depending on who you are) ice cream brand |url=https://www.sltrib.com/artsliving/food/2024/07/27/utahs-aggie-ice-cream-how-its-made/ |access-date=September 30, 2024 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=July 27, 2024 }}</ref>
Since its founding in 1888, USU has had a creamery, with its first location in Old Main.<ref name="UPR_AggieIce">{{cite news |last1=Gereau |first1=Jared |title='Aggie Ice Cream Day' celebrates 100 years of business for USU-based creamery |url=https://www.upr.org/utah-news/2022-06-22/aggie-ice-cream-day-celebrates-100-years-of-business-for-usu-based-creamery |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=UPR }}</ref> Students studying dairying and domestic arts applied to learn how to make both ice cream and cheeses. In 1921, Gustav Wilster began working with the College of Agriculture. By 1922, students studied dairy technology, fluid milk processing, ice cream manufacture, dairy engineering, cheese manufacture, butter making, dairy facility inspection, and dairy product judging.<ref name="AggieIce_History">{{cite web |last1=Buckley |first1=Emily |title=Celebrating a centennial of Aggie Ice Cream |url=https://cachevalleyfamilymagazine.com/celebrating-a-centennial-of-aggie-ice-cream/ |website=Cache Valley Family Magazine |date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=October 23, 2024 }}</ref> Wilster's students would go on to create Casper's Ice Cream, Farr's Ice Cream, and Snelgrove's Ice Cream. In 1975, the Nutrition and Food Sciences building was built, where Aggie Ice Cream is housed today; a second location opened in USU's Blue Square student housing in 2023.<ref name="Foy2023">{{cite news |last1=Foy |first1=Zayne |title=Aggie Ice Cream opening new location, grand opening Friday |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/local/aggie-ice-cream-opening-new-location-grand-opening-friday/article_5be1265e-5661-11ee-b2d5-3fd59fd9866b.html |access-date=October 23, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=September 18, 2023 }}</ref>
Along with Aggie Ice Cream, USU owns and operates its chocolate factory, The Aggie Chocolate Factory, through the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.<ref name="AggieChocolate_StdExam">{{cite news |last1=Phillips |first1=Valerie |title=Aggie Chocolate Factory makes USU a foodie triple threat |url=https://www.standard.net/lifestyle/food/2021/may/27/aggie-chocolate-factory-makes-usu-a-foodie-triple-threat/ |access-date=November 2, 2024 |work=Standard-Examiner |date=May 27, 2021 }}</ref> The Aggie Chocolate Factory has shops on both the academic and residential campuses in Logan and the athletic stadiums. During the winter, the Aggie Chocolate Factory will also sell its own-made hot cocoa; during hot days, they will sell "Frozen As"—a "tongue-in-cheek" iced cocoa drink popular with students and fans.<ref name="AggieChocolate_Shop">{{Cite web |title=Aggie Chocolate Factory |url=https://aggiechocolatestore.com |access-date=November 2, 2024 }}</ref>
===Clubs, organizations, and Greek life=== USU students are also involved in more than 200 clubs,<ref name="Clubs">{{cite web |title=Get involved at Utah State |url=https://www.usu.edu/campus-life/involvement/#:~:text=USU%20Student%20Association,Union%2C%20and%20everything%20in%20between. |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=November 3, 2024 }}</ref> an active and influential student government, seven fraternities and three sororities, multiple intramural and club sports, and a student-run radio station.<ref name="ASUSU_legacy">{{cite web |title=ASUSU—Associated Students of Utah State University |publisher=Utah State University |url=http://www.usu.edu/asusu/ |access-date=January 15, 2010 |archive-date=February 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215143723/http://www.usu.edu/asusu/ |url-status=live }}</ref> thumb|left|Utah State University's Aggie Recreation Center was completed in 2015
===Student government and advocacy=== The Utah State University Student Association (USUSA) represents the university's student body. USUSA is composed of 17 elected student officers and five appointed student officers.<ref>{{cite web |title=USUSA – Utah State University Student Association |url=https://www.usu.edu/involvement/student-association/officers |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110907000000/https://www.usu.edu/involvement/student-association/officers |archive-date=September 7, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> These officers typically oversee a specific area of responsibility outlined in each officer's charter. The duties of USUSA officers can range from managing campus events and activities to promoting and advocating for particular initiatives at the Utah State Legislature.<ref name="USUSA_IceCreamCapitol">{{cite news |last1=Keith |first1=Caitlin |title=USU students hand out Aggie Ice Cream at the Utah State Capitol |url=https://www.upr.org/utah-news/2023-03-01/usu-students-hand-out-aggie-ice-cream-at-the-utah-state-capitol |access-date=November 4, 2024 |work=UPR |date=March 1, 2023 }}</ref> In February of each school year, students who wish to serve in the following year's USUSA begin launching campaigns for office. Campaigns last one week and consist of a primary and a general election in which the top two vote-getters from the primary advance to the general election, and the candidate who receives a majority of the vote in the general election is declared the winner.
The USUSA received significant attention during the 2016–2017 school year when the organization declared a mental health crisis at Utah State University.<ref name="KSL_MentalCrisis">{{cite news |title=USU student government declares mental health crisis |url=http://www.ksl.com/?sid=41376214&nid=148&title=usu-student-government-declares-mental-health-crisis |agency=KSL |date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=December 22, 2023 |archive-date=November 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116233049/http://www.ksl.com/?sid=41376214&nid=148&title=usu-student-government-declares-mental-health-crisis |url-status=live }}</ref> The legislation (written by USUSA Student Body President Ashley Waddoups, USUSA Student Advocate Vice President Matthew Clewett, and USUSA Graduate Studies Senator Ty Aller) sought to raise awareness of significant wait times for students to utilize CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) at Utah State as well as the increasing number of students who were suffering from mental health-related illnesses.<ref name="HJ_MentalHealthBill">{{cite news |last1=Berg |first1=Alison |title=Mental health bill from USU student government enters Legislature |url=https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/mental-health-bill-from-usu-student-government-enters-legislature/article_28ecf692-81b8-5e5f-b913-0c7358324017.html |access-date=November 8, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=January 24, 2017 }}</ref> After a successful lobbying campaign, the USUSA was able to influence the Utah State Legislature to pass a resolution declaring a mental health crisis at all Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institutions.<ref name="HCR16">{{cite web |title=HCR 16 – Utah State Legislature 2017 |publisher=Utah State Legislature |url=https://le.utah.gov/~2017/bills/static/HCR016.html |access-date=May 10, 2017 |archive-date=May 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501123238/https://le.utah.gov/~2017/bills/static/HCR016.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The resolution was subsequently signed by Utah Governor Gary Herbert in March 2017.<ref name="ReddHCR16">{{cite web |last1=Redd |first1=Edward H. |title=Concurrent resolution declaring mental health issue to be a public health crisis at Utah higher education institutions |url=https://le.utah.gov/~2017/bills/hbillint/HCR016.pdf |website=le.utah.gov |publisher=Utah Government |access-date=September 25, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="USHE_GovSigns">{{cite web |title=Governor signs concurrent resolution on campus mental health crisis |url=https://ushe.edu/governor-signs-concurrent-resolution-on-campus-mental-health-crisis/ |website=ushe.edu |date=May 9, 2017 |publisher=Utah System of Higher Education |access-date=September 25, 2024 }}</ref>
===Service and volunteer programs=== In 1970, Utah State student Sue Brown and Director of Student Activities Val R. Christensen created one of the first service organizations in the nation.<ref name="ServiceCenter_About">{{cite web |title=About The Service Center |url=https://www.usu.edu/servicecenter/htm/about-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822192446/https://www.usu.edu/servicecenter/htm/about-us |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2016 }}</ref> VOICE, Volunteer Organization for Involvement in the Community and Environment, worked to improve the environment and social issues in Cache Valley. VOICE became The Val R. Christensen Service Center in 1999 in honor of Dr. Christensen's efforts and support of the organization.<ref name="ECB99_10">{{cite web |title=Val R. Christensen Service Center Restructuring |url=http://www.usu.edu/legislation/documents/ECB%2099-10.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822183106/http://www.usu.edu/legislation/documents/ECB%2099-10.pdf |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2016 |ref=pdf }}</ref> Today, students are involved in more than 20 service organizations including Aggie Special Olympics, Aggies for Africa, Alternative Breaks, and Senior University.<ref name="Carnegie_CE">{{cite web |title=2020: First Time Classification: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching |url=https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Utah-State-University.pdf |website=carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu |publisher=Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref>
===ROTC and military traditions=== Given USU's history and traditions as a land-grant school with an original charter for, in part, military sciences, Utah State supports a robust ROTC program for the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force. ROTC members wear uniforms or field attire as the color guard at home athletic events. Members of the ROTC are also present on the field and in the stadium at every home football game. Wearing field attire, members of the ROTC perform pushups and fire a 75mm howitzer cannon at the initial kickoff and each time after the Aggies score points. ROTC members also fire the cannon at the end of the game after every home team victory.<ref name="GamingTailgate_Cannons">{{cite web |last1=cdj |title=Help Shape NCAA Football: Cannons |url=https://www.thegamingtailgate.com/forums/printthread.php?t=1986&pp=40&page=1 |website=thegamingtailgate.com |access-date=November 9, 2024 }}</ref> Utah State ROTC cadet activity and presence both on and off the field is especially present at events surrounding Veteran's Day and during athletic events when the Aggies compete against fellow Mountain West Conference rivals, the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcons. During certain home and away games, USU's mascot, Big Blue, will also don military field attire. Utah State's ROTC cadets also participate in other opportunities and events both on and off campus, including at the annual USU homecoming parade in Logan.<ref name="ROTC_Main">{{Cite web |title=MILITARY SCIENCE AND ROTC |url=https://www.usu.edu/military-science/ |access-date=November 9, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="ROTC_Opps">{{Cite web |title=ROTC Opportunities |url=https://www.usu.edu/military-science/opportunities/cadet-participation |access-date=November 9, 2024 }}</ref>
===Campus traditions and spirit=== Well-known student traditions include the rite of passage of becoming a True Aggie, which requires a student to kiss someone who is already a True Aggie on top of the Block "A."<ref name="TrueAggieNight">{{cite news |title='True Aggie Night' is a long time tradition at USU |url=http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/love-is-in-the-air-all-over-logan |agency=ABC4 Utah |publisher=ABC4 Utah |date=April 23, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-date=August 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813063825/http://www.good4utah.com/news/top-stories/love-is-in-the-air-all-over-logan |url-status=live }}</ref> Two students may also become True Aggies together on Homecoming night or A-Day.<ref name="Hislop2014">{{cite news |last1=Hislop |first1=Craig |title=USU Homecoming celebrations take place Oct. 7-12 |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/usu-homecoming-celebrations-take-place-oct-7-12/article_c1a38f1c-75e7-11ef-ac16-df2a7fc6699b.html |access-date=October 27, 2024 |work=Cache Valley Daily.com |publisher=Cache Valley Media Group |date=September 19, 2024 }}</ref> In 2011, USU broke the record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most couples kissing at the same place at the same time.<ref name="KissRecord2011">{{cite news |title=USU breaks kissing world record |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/usu-breaks-kissing-world-record/article_b39ee862-89e8-5f06-80f8-8f3178a17256.html |access-date=October 18, 2024 |work=Cache Valley Daily.com |date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref> Nearby the Block "A" is the lighted "A" atop the Old Main tower, which shines white throughout the entire valley and blue on nights when a varsity sport has picked up a victory, or other special events have occurred on campus.<ref name="LightTheA">{{cite news |last1=Wilde |first1=Jackson |title=Light the A: USU brothers build internet-connected Aggie memorabilia |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/education/light-the-a-usu-brothers-build-internet-connected-aggie-memorabilia/article_8ed15eee-7b17-5c8e-8677-bd14e288061e.html |access-date=September 30, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=December 6, 2019 }}</ref>
===Big Blue and mascot culture=== USU's Big Blue mascot is visible at home and away games, as well as in greater Logan and Utah communities. Nowadays, Big Blue is almost always seen as an athletic, acrobatic member and leader of the Spirit Squad, in costume, performing dance moves and stunts to the delight of USU fans. Historically, Big Blue was a real-life white rodeo-trained bull dusted in animal-safe and animal-friendly blue color chalk. However, when the new Spectrum was built, concerns about real-life bull scuffing up the basketball court led to the student version of the mascot becoming the more visible, public avatar of Big Blue. Big Blue will most always perform dance and acrobatic feats with the Spirit Squad and at home athletic events in the stadiums. At home football games, the student version of Big Blue leads the Aggie Football team onto the field between twin pillars of fire while riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.<ref name="StadiumJourney_Maverik">{{cite web |last1=Comeau |first1=Connor |title=Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium – Utah State Aggies |url=https://www.stadiumjourney.com/stadiums/romney-stadium-s468 |website=stadiumjourney.com |date=November 11, 2016 |publisher=Stadium Journey LLC |access-date=October 19, 2024 }}</ref> Around Veterans Day and when USU competes against the Air Force Academy, Big Blue will also wear military field attire. Big Blue is a local celebrity, and student performers often take photos and sign autographs for fans. Tryouts are held for the role; once selected, the student's identity is kept confidential until a formal "de-masking."<ref name="BigBlue">{{Cite web |title=Big Blue |url=https://www.usu.edu/involvement/spirit-squad/big-blue |access-date=October 19, 2024 }}</ref>
===Music, chants, and celebrations=== Utah State has a history of various traditions, including its two fight songs ("Hail the Utah Aggies" and "The Scotsman") and a range of chants, such as "I Believe."<ref name="Gefre2016">{{cite news |last1=Gefre |first1=Clayton |title=Cache index: Three schools with spirited fight songs |url=https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/cache-index-three-schools-with-spirited-fight-songs/article_ccea3fef-5fab-556e-af29-b060dca2e87c.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=April 29, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="Rock2014">{{cite news |last1=Rock |first1=Brad |title='I believe' chant earned its wings at Utah State |url=https://www.deseret.com/2014/6/17/20543426/i-believe-chant-earned-its-wings-at-utah-state/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=The Deseret News |publisher=Deseret News Publishing Company |date=June 17, 2014 }}</ref> The Scotsman is particularly notable for the unified standing and hand motions performed by students and fans.<ref name="Gefre2016" /> Other traditions and events for students are sponsored by USU, the HURD, and the Student Association and held throughout the year and include Homecoming and "The Howl," the latter being the largest publicly sponsored Halloween celebration in the state of Utah for USU students and their friends attending other schools.<ref name="Howl2015">{{cite news |last1=Butler |first1=Brendon |title=Utah State's Howl going strong for 31 years |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/local_news/utah-states-howl-going-strong-for-31-years/article_2789ee64-e2fb-11df-bace-001cc4c03286.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=May 4, 2015 }}</ref> Other annual student events include the Luminary Processional, which welcomes new students each fall,<ref name="Luminary">{{cite web |title=Utah State University's Connections Luminary |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/local-events/?_evDiscoveryPath=/event/2530986-utah-state-university-s-connections-luminary |website=Cache Valley Daily.com |publisher=Cache Valley Media Group |access-date=October 5, 2024 }}</ref> and The End of Year Bash, a concert on campus that culminates at the end of the academic year each April.<ref name="EndOfYearBash">{{cite news |last1=Henline |first1=Mitch |title=USU's End of Year Bash performer chosen |url=https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/usu-s-end-of-year-bash-performer-chosen/article_1361acd9-db6a-5f99-81ae-02f43e2f17bd.html |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=Cache Valley Daily.com |publisher=Cache Valley Media Group |date=March 1, 2017 }}</ref>
{{notelist}}
== Athletics == {{Main|Utah State Aggies}}
thumb|One of two official logos for the Utah State Aggies—the "UState" logo, widely used on uniforms and facilities. thumb|right|Maverik Stadium during an Aggie football game
Utah State University supports organized athletics within the varsity intercollegiate, club intercollegiate, and intramural categories. Since its founding in 1888, USU programs and athletes have won six individual national championships.<ref name="USU_NatTitles">{{cite news |title=USU Baseball Team Wins National Championship for Second Time |url=http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=53892 |access-date=July 2, 2016 |publisher=Utah State Today |date=May 29, 2014 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917191912/http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=53892 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Logan_Proclamation">{{cite web |title=Proclamation: USU National Champion |url=http://www.loganutah.org/document_center/City%20Council/2014/April%201/Proclamation%20USU%20National%20Handball%20Championship.pdf |access-date=July 3, 2016 |ref=PDF |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817000140/http://www.loganutah.org/document_center/City%20Council/2014/April%201/Proclamation%20USU%20National%20Handball%20Championship.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HNC_Nationals">{{cite news |title=USU's club sports win national championships but get little support |url=http://hardnewscafe.usu.edu/?p=9469 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |publisher=Hard News Cafe |date=May 2, 2013 |archive-date=September 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917194705/http://hardnewscafe.usu.edu/?p=9469 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Statesman_Rodeo">{{cite news |title=USU's Rodeo Team Produces National Champions |url=http://usustatesman.com/usus-rodeo-team-produces-national-champions/ |access-date=July 3, 2016 |publisher=The Statesman |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826080916/http://usustatesman.com/usus-rodeo-team-produces-national-champions/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Varsity athletics === USU competes in the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference (MWC), which it joined in 2013.<ref name="MWC_Join_SLTrib">{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Tony |title=Utah State is headed for Mountain West Conference |url=http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/sports/54013176-77/state-utah-conference-west.html.csp |access-date=July 2, 2016 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816124646/http://archive.sltrib.com/story.php?ref=/sltrib/sports/54013176-77/state-utah-conference-west.html.csp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MWC_Join_DN">{{cite news |last1=Williams |first1=Craig |title=It's official, Utah State joining MWC in 2013 |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765573583/Its-official-Utah-State-joining-MWC-in-2013.html?pg=all |access-date=July 2, 2016 |work=Deseret News |publisher=Deseret News Publishing Company |date=May 4, 2012 |archive-date=August 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813100203/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765573583/Its-official-Utah-State-joining-MWC-in-2013.html?pg=all |url-status=dead }}</ref> Aggie teams have won 37 conference championships and three national collegiate titles (women's volleyball; softball twice).<ref name="USU_Championships">{{cite web |title=Utah State Championships |url=https://utahstateaggies.com/sports/2018/6/19/championships.aspx |website=utahstateaggies.com |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref> Golfer Jay Don Blake won the 1980 NCAA individual championship and was NCAA Player of the Year in 1981.<ref name="UGA_HOF">{{cite web |title=Jay Don Blake, Dan Forsman, Todd Barker to be inducted into the Utah Golf Hall of Fame |url=http://www.uga.org/news/jay-don-blake-dan-forsman-todd-barker-to-be-inducted-into-utah-golf-hall-of/ |access-date=July 3, 2016 |archive-date=May 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502142921/http://www.uga.org/news/jay-don-blake-dan-forsman-todd-barker-to-be-inducted-into-utah-golf-hall-of |url-status=live }}</ref> USU lists 90 All-Americans who have earned 134 All-America honors.<ref name="USU_AllAmericans">{{cite web |title=Utah State All-Americans |url=http://www.utahstateaggies.com/allamericans.html |access-date=July 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924072615/http://www.utahstateaggies.com/allamericans.html |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
; thumb|One of two official logos for the Utah State Aggies -- the "Aggie Bull" logo, widely used on uniforms, merchandise and facilities.Varsity sports * '''Men''': football; basketball; cross country; golf; tennis; track & field (indoor and outdoor). * '''Women''': basketball; cross country; gymnastics; soccer; softball; tennis; track & field (indoor and outdoor); volleyball.
thumb|Aggie fans at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum
The men's basketball team plays in the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum, long regarded as one of college basketball's toughest venues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hummel |first=Zack |title=The 15 Toughest Places To Play In College Basketball |url=https://theledgesports.com/2015/12/29/toughest-places-college-basketball/ |work=The Ledge Sports |date=December 29, 2015 |access-date=November 5, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816122135/https://theledgesports.com/2015/12/29/toughest-places-college-basketball/ |archive-date=August 16, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> USU's student section, The HURD, has also drawn national attention.<ref name="KSL_HURD">{{cite web |last=Ericson |first=Katelyn |title=USU students #occupythespectrum |publisher=KSL |date=November 10, 2011 |url=http://www.ksl.com/?nid=968&sid=18028224 |access-date=December 20, 2011 |archive-date=May 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514150037/http://www.ksl.com/?nid=968&sid=18028224 |url-status=live }}</ref> During 2008–09, USU rose to #17 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll.<ref name="ESPN_2009">{{cite web |title=2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Rankings (Feb. 9) |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/rankings?pollId=2&seasonYear=2009&weekNumber=14&seasonType=2 |access-date=January 13, 2010 |archive-date=October 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026061027/http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/rankings?pollId=2&seasonYear=2009&weekNumber=14&seasonType=2 |url-status=live }}</ref> Under Stew Morrill, USU went 193–13 (.937) at home, made six NCAA tournaments between 2000 and 2010, and amassed one of the nation's top win totals in that span.<ref name="Morrill_Program">{{cite web |title=Utah State Basketball |publisher=Stew Morrill and AllCoachNetwork.com |url=http://www.coachstewmorrill.com/program.html |access-date=January 13, 2010 |archive-date=December 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207123332/http://www.coachstewmorrill.com/program.html |url-status=live }}</ref> USU captured the Mountain West regular-season title in 2018–19 and back-to-back tournament titles in 2019 and 2020,<ref name="SLTrib_MW2019">{{cite news |last1=Kragthorpe |first1=Kurt |title=Sam Merrill leads Utah State to MW tournament title, after witnessing the Aggies' last NCAA-worthy effort |url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2019/03/17/sam-merrill-leads-utah/ |access-date=December 1, 2024 |work=The Salt Lake Tribune |date=March 16, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="NCAA_Preview2020">{{cite web |last1=Wittry |first1=Andy |title=2020 NCAA tournament preview: Get to know Mountain West champion Utah State |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2020-03-07/2020-ncaa-tournament-preview-mountain-west-champion-utah |website=ncaa.com |publisher=National Collegiate Athletics Association |access-date=December 1, 2024 }}</ref> and has appeared in three of the last five NCAA tournaments (2021, 2023, 2024).<ref name="NCAA_2021">{{cite web |title=2021 DI men's basketball championship Official Bracket |url=https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-men/d1/2021 |website=ncaa.com |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |access-date=December 2, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="NCAA_2023">{{cite web |title=2023 DI men's basketball championship Official Bracket |url=https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-men/d1/2023 |website=ncaa.com |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |access-date=December 2, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="NCAA_2024">{{cite web |title=Bracket |url=https://www.ncaa.com/brackets/basketball-men/d1/2024 |website=ncaa.com |publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association |access-date=December 2, 2024 }}</ref>
thumb|Utah State women's volleyball at the Wayne Estes Center
USU football competes in the FBS.<ref name="NCSA_FBS">{{cite web |title=Full List of Division 1 Football Teams: Find the Right Fit for Your Goals |url=https://www.ncsasports.org/football/division-1-colleges |website=ncsasports.org |date=July 23, 2018 |publisher=NCSA College Recruiting |access-date=September 30, 2024 }}</ref> Under head coach Gary Andersen, USU posted its first 10-win regular season in 2012,<ref name="FBSchedules2012">{{cite web |title=2012 Utah State Aggies Football Schedule Final Record: 11-2, 6-0 (WAC) |url=http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-12/wac/2012-utah-state-aggies-football-schedule.php |website=FBSchedules |access-date=July 3, 2016 |archive-date=July 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712004940/http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-12/wac/2012-utah-state-aggies-football-schedule.php |url-status=live }}</ref> won its first Western Athletic Conference football title,<ref name="KSL_WAC2012">{{cite news |last1=Rose |first1=Greg |title=Video: Where amazing happens; 2012 Utah State football |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/23429287/video-where-amazing-happens-2012-utah-state-football |access-date=October 27, 2024 |work=KSL.com |publisher=KSL Broadcasting |date=December 18, 2012 }}</ref> and finished ranked in all three major polls.<ref name="ESPN_Polls2012">{{cite web |title=2012 College Football Rankings – Postseason |url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/seasontype/3/year/2012/week/1 |website=ESPN |access-date=July 3, 2016 |archive-date=June 25, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625152750/http://espn.go.com/college-football/rankings?seasontype=3&year=2012&week=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Athletics director Scott Barnes emphasized recruiting, TV coverage, fundraising, facilities, and reorganization during a resource-constrained period—efforts recognized by the 2009 Excellence in Management Cup.<ref name="DN_Barnes2008">{{cite news |last1=Newman |first1=Nick |title=Barnes angling for USU success |url=https://www.deseret.com/2008/7/11/20263311/barnes-angling-for-usu-success/ |access-date=December 17, 2024 |work=Deseret News |publisher=Deseret News Publishing Company |date=July 11, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="USU_EMC2009">{{cite news |title=Utah State Wins National Championship for Most Economically Efficient Athletics Department |publisher=Utah State University |url=http://www.utahstateaggies.com/genrel/063009aaa.html |access-date=February 8, 2011 |archive-date=March 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306212255/http://www.utahstateaggies.com/genrel/063009aaa.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Matt Wells succeeded Andersen before the 2013–14 season,<ref name="KSL_Wells2012">{{cite news |last1=Zundel |first1=Rod |title=Matt Wells named new Utah State head football coach |url=http://www.ksl.com/?nid=858&sid=23469792 |access-date=July 3, 2016 |publisher=KSL.com |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818202948/http://www.ksl.com/?nid=858&sid=23469792 |url-status=live }}</ref> and in December 2020, athletics director John Hartwell hired Blake Anderson as USU's 29th head coach.<ref name="USU_Anderson2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.usu.edu/today/story/blake-anderson-named-head-football-coach-at-utah-state |title=Blake Anderson Named Head Football Coach at Utah State |date=December 12, 2020 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102174104/https://www.usu.edu/today/story/blake-anderson-named-head-football-coach-at-utah-state |url-status=live }}</ref> Anderson led USU for three seasons before interim head coach Nate Dreiling guided the program in 2024,<ref name="SI_Dreiling2024">{{cite news |last1=Londergan |first1=Joe |title=Who is Interim Utah State Football Head Coach Nate Dreiling? |url=https://www.si.com/college/group-five/mountain-west/who-is-interim-utah-state-football-head-coach-nate-dreiling |access-date=December 15, 2024 |work=G5 Football Daily |publisher=Sports Illustrated |date=July 4, 2024 }}</ref> and Bronco Mendenhall was named head coach for 2025.<ref name="CBS_Mendenhall2024">{{cite news |last1=Dukes |first1=Christopher |title=Utah State hires Bronco Mendenhall: Coach returns to home state after one-year stint at New Mexico |url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/utah-state-hires-bronco-mendenhall-coach-returns-to-home-state-after-one-year-stint-at-new-mexico/ |access-date=December 15, 2024 |work=CBS Sports |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=December 6, 2024 }}</ref>
USU was in the WAC from 2005 to 2012; men's teams won WAC titles in football (2012), basketball (2008–2011), indoor track (2008, 2010, 2011), outdoor track (2007, 2009–2011), and cross country (2005–2009, 2011). Women's teams won WAC titles in volleyball (2012), soccer (2008, 2010–2012), cross country (2006, 2008), and track (indoor/outdoor 2012). National collegiate titles include women's volleyball (1978) and softball (1980, 1981).<ref name="USU_Championships" />
As MWC members, the Aggies claimed a football division crown and played in the inaugural MWC Championship Game (2013); men's tennis won the MWC regular season in 2016; regular season and tournament titles in 2017; the tournament in 2018; and another regular season crown in 2024; men's cross country won the league in 2019; volleyball won the regular season in 2021; and men's basketball won the 2019–20 MWC tournament.<ref name="SB_Nation2013">{{cite news |last1=Le |first1=Nam |title=Utah State vs. Fresno State 2013 final score: Bulldogs survive the Aggies, pick up MWC win |url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/8/5186836/mountain-west-championship-results-2013-utah-state-fresno |access-date=October 5, 2024 |work=SB Nation |publisher=Vox Media, LLC |date=December 8, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="USUStatesman_Tennis2016">{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Megan |title=New Aggie men's tennis coach revealed |url=http://usustatesman.com/new-aggie-mens-tennis-coach-revealed/ |access-date=July 2, 2016 |agency=USU Statesman |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826073915/http://usustatesman.com/new-aggie-mens-tennis-coach-revealed/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="MW_RecordBook2024">{{cite web |title=Mountain West Men's Tennis Record Book: Updated August 23, 2024 |url=https://storage.googleapis.com/themw-com/2024/09/8e2d4461-2025-mens-tennis-record-book.pdf |website=themw-com |publisher=Mountain West Conference |access-date=September 28, 2024 }}</ref><ref name="MW_Wire2020">{{cite news |last1=Maciejewski |first1=Michael |title=Mountain West Championship: Utah State bests San Diego State in epic final |url=https://mwwire.com/2020/03/07/mountain-west-championship-utah-state-best-san-diego-state-in-epic-final/ |access-date=September 24, 2024 |agency=Mountain West Wire |date=March 7, 2020 }}</ref>
=== Club athletics === USU club teams have won fifteen national titles. Baseball club titles came in 2012 and 2014;<ref name="USU_NatTitles" /> rodeo has produced two individual national champions (Garrett Thurston, Trevor Merrill);<ref name="Statesman_Rodeo" /> the handball club has claimed nine national titles among its roster;<ref name="Logan_Proclamation" /><ref name="HNC_Nationals" /><ref name="HJ_Handball2017">{{cite web |last1=Emerson |first1=Taylor |title=Aggie handball tradition carries on |url=http://news.hjnews.com/logan_hj/aggie-handball-tradition-carries-on/article_95985489-a905-5633-ad9b-1fc8b1fb7f09.html |website=HJnews.com |date=March 27, 2017 |publisher=Pioneer News Group |access-date=April 1, 2017 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328031100/http://news.hjnews.com/logan_hj/aggie-handball-tradition-carries-on/article_95985489-a905-5633-ad9b-1fc8b1fb7f09.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Cycling Club has two individual national championships.<ref name="USU_Today_Cycling">{{cite web |last1=Jensen |first1=Marcus |title=USU Cycling Wins First Two Individual National Championships in Club History |date=November 2, 2021 |url=https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-cycling-wins-first-two-individual-national-championships-in-club-history/?nl=801 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-date=September 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917230839/https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-cycling-wins-first-two-individual-national-championships-in-club-history/?nl=801 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Utah State's Logan campus supports a broad slate of competitive club sports, including:<ref name="USU_ClubSports">{{cite web |title=Official Aggie Athletic Club Sports and Teams |url=https://www.usu.edu/campusrec/competitive-sports/club-sports/ |access-date=October 5, 2024 }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" |+Aggie athletic club sports recognized by USU—Logan Campus | * Men's baseball * Cycling * Handball * Men's ice hockey * Men's lacrosse * Women's lacrosse * Jump rope * Pickleball * Women's ultimate | * Racquetball * Men's rodeo * Men's rugby * Women's rugby * Men's soccer * Swimming and diving * Men's water polo * Women's water polo | * Men's ultimate * Men's volleyball (including beach volleyball) * Quidditch * Esports * Women's western equestrian * Rock climbing * Figure skating * Tennis (in addition to varsity programs) * Women's volleyball (in addition to varsity program) |}
=== Intramural === Intramural sports are offered to students, faculty, and staff through Aggie Recreation using campus and community facilities.<ref name="USU_Intramural">{{cite web |title=USU Intramural |url=https://www.usu.edu/campusrec/intramural_sports/homepage_intramural |access-date=July 2, 2016 |archive-date=July 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709201154/http://www.usu.edu/campusrec/intramural_sports/homepage_intramural |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Media == Journals based at or historically hosted by the university include ''Utah Science'', ''Western Historical Quarterly'',<ref name="WHQ_JSTOR">{{cite web |title=Western Historical Quarterly |url=https://www.jstor.org/journal/westhistquar |website=JSTOR |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref> and ''Western American Literature''.<ref name="UNL_WAL" /> The Utah State University Press publishes works in composition studies, folklore, Mormon history, Native American studies, nature and environment, and western history.<ref name="USU_Press">{{cite web |title=Utah State University Press |publisher=Utah State University |url=http://www.usu.edu/usupress/ |access-date=January 12, 2010 |archive-date=August 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812182603/http://www.usu.edu/usupress/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''The Utah Statesman'' (''The Statesman'') is the primary news outlet serving the student body. It is student-run with a faculty adviser and is funded by a student fee of $2 per semester<ref name="Statesman_Fee">{{cite web |title=ASUSU Executive Council Resolution 94-18 |url=http://www.usu.edu/legislation/documents/ECR%2094-18.pdf |access-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-date=December 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211194939/http://www.usu.edu/legislation/documents/ECR%2094-18.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and advertising revenue. ''The Statesman'' is published weekly and distributed free on campus and in downtown Logan. It won the Society for Professional Journalists' Best Column Writing (2002) and Best Non-Daily Student Paper (2005) awards.<ref name="SPJ2002">{{cite web |title=2002 Mark of Excellence National Winners and Finalists |url=https://www.spj.org/moe02.asp |website=spj.org |publisher=Society of Professional Journalists |access-date=October 27, 2024 |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910091153/https://www.spj.org/moe02.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="USU_Catalog_SSP">{{cite web |title=Student Support Programs — About |publisher=Utah State University |url=http://catalog.usu.edu/content.php?catoid=2&navoid=97 |access-date=March 21, 2011 |archive-date=January 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110122040916/http://catalog.usu.edu/content.php?catoid=2&navoid=97 |url-status=live }}</ref> The paper was known as ''Student Life'' before 1979.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv390680|title=Utah State University Student Life and Statesman newspapers, 1902-2020|website=archiveswest.orbiscascade.org}}</ref>
Aggie Radio 92.3 KBLU-LP is an entirely student-run radio station broadcasting to Cache Valley and online. Programming emphasizes local, alternative, and independent music, with live sports via its Learfield IMG College affiliation covering Utah State football and men's and women's basketball throughout the season.
Utah Public Radio (UPR), a service of Utah State University, broadcasts news, information, public affairs, and cultural programming 24/7 across Utah and southern Idaho via six stations and 30 translators. UPR began in 1953 as KVSC, became KUSU-FM in 1961, and is affiliated with National Public Radio, Public Radio International, and American Public Media.<ref name="UPR_About">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.upr.org/about-us |website=upr.org |publisher=Utah Public Radio |access-date=September 30, 2024 }}</ref>
Aggie TV is a free cable lineup (≈110 channels) for on-campus residents. It also produces Crossroads (bulletins/announcements) and Aggie Advantage (local and student video programming).<ref name="AggieTV">{{cite web |title=Aggie TV |url=https://www.usu.edu/housing/other/aggie-tv |website=usu.edu |publisher=Utah State University |access-date=October 28, 2024 }}</ref>
== Notable alumni and faculty == {{Main|List of Utah State University alumni|List of Utah State University presidents|List of Utah State University faculty|l1 = alumni|l2 = presidents|l3 = faculty}}
USU is associated with seven Rhodes Scholars,<ref name="Rhodes">{{cite web |title=USU Grad Danielle Babbel Among Rhodes Scholar Finalists |url=http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=48467 |website=Utah State Today |publisher=Utah State University |date=November 22, 2010 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820102519/http://www.usu.edu/today/index.cfm?id=48467 |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> one Nobel Prize winner,<ref name="HansenNobel">{{cite web |title=Lars Peter Hansen – Biographical |url=https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economic-sciences/laureates/2013/hansen-bio.html |website=NobelPrize.org |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114152413/https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/economic-sciences/laureates/2013/hansen-bio.html |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> one MacArthur Fellow,<ref name="MacArthur">{{cite web |title=MacArthur Fellows: Where fellows received undergraduate degrees |url=https://www.macfound.org/media/files/MacArthur_Fellows_-_Undergraduate_Degrees_1.pdf |website=macfound.org |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201207113424/https://www.macfound.org/media/files/MacArthur_Fellows_-_Undergraduate_Degrees_1.pdf |archive-date=December 7, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> four recipients of the Harry S. Truman Scholarship,<ref name="TrumanHJ">{{cite news |last1=Opsahl |first1=Kevin |title=USU student fourth in 36 years to receive Truman Scholarship |url=http://news.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-student-fourth-in-years-to-receive-truman-scholarship/article_acd3b6ad-968f-5753-994e-d52f5a16d85c.html |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160531025600/http://news.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-student-fourth-in-years-to-receive-truman-scholarship/article_acd3b6ad-968f-5753-994e-d52f5a16d85c.html |archive-date=May 31, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="TrumanUSU">{{cite web |title=Utah State University Student Awarded Prestigious Truman Scholarship |url=https://www.usu.edu/today/?id=55747 |website=Utah State Today |publisher=Utah State University |date=April 20, 2016 |access-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822191729/https://www.usu.edu/today/?id=55747 |archive-date=August 22, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> 34 Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship recipients, several astronauts (including Mary L. Cleave),<ref name="CleaveCNN">{{cite news |last1=Wattles |first1=Jackie |title=Mary Cleave, the first woman to fly on NASA's space shuttle after Challenger disaster, dies at 76 |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/29/world/mary-cleave-nasa-astronaut-obit-scn/index.html |work=CNN |date=November 30, 2023 |access-date=December 19, 2024 }}</ref> numerous political and judicial leaders (including Utah Governor Spencer Cox),<ref name="AboutUtahGovCox">{{cite web |title=About Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox |url=https://governor.utah.gov/about-utah-gov-spencer-j-cox/ |website=governor.utah.gov |publisher=State of Utah |access-date=December 22, 2024 }}</ref> diplomats, and international heads of government such as Hesham Qandil, former Prime Minister of Egypt.<ref name="QandilNCState">{{cite news |last1=Kulikowski |first1=Mick |title=NC State alumnus named Egyptian Prime Minister |url=https://news.ncsu.edu/2012/07/mkkandil/ |work=NC State University News |publisher=NC State University |date=July 25, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref>
Utah State alumni include accomplished artists, writers, athletes, and executives. They have led major corporations and nonprofit organizations worldwide, and several have held senior ecclesiastical positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Ezra Taft Benson, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and later President of the Church.<ref name="USU_Alumni">{{cite web |title=Alumni |url=https://www.usu.edu/about/alumni/ |website=usu.edu |access-date=December 22, 2024 }}</ref>
{|class="wikitable floatright" style="width: 35em;" |+ Faculty Carnegie Professor of the Year, State of Utah |- | Rich Etchberger<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Lisa |title=Hamburg native Rich Etchberger named Utah's Carnegie Professor of the Year |url=https://www.readingeagle.com/2016/01/08/hamburg-native-rich-etchberger-named-utahs-carnegie-professor-of-the-year/ |work=Reading Eagle |date=August 22, 2021 |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref> | Wildland Resources | 2015 |- | Joyce Kinkead<ref>{{cite news |last1=Halversen |first1=Taylor |title=Utah State University Professor Wins National Award |url=http://upr.org/post/utah-state-university-professor-wins-national-award |work=UPR Utah Public Radio |date=November 15, 2013 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805045728/http://upr.org/post/utah-state-university-professor-wins-national-award |archive-date=August 5, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> | English | 2013 |- | Michael Christiansen<ref>{{cite news |last1=Opsahl |first1=Kevin |title=USU guitar guru Mike Christiansen honored |url=http://news.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-guitar-guru-mike-christiansen-honored/article_0c5080da-36b0-11e2-8913-001a4bcf887a.html |work=The Herald Journal |publisher=Adams Publishing Group |date=November 25, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191224131440/https://www.hjnews.com/allaccess/usu-guitar-guru-mike-christiansen-honored/article_0c5080da-36b0-11e2-8913-001a4bcf887a.html |archive-date=December 24, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Music | 2012 |- | Jim Cangelosi<ref>{{cite news |title=Another USU professor honored as Carnegie Professor |url=http://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/article_35e0a268-7812-5544-9a5e-370845f98516.html |work=Cache Valley Daily |date=November 18, 2011 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222163739/https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/archive/2011/11/18/35e0a268-7812-5544-9a5e-370845f98516/ |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Mathematics and Statistics | 2011 |- | Laurie McNeill<ref>{{cite news |title=Carnegie Foundation honors Utah State University engineering professor |url=https://www.deseret.com/2010/11/19/20154308/carnegie-foundation-honors-utah-state-university-engineering-professor/ |work=Deseret News |date=November 18, 2010 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701225214/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700083306/Carnegie-Foundation-honors-Utah-State-University-engineering-professor.html?pg=all |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Civil and Environmental Engineering | 2010 |- | David Peak<ref>{{cite news |title=USU professor named 2009 Utah Carnegie Professor of the Year |url=http://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/article_2565f266-da92-5d1d-8d0c-99628900780f.html |work=Cache Valley Daily |date=November 19, 2009 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222163651/https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/archive/2009/11/19/2565f266-da92-5d1d-8d0c-99628900780f/ |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Physics | 2009 |- | Lyle McNeal<ref>{{cite web |title=Alumni Spotlight: Lyle McNeal, '64 Animal Husbandry |url=https://www.cpp.edu/agri/news/alumni-spotlight-mcneal.shtml |website=cpp.edu |publisher=California State Polytechnic University, Pomona |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref> | Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences | 2007 |- | Bonnie Glass-Coffin<ref>{{cite web |title=Dr. Bonnie Glass-Coffin |url=https://www.allpathsdivinityschool.org/faculty/dr-bonnie-glass-coffin/ |website=allpathsdivinityschool.org |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref> | Anthropology | 2004 |- | Jan Sojka<ref>{{cite web |title=Recognition of outstanding professors Mr. James Adams and Dr. Dennis C. Jacobs |url=https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2002/11/19/senate-section/article/S11566-1 |website=congress.gov |date=November 19, 2002 |access-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910094718/https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/2002/11/19/senate-section/article/S11566-1 |archive-date=September 10, 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Physics | 2002 |}
On June 13, 1899, graduates of the Agricultural College of Utah met to create the Alumni Association.<ref>{{cite book |last=Simmonds |first=A. J. |title=Utah State University's David B. Haight Alumni Center |year=1991 }}</ref> Today, the association is housed in the historic David B. Haight Alumni Center, dedicated July 11, 1991.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hutchinson |first1=Angelyn Nelson |title=Remodeled former home of USU Presidents is new alumni center |url=https://www.deseret.com/1991/7/12/18930595/remodeled-former-home-of-usu-presidents-is-new-alumni-center/ |work=Deseret News |date=July 12, 1991 |access-date=October 23, 2024 }}</ref> Alumni chapters exist in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington, D.C.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah State University Chapters |url=https://www.usu.edu/alumni/chapters/ |website=usu.edu |access-date=October 27, 2024 }}</ref> USU's 149,000 alumni live in all U.S. states and in more than 110 countries.
Particularly notable alumni include Harry Reid, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Parrott-Sheffer |first1=Chelsey |title=Harry Reid: United States senator |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Harry-Reid |website=Britannica |date=September 13, 2024 |access-date=September 24, 2024 }}</ref> Lars Peter Hansen, 2013 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Benjamin |title=Utah native among Nobel Prize winners in economics |url=https://www.deseret.com/2013/10/14/20527527/utah-native-among-nobel-prize-winners-in-economics/ |work=Deseret News |date=October 14, 2013 |access-date=October 16, 2024 }}</ref> poet May Swenson;<ref>{{cite web |title=May Swenson: 1913–1989 |url=https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/may-swenson |website=Poetry Foundation |access-date=September 24, 2024 }}</ref> Merlin Olsen, Pro Football Hall of Famer and actor;<ref>{{cite web |title=DL / DT Merlin Olsen, Class of 1982 |url=https://www.profootballhof.com/players/merlin-olsen/ |website=Pro Football Hall of Fame |access-date=September 24, 2024 }}</ref> Ardeshir Zahedi, former Iranian Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United States;<ref>{{cite web |title=About Ardeshir Zahedi |url=https://iranian-studies.stanford.edu/research/zahedi-family-fellowship/about-ardeshir-zahedi |website=stanford.edu |access-date=December 23, 2024 }}</ref> Olympic sprinter LaDonna Antoine-Watkins;<ref>{{cite web |last1=Patton |first1=Charlene |title=Former Canadian Olympic sprinter looks forward to getting Oaks Christian School student-athletes back on the track |url=https://bvmsports.com/2020/09/07/former-canadian-olympic-sprinter-looks-forward-to-getting-oaks-christian-school-student-athletes-back-on-the-track/ |website=bvmsports.com |date=September 8, 2020 |access-date=January 1, 2025 }}</ref> Chris Cooley, NFL tight end;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Adame |first1=Tony |title=Former $30 million Pro Bowl tight end praises Commanders rookie |url=https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/former-30-million-tight-end-commanders-rookie/ |work=Heavy |date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=December 21, 2024 }}</ref> and Jordan Love, NFL quarterback for the Green Bay Packers and former Utah State standout.<ref name="LovePackers">{{cite web |title=Jordan Love |url=https://www.packers.com/team/players-roster/jordan-love/ |website=packers.com |publisher=Green Bay Packers |access-date=November 3, 2025 }}</ref>
=== Gallery === <gallery class="center"> File:Norah Abdullah Al-Faiz.jpg|Norah Al Faiz, M.Ed. 1982 — Deputy Minister for Women's Education in Saudi Arabia (first woman appointed to a ministerial post in Saudi Arabia) File:John K Cannon.jpg|John K. Cannon (1914) — Commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe (1945) File:Mary Cleave.jpg|Mary L. Cleave, M.S. 1975; Ph.D. 1980 — NASA Space Shuttle astronaut File:Spencer Cox 1 (cropped).jpg|Spencer Cox — 18th and current Governor of Utah (since 2021) File:Lars Peter Hansen photo in 2007.jpg|Lars Peter Hansen, B.S. 1974 — 2013 Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences File:William Marion Jardine.jpg|William Marion Jardine — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (1925–1929); U.S. Ambassador to Egypt (1930–1933) File:Harry Reid official portrait.jpg|Harry Reid, B.S. 1961 — U.S. Senator and Senate Majority Leader (2007–2015) File:Hesham Mohamed Qandil World Economic Forum 2013.jpg|Hesham Qandil, M.S. 1988 — former Prime Minister of Egypt File:Merlin Olsen, 1975.jpg|Merlin Olsen, B.S. 1962 — Pro Football Hall of Famer, actor, and broadcaster File:Jay Silvester.jpg|Jay Silvester — four-time Olympian (discus), 1972 silver medalist; former world-record holder File:Craig Jessop.jpg|Craig Jessop, B.S. 1973 — former director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir File:Ardeshir Zahedi.jpg|Ardeshir Zahedi, B.S. 1950 — former Iranian Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United States File:Jordan Love OCT2021 (cropped).jpg|Jordan Love — NFL quarterback for the Green Bay Packers </gallery>
== See also == * List of Utah State University presidents * Utah State Aggies * Space Dynamics Laboratory * Utah State University Eastern * Jon M. Huntsman School of Business * Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services * List of land-grant universities * Utah System of Higher Education * Logan, Utah * Utah State Board of Regents * List of colleges and universities in Utah
==Notes== {{Notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==Further reading== * Arrington, Leonard J., and Gary B. Hansen. ''A History of the Utah State University Economics Department, 1888–2008.'' Logan: Utah State University, 2011. 82 pp. – A departmental history tracing the evolution of USU's economics program from its agricultural roots to a modern research department. * Cannon, Brian Q., and Jessie L. Embry, eds. ''Utah in the Twentieth Century.'' Logan: Utah State University Press, 2009. ISBN 9780874217445. – A collection of essays placing USU's growth and scholarly influence within the broader development of Utah's twentieth-century economy and education system. * Juchau, Karen. ''A History of the Utah Extension Service, 1888–1950.'' Master's thesis, Utah State University, 1968. [https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/4824 DigitalCommons@USU] – A comprehensive study of the university's statewide Extension Service and its impact on rural Utah. * Lemon, D. Kent. ''Journey to the Stars: A History of Utah State University's Space Dynamics Laboratory.'' Logan: Utah State University Research Foundation, 2016. 275 pp. – Chronicles the creation and scientific achievements of USU's Space Dynamics Laboratory and its contributions to national defense and space exploration. * Merrill-Cazier Library. ''Special Collections & Archives: Utah State University History Collections.'' [https://library.usu.edu/special-collections/ Utah State University Library] – An overview of primary sources, photographs, and manuscripts documenting USU's institutional history. * Parson, Robert. ''Encyclopedic History of Utah State University.'' Logan: Utah State University, 2009. Library Faculty & Staff Publications, Paper 121. [https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/lib_pubs/121 DigitalCommons@USU] – An alphabetized reference work summarizing the people, colleges, and milestones in USU's 135-year history. * Peterson, Richard C. ''Founders and Builders: The Early Presidents of Utah State University.'' Logan: Utah State University Alumni Association, 1995. 212 pp. – Biographical sketches of the university's first eight presidents and their leadership during periods of expansion and reform. * Ricks, Joel E. ''The Utah State Agricultural College: A History of Fifty Years, 1888–1938.'' Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1938. – The earliest institutional history, detailing the founding years and land-grant mission of what became Utah State University. * Simmonds, A. J. ''Pictures Past: A Centennial Celebration of Utah State University.'' Logan: Utah State University Press, 1988. 126 pp. – A richly illustrated centennial volume highlighting campus landmarks, student life, and historical photographs. * Swenson, C. Edward. ''The Land-Grant Legacy: Utah State University and the Shaping of the American West.'' Logan: Utah State University Press, 2002. 340 pp. – Examines how USU's land-grant mission influenced higher education, agriculture, and regional development in the American West. * Turner, Robert E. ''History of the College of Education: Utah State University, 1888–1990.'' Logan: Utah State University Press, 1990. – A chronicle of the College of Education's evolution and its statewide role in preparing Utah teachers.
==External links== {{Commons category|Utah State University}} * {{Official website|https://www.usu.edu/}} * [https://www.utahstateaggies.com/ Utah State Aggies athletics website]
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