University of Utah

University Hall (University of Utah)

MountVanCott

UofU campus close-up early 1920s

Uofu walkwaywithbuildings

Kingsbury Hall

Uofu marriottlibraryfront

University of Utah (U of U, UU, or Utah) is a public university located in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. It is the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education. Established in 1850 as the University of Deseret by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret, it is the oldest institution of higher education in Utah. It offers over 100 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate degree programs to over 30,000 students. The university is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity".

History

The University of Utah traces its origins back to February 28, 1850, when the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret passed an act to create the University of Deseret. The university was renamed the University of Utah in 1892, following the establishment of the state of Utah. Over the years, the university has grown from a small liberal arts college to a large public research university.

Campus

The main campus of the University of Utah is located in the eastern part of Salt Lake City, covering over 1,500 acres in the foothills of the Wasatch Range. The campus is known for its distinctive architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. It includes the J. Willard Marriott Library, the Utah Museum of Fine Arts, and the Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Academics

The University of Utah is organized into 17 colleges and schools, offering more than 100 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate degree programs. It is known for its programs in medicine, engineering, business, and law. The university is affiliated with the Utah Health Care system, which includes hospitals and clinics across Utah.

Research

As an R1 research institution, the University of Utah is renowned for its research contributions, particularly in areas such as genetics, bioengineering, and pharmacology. The university is home to several interdisciplinary research institutes, including the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute.

Athletics

The University of Utah participates in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Pac-12 Conference. Its athletic teams, known as the Utes, have achieved national recognition in several sports, including football, basketball, and gymnastics.

Notable Alumni

The University of Utah has produced a number of notable alumni, including Nobel Prize laureates, leading scientists, politicians, business leaders, and artists. These include Ralph Vary Chamberlin (zoologist), John Warnock (co-founder of Adobe Systems), and Ed Catmull (co-founder of Pixar).

See Also

• Higher education in the United States
• List of colleges and universities in Utah