Historical Development

UVSC: “Miracle of Utah Valley”

When Utah Valley State College becomes Utah Valley University in 2008, some may wonder what will remain of its humble roots. But through the College’s growth and expansion, its commitment to bringing education and prosperity to the community has remained the same since the day it was founded.

Beginnings

As World War II loomed, the U.S. needed skilled craftsmen to produce arms and ammunition for the Allied Forces. For this purpose, in 1941 Hyrum E. Johnson brought vocational classes offered around Utah to one central Provo location (now the site of the East Bay Business Park).

Expansion

After the war, the State Legislature made the school a permanent state institution and named Wilson W. Sorensen director in 1945. The next two decades were filled with expansion; enrollment skyrocketed after Sorenson moved the school to 1300 North University Avenue in Provo, overloading campus capacities. After several name changes, in 1967 the school became Utah Technical College at Provo and began awarding associate degrees.

A New Home

The demand for more space prompted college officials to purchase and begin building on a large piece of farmland in southwest Orem adjacent to Interstate 15, the site UVSC occupies today. In 1982, J. Marvin Higbee became the third president of the institution. During Higbee’s five years as president, the College increased its offerings and in 1987 became Utah Valley Community College.

A Foundation for the Future

Kerry D. Romesburg was appointed president in 1988. He emphasized international education, arts and humanities and short-term training throughout the College’s curriculum and improved the face of campus by adding and expanding buildings. Through his efforts, voter-approved funding was obtained for an 8,500-seat special events center (McKay Events Center) on campus as well as the Wasatch Mountain Campus. Under his leadership, the institution became Utah Valley State College in 1993 and began offering bachelor degrees.

Forging Ahead

In 2003, College officials conducted a national search for a new president, ultimately welcoming William A. Sederburg to the helm of UVSC. Sederburg wasted no time in working with local and state officials to put in place a plan for obtaining university status for UVSC. The feat was accomplished when the Utah State Legislature and Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. unanimously approved UVSC university status beginning July 1, 2008 and the new name of Utah Valley University. With the change will come the addition of a handful of master degrees, a new state of the art library/digital learning center and a wealth of benefits for the local community. For more information about university status, visit www.uvsc.edu/university.