Utah Valley University
Education on a Personal Level

Welcome to Utah Valley University (UVU).

Established in 1941, UVU was originally founded to serve as a war production training facility. Vocational courses were designed to meet the needs of a post-depression, wartime economy. Today, UVU continues to provide training for its community, however, under much different circumstances. Utah's population is growing and its economy prospering like never before. Numerous high-tech, computer software companies have made Utah their home and are requiring a more educated, well trained work force. In addition, rapid growth has resulted in a greater demand on vocational and technical training programs. UVU is committed to providing the advanced and changing educational needs of its community.

The University

UVU provides a broad range of academic, vocational, technical, cultural, and social opportunities for students. There are now more than 50 academic programs to choose from, and more than 50 social clubs and groups. Over 50 Four-year baccalaureate programs including: Business Management, Technology Management, Elementary Education, Computer Science and Information Systems, Aviation Science and Hospitality Management.

Enrolling more than 24,000 students, UVU takes pride in the ability to offer state-of-the-art training as well as education on a personal level. The University maintains small classroom sizes allowing students one-on-one interaction with an experienced faculty.

There are more than 440 full-time faculty at UVU who are dedicated to excellence and to helping students succeed. The University is committed to providing a professional atmosphere and encourages innovation, experimentation, and entrepreneurial investigation relative to university programs and interest.

The Community

UVU's 185-acre campus is nestled between the Wasatch Mountain Range and Utah Lake. The campus lies adjacent to Interstate 15, providing easy access for students and visitors. To the east, Mount Timpanogos rising 11,928 feet provides a scenic backdrop for the University. UVU is recognized for its beautiful landscape as well as its unique architectural design. All of the buildings on campus maintain the same architectural theme and are all interconnected. This enclosure is a favorite feature for students during Utah's famous snow season. Students can go to any building on campus without ever walking outside.

UVU is located in Orem, UT, just 40 miles south of the state's capital, Salt Lake City. Orem is characterized by quaint residential neighborhoods as well as a progressive business district. Some nationally recognized companies located in Orem include: Novell, Corel USA, Viewpoint Datalabs, and Digital Technologies. (More information about Orem City.)

UVU is committed to developing, broadening, and strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships with local business and industry. The University aims to provide an increasingly educated work force and to enhance economic growth and development in the community.

The Orem area also offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation activities. Local mountains and canyons provide unlimited opportunities. Within reasonable driving distance, one can find lakes and reservoirs for boating and other water activities, and recreation trails for cycling, jogging, walking, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and snowmobiling. There are also several golf courses and world-famous ski resorts. Sundance Ski Resort is just 20 minutes from UVU. The Provo River, just a few miles south of Orem, is a popular fly fishing spot.

The State

Anasazi Indians, also known as the "Ancient Ones" raised corn in southern Utah from about 1 A.D. to 1300. Ute and Navajo Indians roamed the region for centuries. The state takes its name from the Ute Tribe. Utah has a colorful history dating back to the mid-1700s when Spanish explorers and New Mexican traders began to arrive.

Great Salt Lake City was founded on July 24, 1847, by a group of Mormon pioneers. By the time the first transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory, Utah in May of 1869, more than 60,000 pioneers had come to Utah by covered wagon or handcart. Since then, Utah's history has been shaped by people from diverse cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

Today Utah is a unique balance of modern sophistication and natural wonder. The state's cultural institutions, educational centers, and unsurpassed scenery and natural vacationlands continue to bring Utah wide acclaim.

There are more national parks and monuments in Utah than in any other state. Utah is also home to what is called the "Greatest Snow on Earth" and hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics.

The State of Utah continues to focus on education, technology, and training. In conjunction with Utah's mission, UVU is recognized nationally for its ability to incorporate technology offering an innovative approach to education. The University will continue to grow to meet the demands of a prospering state and community while maintaining education on a personal level. That is the mission of UVU. (More information about the State of Utah)