Utah Valley University (UVU) once again proved its excellence at the 2025 SkillsUSA State and National Competitions, reinforcing its long-standing reputation as a national leader in career and technical education.
Utah Valley University (UVU) once again proved its excellence at the 2025 SkillsUSA State and National Competitions, reinforcing its long-standing reputation as a national leader in career and technical education. Held June 26–29 in Atlanta, this year’s event concluded with UVU earning the #2 national ranking among post-secondary technical centers, colleges, and universities—an impressive feat marked by medals in eight categories, including four silver and four bronze.
Among the standout performers was Austin Eckert, a student from UVU’s College of Health and Public Service (CHPS), who earned top honors at the state level and a bronze medal at nationals in the highly competitive firefighting category.
A Legacy of Excellence
SkillsUSA is a national organization that empowers students through hands-on competitions in real-world scenarios across a wide range of disciplines. UVU has long been a dominant force in these events, and this year was no exception.
“UVU has been ranked in the top five in the nation for 24 years running,” said UVU SkillsUSA Director Darin Taylor. “If this were NCAA basketball or football, UVU would be considered a dynasty. We’ll aim to reclaim the national championship next year, but being ranked #2 is still an incredible accomplishment.”
The College of Health and Public Service has played a pivotal role in UVU’s continued success. Over the years, CHPS students have competed in categories such as firefighting, emergency medical services, and criminal justice—fields that demand both technical expertise and composure under pressure.
Real-World Impact
Beyond the accolades, SkillsUSA provides students with invaluable experience that translates directly into their future careers. Competitions simulate high-stakes environments—from emergency response scenarios to forensic investigations—allowing students to apply their training in realistic, high-pressure situations.
Looking Ahead
With another successful year in the books, UVU and CHPS are already preparing for the 2026 competitions. Faculty are refining training programs, and students are eager to build on this year’s momentum.
UVU Medalists at the 2025 National SkillsUSA Competition
Silver Medalists:
Bronze Medalists:
To learn more about SkillsUSA and how UVU students are preparing for careers that make a difference, visit skillsusa.org.
