History of Utah State University in Timeline

Utah State University (USU), established in 1888 in Logan, Utah, is a public land-grant and research university, designated as one of Utah's flagship institutions. Classified as an 'R1: Doctoral University', USU demonstrates very high research activity. The USU system, including its main Logan campus, enrolled 29,831 students as of fall 2025, with the Logan campus representing the largest public residential campus in the state. A significant portion, over 84 percent, of USU students live away from home, highlighting its residential nature.

1903: Agricultural College of Utah Organized Six Schools

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.

1904: Early Distance Education Efforts Begin in 1904

In 1904, USU professors traveled by train from Logan to Burley, Idaho, to deliver dairy lectures, marking the earliest roots of USU's distance education.

1907: Curriculum Restrictions Compromise 1907

In 1907, efforts to consolidate the Agricultural College with the University of Utah resulted in a compromise that restricted the Agricultural College's curriculum to agriculture, domestic science, and mechanical arts.

1914: Statewide Extension Service Launched in 1914

In 1914, the college launched its statewide Extension Service.

1914: Utah State University Cooperative Extension Started 1914

Started in 1914, Utah State University Cooperative Extension provides research-based information to communities.

1921: Gustav Wilster began working with the College of Agriculture

In 1921, Gustav Wilster began working with the College of Agriculture at Utah State University.

1922: Students Studied Dairy Technology

By 1922, students at Utah State University studied dairy technology, fluid milk processing, ice cream manufacture, dairy engineering, cheese manufacture, butter making, dairy facility inspection, and dairy product judging.

1923: Institution Expanded to Seven Academic Colleges

By 1923, the Agricultural College of Utah had expanded to seven academic colleges: Agriculture, Home Economics, Military Science, Agricultural Engineering, Commerce and Business Administration, Mechanic Arts, and General Science.

1924: School of Education Created and School of General Science Reorganized

In 1924, the Agricultural College of Utah created a School of Education and reorganized the School of General Science into the School of Basic Arts and Sciences.

1924: Continuous Accreditation Since 1924

Since 1924, Utah State University has maintained continuous accreditation through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

1924: Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services Founded

The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services was founded in 1924 and enrolls approximately 5,700 students. It offers nationally recognized programs in psychology, special education, and related fields.

1942: US Navy Primary Schools for the Electronics Training Program

During World War II, in 1942 Utah State hosted one of six United States Navy Primary Schools for the Electronics Training Program.

1944: Graduation of US Navy Primary Schools for the Electronics Training Program

Between 1942 and 1944, Utah State graduated more than 2,700 Navy students from the Electronics Training Program.

1950: Establishment of the School of Graduate Studies

In 1950, the School of Graduate Studies was established to coordinate Utah State University's master's and doctoral programs, graduate policies, and assistantships across all colleges.

1953: Utah Public Radio Began

Utah Public Radio (UPR) began in 1953 as KVSC.

1957: Renamed Utah State University in 1957

In 1957, the institution was renamed Utah State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, soon shortened to Utah State University.

1961: KVSC became KUSU-FM

In 1961, KVSC became KUSU-FM.

1967: First Statewide Campus Designated 1967

In 1967, the first Statewide Campus, Uintah Basin, was designated by the Utah State Legislature.

1970: VOICE Created

In 1970, Utah State University student Sue Brown and Director of Student Activities Val R. Christensen created VOICE, Volunteer Organization for Involvement in the Community and Environment, one of the first service organizations in the nation.

1975: Undergraduate Research Program Founded

In 1975, Utah State University's undergraduate research program was founded, making it the second program of its kind in the nation (after MIT).

1975: Nutrition and Food Sciences Building Built

In 1975, the Nutrition and Food Sciences building was built, where Aggie Ice Cream is housed today.

1978: Women's Volleyball National Collegiate Title

In 1978, USU's women's volleyball team won a national collegiate title.

1979: Name Change to The Utah Statesman

Before 1979, the Utah Statesman was known as Student Life.

1980: Jay Don Blake Wins NCAA Individual Championship

In 1980, Jay Don Blake won the NCAA individual golf championship.

1980: Women's Softball National Collegiate Title

In 1980, USU's women's softball team won a national collegiate title.

1981: Women's Softball National Collegiate Title

In 1981, USU's women's softball team won a national collegiate title.

1981: Jay Don Blake named NCAA Player of the Year

In 1981, golfer Jay Don Blake was named NCAA Player of the Year.

July 11, 1991: Dedication of Alumni Center

On July 11, 1991, the historic David B. Haight Alumni Center was dedicated.

1992: George H. Emert Presidency Begins 1992

In 1992, George H. Emert became the president. The university's endowment grew significantly, and research funding reached new highs.

1996: Satellite Systems Installed 1996

Utah State installed satellite systems in 1996, making traveling from the centers unnecessary.

1999: VOICE Renamed

In 1999, VOICE was renamed The Val R. Christensen Service Center in honor of Dr. Christensen's efforts and support of the organization.

2000: NCAA Tournament Appearances

Between 2000 and 2010, Utah State University made six NCAA tournament appearances.

2000: End of President Emert's Tenure in 2000

By 2000, under President George H. Emert, the university's endowment had grown from $7 million to $80 million.

2002: Best Column Writing Award

In 2002, The Utah Statesman won the Society for Professional Journalists' Best Column Writing award.

May 4, 2003: First Successful Equine Clone

On May 4, 2003, a team of Utah State University and University of Idaho researchers successfully cloned an equine. The baby mule, named Idaho Gem, was born.

2005: Best Non-Daily Student Paper Award

In 2005, The Utah Statesman won the Society for Professional Journalists' Best Non-Daily Student Paper award.

2005: First Men's Cross Country WAC Title

In 2005, USU's men's cross country team secured its first WAC title. USU joined the WAC in 2005.

2005: USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education Established 2005

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.

2005: Merrill-Cazier Library Opens 2005

The Merrill-Cazier Library opened in 2005 at Utah State University.

2006: Women's Cross Country WAC Title

In 2006, USU's women's cross country team won the WAC title.

2007: Men's Outdoor Track WAC Title

In 2007, USU's men's outdoor track team won the WAC title.

2007: Signed American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment 2007

In 2007, Utah State University signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, pledging carbon neutrality by 2050.

2007: Huntsman School Renamed After Jon Huntsman Sr.

In 2007, the business college was renamed the Huntsman School of Business after a $26 million gift from Jon Huntsman Sr.

2008: Emissions Decline from 2008

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.

2008: USU Rose to #17 in ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll

During 2008–09, Utah State University rose to #17 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll.

2008: WAC Titles in Basketball, Indoor Track, Cross Country and Soccer

In 2008, USU's men's basketball and indoor track teams, and women's cross country and soccer teams each won WAC titles.

2009: WAC Titles in Basketball, Outdoor Track and Cross Country

In 2009, USU's men's outdoor track and cross country teams each won WAC titles.

2009: Athletics Department Recognized

In 2009, the athletics department, led by director Scott Barnes, received the Excellence in Management Cup for its efforts in recruiting, TV coverage, fundraising, facilities, and reorganization during a resource-constrained period.

2010: Most Student Experiments Placed Into Space

As of 2010, Utah State University had placed more student experiments into space than any other educational institution worldwide.

2010: NCAA Tournament Appearances

Between 2000 and 2010, Utah State University made six NCAA tournament appearances.

2010: Acquisition of Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter and College of Eastern Utah in 2010

In 2010, USU acquired both the Swaner Preserve and EcoCenter near Park City and the College of Eastern Utah, extending its statewide reach.

2010: WAC Titles in Basketball, Indoor Track and Soccer

In 2010, USU's men's basketball and indoor track teams, and women's soccer team each won WAC titles.

2010: USU Eastern Added to Regional Campuses and Distance Education 2010

In 2010, the USU system grew with the addition of USU Eastern to nearly one-half of USU's enrollment.

2010: College of Eastern Utah Joined USU System 2010

In 2010, the former College of Eastern Utah joined the USU system and became Utah State University College of Eastern Utah (USU Eastern).

2011: WAC Titles in Basketball, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, and Cross Country

In 2011, USU's men's basketball, indoor track, outdoor track and cross country teams each won WAC titles.

2011: Guinness World Record for Most Couples Kissing

In 2011, Utah State University broke the record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most couples kissing at the same place at the same time.

2011: Breeding Transgenic Goats

In 2011, Utah State University researchers bred transgenic goats. Professor Randy Lewis' "spider goats," whose milk contains spider silk, are being studied for uses including human muscle tissue and lightweight bulletproof vests.

2012: Moab City Commitment Begins 2012

From 2012 to 2021, the City of Moab committed up to $75,000 per year to promote the development of the USU-Moab campus.

2012: Regional Campuses Distance Education Building Completed 2012

In 2012, RCDE completed construction of the Regional Campuses Distance Education (RCDE) Building, which houses broadcast classrooms, RCDE offices, and the Utah Education Network.

2012: $400 Million Fundraising Campaign Concluded in 2012

In 2012, USU concluded a $400 million fundraising campaign, the largest in its history.

2012: Football Team Achievements

In 2012, USU football, under head coach Gary Andersen, achieved its first 10-win regular season, secured its first Western Athletic Conference football title, and earned rankings in all three major polls.

2012: Baseball Club Title

In 2012, USU's baseball club team won a national title.

2012: WAC Titles in Football and Volleyball

In 2012, USU's men's team won the WAC title in football, and the women's teams won WAC titles in volleyball and track (indoor/outdoor). Also in 2012 was the last year USU was in the WAC.

2013: Matt Wells Succession

Before the 2013–14 season, Matt Wells succeeded Gary Andersen as head coach of the USU football team.

2013: Nobel Prize for Lars Peter Hansen

In 2013, Lars Peter Hansen, a notable alumnus, was awarded the Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences.

2013: Joins Mountain West Conference

In 2013, Utah State University joined the NCAA Division I Mountain West Conference (MWC).

2013: Football Division Crown

In 2013, as members of the MWC, the Aggies claimed a football division crown and played in the inaugural MWC Championship Game.

2013: Name Shortened to Utah State University Eastern 2013

In 2013, the official name of Utah State University College of Eastern Utah was shortened to Utah State University Eastern.

2014: Baseball Club Title

In 2014, USU's baseball club team won a national title.

2016: USUSA Declares Mental Health Crisis

During the 2016–2017 school year, the USUSA (Utah State University Student Association) declared a mental health crisis at Utah State University due to significant wait times for students to utilize CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) and the increasing number of students suffering from mental health-related illnesses.

2016: Men's Tennis Regular Season Win

In 2016, USU's men's tennis team won the MWC regular season.

March 2017: Governor Herbert Signs Resolution Declaring Mental Health Crisis

In March 2017, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed a resolution declaring a mental health crisis at all Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institutions, influenced by the USUSA's lobbying efforts.

2017: Noelle E. Cockett Becomes President in 2017

From 2017, Noelle E. Cockett became USU's first female president.

2017: Men's Tennis Regular Season and Tournament Titles

In 2017, USU's men's tennis team won both regular season and tournament titles in the MWC.

2017: Innovation Campus District Plan Launched 2017

The Innovation Campus District Plan introduced electric-vehicle charging infrastructure, carpool and transit pickup zones in 2017.

2018: SDL Conducted Over 430 Successful Space Missions

As of 2018, the Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), a contractor owned by Utah State, has conducted more than 430 successful space missions and deployed more than 500 hardware and software systems.

2018: Men's Tennis Tournament Title

In 2018, the men's tennis team secured the tournament title.

2018: Mountain West Regular-Season Title

In 2018–19, Utah State University captured the Mountain West regular-season title.

2019: Men's Cross Country League Win

In 2019, USU's men's cross country team won the league.

2019: Mountain West Tournament Title

In 2019, Utah State University captured the Mountain West tournament title.

2019: "Best College Town" Award 2019

USU's main campus in Logan, Utah, and the city of Logan were named the "Best College Town" for the 2019–2020 school year.

December 2020: Blake Anderson Hired as Head Coach

In December 2020, athletics director John Hartwell hired Blake Anderson as USU's 29th head coach.

2020: Back-to-Back Tournament Titles

In 2020, Utah State University captured back-to-back tournament titles.

2020: Landscape Resiliency and Drought Plan & Stormwater Management Plan

The Landscape Resiliency and Drought Plan (2020) and Stormwater Management Plan (2020) designate USU as a model for institutional water stewardship.

2020: "Most Beautiful Campus in Utah" Award 2020

USU's main campus in Logan, Utah, and the city of Logan were named the "Most Beautiful Campus in Utah" for the 2019–2020 school year.

2021: Moab City Commitment Ends 2021

From 2012 to 2021, the City of Moab committed up to $75,000 per year to promote the development of the USU-Moab campus.

2021: $1 Billion Contract for Aerospace Research

In 2021, Utah State University received a $1 billion contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for aerospace research, including "space and nuclear advanced prototypes, experiments and technology."

2021: Recognition for Excellence in Undergraduate Research

In 2021, Utah State University was recognized by the Council on Undergraduate Research for excellence in undergraduate research programs.

2021: Best Undergraduate Research Program in the Nation

In 2021, Utah State University's undergraduate research program was named the "Best Undergraduate Research Program in the Nation" by the Council on Undergraduate Research.

2021: Volleyball Regular Season Win

In 2021, the volleyball team won the regular season.

2021: NCAA Tournament Appearance

Utah State University appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2021.

April 1, 2022: USU-Moab Campus Opening April 1, 2022

The USU-Moab campus opened on April 1, 2022.

2022: Establishment of the Four-Year Veterinary College

In 2022, Utah State University established Utah's first four-year veterinary college, offering the DVM and allied veterinary programs.

2022: Decarbonization Master Plan Established 2022

In 2022, Utah State University established the Decarbonization Master Plan, a roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions on the Logan campus by 2040.

2022: Freshman Enrollment Statistics

In fall 2022, Utah State University received 16,069 applications for first-time freshman enrollment, of which 15,061 (93.7%) were accepted, and 4,625 freshmen enrolled. The freshman retention rate is 74.5%, with 52.5% graduating within six years.

2022: Home to the Only College of Veterinary Medicine in Utah

Since 2022, Utah State University has been home to the only college of veterinary medicine operating in Utah.

2023: Greenhouse Gas Inventory FY 2023

According to the FY 2023 Greenhouse Gas Inventory, USU's total emissions were 106,126 metric tons CO₂e.

2023: Fleet Replaced with CNG Aggie Shuttles and EV Integration Study 2023

By 2023, USU had replaced part of its fleet with compressed-natural-gas Aggie Shuttles and launched an EV integration study.

2023: USU-Moab Enrollment Growth 2023

From 2022 to 2023, USU had a growing presence in Moab, showing a 15.8% growth in enrollment.

2023: Elizabeth R. Cantwell Succeeds Noelle E. Cockett in 2023

In 2023, Elizabeth R. Cantwell succeeded Noelle E. Cockett as president. Cantwell's tenure was marked by fiscal and administrative controversy.

2023: Forbes Ranking

In 2023, Forbes ranked Utah State University No. 140 in Public Colleges, No. 177 in Research Universities, and No. 74 in the West.

2023: Second Aggie Ice Cream Location Opened

In 2023, a second Aggie Ice Cream location opened in Utah State University's Blue Square student housing.

2023: National Science Foundation Ranking 2023

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 research expenditures in 2023.

2023: NCAA Tournament Appearance

Utah State University appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2023.

2023: Office of Sustainability Elevated 2023

Utah State University elevated the Office of Sustainability under the Office of the President in 2023 to strengthen institution-wide coordination and embed sustainability into university policy and culture.

June 30, 2024: University Endowment Valued at $614.9 Million

On June 30, 2024, Utah State University's endowment was valued at approximately $614.9 million, according to NACUBO's annual survey.

2024: Distributed Solar and Battery Storage RFP Issued 2024

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.

2024: U.S. News & World Report Ranking

In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Utah State University 32nd nationally for "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" out of 360+ reviewed institutions.

2024: Member of the U.S. Space Command Academic Engagement Enterprise

In 2024, Utah State University became a member of the U.S. Space Command Academic Engagement Enterprise.

2024: High Ranking in Research and Development Expenditures

In 2024, Utah State University was 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.

2024: Total Enrollment Reached 28,900 Students

In 2024, Utah State University's total enrollment reached 28,900 students, including 25,702 undergraduates and 3,198 graduate students. The student-faculty ratio was 19-to-1.

2024: Nate Dreiling Interim Coach

In 2024, interim head coach Nate Dreiling guided the football program.

2024: Men's Tennis Regular Season Crown

In 2024, men's tennis won another regular season MWC crown.

2024: Washington Monthly Ranking

Most recently, in 2024, Washington Monthly ranked Utah State University 54th among 438 national universities and the 8th-best public university in the nation, based on contribution to the public good.

2024: Permaculture Impacts Report 2024

The Permaculture Impacts 2024 report documents measurable gains in soil carbon, pollinator habitat, and student participation through garden labs, workshops, and design courses.

2024: NCAA Tournament Appearance

Utah State University appeared in the NCAA tournament in 2024.

2024: Research Expenditures 2024

Utah State University reported $497.4 million in research expenditures in 2024.

April 2025: Announcement of Major Academic Reorganization

In April 2025, Utah State University announced a major academic reorganization due to state-mandated budget reductions and Utah House Bill 265. Five existing colleges would be merged into two new colleges, with program adjustments to follow. The new colleges became official on July 1, 2025.

July 1, 2025: Academic Colleges and Schools Organized

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.

October 30, 2025: Brad L. Mortensen Appointed President October 30, 2025

On October 30, 2025, the Utah Board of Higher Education appointed Brad L. Mortensen as Utah State's 18th president.

November 10, 2025: Brad L. Mortensen's Administration Begins November 10, 2025

Brad L. Mortensen's administration began on November 10, 2025, emphasizing fiscal accountability, academic restructuring, and statewide access initiatives.

2025: LEED-Certified Buildings Operating 2025

As of 2025, Utah State University operates 22 LEED-certified buildings emphasizing energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and water conservation.

2025: Enrollment Statistics Fall 2025

As of Fall 2025, Utah State University enrolled 29,831 students across its statewide system. The Logan campus is the largest public residential campus in Utah, with over 84 percent of students living away from home in 2025.

2025: Bronco Mendenhall Named Head Coach

Bronco Mendenhall was named head coach for the USU football team in 2025.

2025: Departure of Elizabeth R. Cantwell 2025

Elizabeth R. Cantwell's tenure as president was marked by fiscal and administrative controversy prior to her departure to lead Washington State University in 2025.

2025: Merger of Colleges Announced

In 2025, Utah State University announced a plan to merge five existing colleges into two new colleges. The Caine College of the Arts, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of Science would merge to form a new college of Arts and Sciences, led by Dean Joe Ward. The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources would merge with the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. Interim President Alan Smith stated the mergers would promote interdisciplinary collaboration and academic efficiency.

2025: Research Development and Expenditures Reached $517 Million

In 2025, Utah State University reported $517 million in research development and expenditures.

2025: Research Expenditures 2025

Utah State University reported $517 million in research expenditures in 2025.

July 1, 2026: Joining Pac-12 Conference

Beginning July 1, 2026, Utah State's athletic teams, the Aggies, will join the Pac-12 Conference as a full member.

2030: Logan City Power Renewable Electricity Goal 2030

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.