Purpose
Academic Excellence & Innovation is the foundation of Utah Tech University’s mission as an open, comprehensive, polytechnic institution. At Utah Tech, polytechnic education is defined by a simple but powerful principle: students learn by doing. This pillar affirms our commitment to delivering high-quality, relevant, and future-oriented academic programs that integrate knowledge with application—preparing students for meaningful careers, lifelong learning, and responsible citizenship. It ensures that teaching, learning, and scholarship are aligned with workforce needs, advances in knowledge, and the evolving opportunities of our region.
Initiatives
- Defining & Actualizing Utah Tech’s Academic Identity
- Strategic Program Investment & Market Relevance
- Technology-Enabled Teaching & Learning
KPIs
- Six-Year Graduation Rate
- Percentage of Students Employed or Pursuing Further Education within Six Months of Graduation
- Percentage of Courses that Embed Emerging Technologies into Instruction
2026-27 Key Elements
- Establish a shared definition of a polytechnic education at Utah Tech University
- Highlight active learning in each department, with photo and video support to share these stories
- Launch the Advancing Polytechnic Educational Experience (APEX) Challenge Grants through Academic Affairs, funding faculty who integrate active learning into individual courses or through interdisciplinary polytechnic projects
- Create Trailblazer Studio, a drop-in space for faculty, staff, and students to experiment with new tools that build students’ career readiness
Pillar A Co-chairs
Brenda Armstrong
Professor of Dental Hygiene/ Department Chair
Marc Lundstrom
Executive Director, UT Online