Weber State University (WSU) is a public institution of higher education located in Ogden, Utah, United States. It is a member of the Utah System of Higher Education and enrolls approximately 26,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
History
- 1889 – Established as Weber Stake Academy by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints.
- 1902 – Transitioned to a public school and was renamed Weber County College.
- 1929 – Became Weber College, offering two‑year programs.
- 1962 – Expanded to a four‑year institution and was designated Weber State College.
- 1991 – Achieved university status, becoming Weber State University.
Campus
The main campus occupies roughly 133 acres in Ogden and includes academic buildings, residence halls, athletic facilities, and a performing arts center. Additional satellite locations serve the surrounding region, offering extended curricula and community education.
Academics
Weber State University is organized into several colleges and schools, including:
- College of Business & Economics
- College of Education
- College of Engineering & Applied Science
- College of Health Professions
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Science
- College of the Arts
The university offers more than 250 degree programs, ranging from associate to doctoral levels. It holds a Carnegie Classification of “Doctoral Universities – Moderate Research Activity” (R2).
Student Body
- Total enrollment (2022): ~26,000 students
- Undergraduate: ~23,000
- Graduate and doctoral: ~3,000
- Demographics reflect a diverse population, with a significant proportion of in‑state residents and a growing number of out‑of‑state and international students.
Athletics
Weber State’s athletic teams, known as the Wildcats, compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big Sky Conference. Sports include football, basketball, soccer, track and field, and volleyball. The university’s colors are purple and white.
Leadership
The university is governed by a president appointed by the Utah Board of Higher Education. Notable past presidents include Stephen D. Nadauld (2005–2012). As of the most recent publicly available information (2022), the university was led by an interim president, F. Ann Millar.
Notable Alumni
- Henry B. Eyring – General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints (did not graduate)
- Mick LaSalle – Former professional football player (NFL)
- Mike Lee – United States Senator from Utah (attended)
Community Engagement
Weber State University maintains partnerships with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to provide internships, research opportunities, and workforce development programs.
Accreditation
The institution is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and holds program-specific accreditations for its engineering, business, education, and health‑related programs.
