ST. GEORGE — Improvements to Utah Tech University’s Smith Computer Center and local tech companies that made it possible were celebrated Friday with a ribbon-cutting and open house.
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The university honored Vasion, Zonos and Tech Ridge for their contributions to the project. The renovations include enhanced classroom and lab areas and new tutoring, study and event spaces.
Stacy Schmidt, assistant director of public relations for Utah Tech, told St. George News that collectively, these companies have donated $250,000 to renovate the computer center and help offer other programming for students.
“The renovation is just one component of our partnership with Tech Ridge,” Schmidt said. “With our academic focus emphasizing educating and preparing the tech workforce of the future, especially in Southern Utah, we are excited to continue to partner with Tech Ridge companies on a wide variety of hands-on learning experiences.”
Ryan Wedig, CEO of Vasion, told the audience that community members, such as his company and others who helped with the computer center update, are committed to the students.
“I just want you to know that we think about you, the students,” Wedig said. “We want you to have a place that when you’re done at Utah Tech, then it makes sense that this is the place you want to be, that you have pride and confidence that you can be here as a technologist.”
Wedig added that he appreciates the other tech firms in the area and considers them partners in the community.
“I never really feel competitive with these guys. I always feel like they’re so great to say, ‘How can we help improve the community?'” Wedig said.
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Eric Pedersen, dean of Utah Tech’s College of Science, Engineering & Technology, told St. George News he is grateful to Vasion, Zonos and Tech Ridge for their continuous support.
“Beyond providing students with a collaborative environment on campus, these partners share their expertise and guidance with our students through internships, industry projects and case studies that prepare students for the challenges they will face in their careers,” Pedersen said.
Six new collaboration spaces for students to work, learn and innovate were added to the computer center, he added. The areas are glassed-in with network access, monitors and whiteboards to problem solve, collaborate and learn. The space includes a stage with projection, event space to accommodate industry speakers and other events and a large open area for students to work, learn and interact.
Utah Tech’s Computing and Design departments both feature hands-on learning. Pedersen said the curriculum focuses on emerging technologies and real-world applications. He said the coursework and internships with local companies allow students to adapt and gain more knowledge. Pedersen also said students can take field trips to some of the big names in tech and design,
Utah Tech offers a bachelor’s degree in design with emphases in digital design, graphic design and interaction design., as well as a bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, software engineering and information technology, emphasizing DevOps and cyber security.
Both departments also offer a variety of associate degrees, minors and certificates. Additionally, Utah Tech University is working toward providing graduate programs in both fields.
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Photo Gallery
![edited Ribbon Cutting](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/edited-Ribbon-Cutting-1024x683.jpg)
Tech community leaders and school staff cut the ribbon to celebrate the updates to the Smith Computer Center at Utah Tech University, St. George, Utah, August 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech University, St. George News
![UT Smith's Computer Center 1](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UT-Smiths-Computer-Center-1-1024x683.jpg)
One of the areas in the renovation of the Smith Computer Center, St. George, Utah, August 25, 2023 |Photo courtesy of Utah Tech, St. George News
![Utah Tech guy and audience IMG_E8888](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Utah-Tech-guy-and-audience-IMG_E8888-1024x576.jpg)
Brad Last, vice president of Advancement, Utah Tech University speaks at the celebration of the renovations at Utah Tech University's Smith Computer Center, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News
![utah tech students IMG_8856](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/utah-tech-students-IMG_8856-1024x768.jpg)
Utah Tech University students at the celebration for the renovation of the Smith's Computer Center event, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News
![utah tech retro gamaes IMG_8889](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/utah-tech-retro-gamaes-IMG_8889-1024x768.jpg)
Celebration of the renovations at Utah Tech University's Smith Computer Center, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News
![utah tech pres IMG_E8880](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/utah-tech-pres-IMG_E8880-1024x576.jpg)
President Richard B. Williams, Utah Tech University, addresses the crowd at the celebration of the renovation of the Smith Computer Center, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News
![TECH BIZ MEN IMG_E8894](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/TECH-BIZ-MEN-IMG_E8894-1024x643.jpg)
Local tech leaders celebrate the renovations at Utah Tech University's Smith Computer Center that they helped make possible. (L-R) Clint Reid, CEO of Zonos, Ryan Wedig, CEO of Vasion and Isaac Barlow, CEO of busybusy/Tech Ridge, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News
![Smith Computer Center guys](https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Smith-Computer-Center-guys-1024x683.jpg)
Celebrating the renovation of the Smith Computer Center are (L-R) President Richard B. Williams, Utah Tech University, Clint Reid, CEO of Zonos, Ryan Wedig, CEO of Vasion, Isaac Barlow, CEO of busybusy/Tech Ridge Eric Pederson, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, Utah Tech University Brad Last, vice president of Advancement, Utah Tech University, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech, St. George News
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Eric Pederson, dean of the College of Science, Engineering & Technology, Utah Tech University, speaks at the celebration of the renovations to Smith Computer Center, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech, St. George News
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