‘We want you to have a place’: Southern Utah tech firms take active role in college students’ futures

Written by Stephanie DeGraw
August 26, 2023

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. 

Tech community leaders and Utah Tech staff cut the ribbon to celebrate the updates to the Smith Computer Center at Utah Tech University, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Utah Tech University, St. George News

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.

Utah Tech University students at the renovation celebration of the Smith Computer Center event, St. George, Utah, Aug. 25, 2023 | Photo by Stephanie DeGraw, St. George News

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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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie DeGraw is an award-winning journalist. For 25 years, she engaged in journalism, broadcasting and public relations. DeGraw worked for the Salt Lake Tribune, Associated Press and The City Journals. She was a reporter for a CBS television station in Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Broadcasting.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

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