Weber State University facts for kids
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Former names
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Weber Stake Academy (1889–1902) Weber Academy (1902–1918) Weber Normal College (1918–1922) Weber College (1922–1962) Weber State College (1962–1990) |
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| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1889 1964 (as four-year), 1991 (as university) |
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Parent institution
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Utah System of Higher Education |
| Accreditation | NWCCU |
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Academic affiliations
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CUMU |
| Endowment | $219,555,666 (2022) |
| President | Brad L. Mortensen |
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Academic staff
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1,046 |
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Administrative staff
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820 |
| Students | 29,914 (Fall 2022) |
| Undergraduates | 28,903 (Fall 2022) |
| Postgraduates | 1,011 (Fall 2022) |
| Location |
,
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United States
41°11′35″N 111°56′38″W / 41.193°N 111.944°W |
| Campus | Urban |
| Colors | Purple and white |
| Nickname | Wildcats |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division I FCS Big Sky Conference |
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Weber State University is a public university located in Ogden, Utah. It started in 1889 as Weber Stake Academy. The school got its current name, Weber State University, in 1991.
In fall 2023, over 30,500 students attended Weber State. This makes it the third-largest public university in Utah. Students can choose from more than 225 different degree programs. The university has seven main colleges, like the College of Health Professions and the College of Engineering.
Weber State is officially recognized by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Many of its specific programs are also recognized by national groups. About 13% of the full-time students are Hispanic or Latino. The university is working to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. This means at least 15% of its students are Hispanic or Latino.
The university's sports teams are called the Wildcats. They play in the Big Sky Conference as part of NCAA Division I.
Contents
History of Weber State University
Weber State University was first started by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was called the Weber Stake Academy in 1889. The name "Weber" comes from Weber County, where the university is located. Weber County was named after John Henry Weber, an early fur trader.
The school first opened its doors to 98 students on January 7, 1889. Louis F. Moench was the first principal. He led the school from 1889 to 1892 and again from 1894 to 1902. Later, David O. McKay became principal, serving until 1908.
In the early 1900s, the school changed its name several times. It was Weber Academy in 1902 and Weber Normal College in 1918. In 1922, it became Weber College. By the late 1920s, the college faced money problems. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had to decide what to do.
In 1931, the Utah Legislature passed a law. This law allowed the state of Utah to take over Weber College. In 1933, Weber College became a state-supported junior college. This meant it offered the first two years of college education.
In 1954, the college moved to a new, larger campus. This new campus was in a beautiful area in Ogden. The school became Weber State College in 1962. In 1964, it started offering four-year degrees. It was one of the first members of the Big Sky Conference in 1963. On January 1, 1991, the school officially became Weber State University.
Academic Programs and Colleges
Weber State University offers many different programs. Students can earn over 225 certificates and degrees. These programs are offered through seven main colleges:
- College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology
- College of Science
- College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
- Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions
- John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics
- Telitha E. Lindquist College of Arts & Humanities
- Jerry & Vickie Moyes College of Education
University Locations
Weber State University has several locations. The main campus is in Ogden, Utah. It sits near the Wasatch Mountains.
Ogden Campus Features
The Ogden campus is very large, covering over 500 acres. It has 63 buildings. There are also dorms where more than 1,000 students can live.
The Dee Events Center is on the south side of the campus. It hosts many of the university's indoor sports events. It also holds large community events and performances.
The Val A. Browning Center for the Performing Arts is also on the Ogden campus. It hosts over 200 events each year. About 70,000 people visit it annually. This center was built in 1962 and has been updated many times.
Other important buildings on the Ogden campus include Elizabeth Hall, Stewart Library, and the Shepherd Union.
WSU Davis Campus
Weber State also has a campus in Layton, Utah, called WSU Davis. This campus is about 20 miles north of Salt Lake City. It offers many services, like computer labs and student advisors.
WSU Davis offers courses in many subjects. These include automotive technology, engineering, and health professions.
Other Learning Spots
Weber State University also has other smaller locations. These include the Morgan Center in Morgan, Utah, and the Center for Continuing Education in Clearfield, Utah. There's also Weber State Downtown in Ogden.
Students can also take classes and earn degrees online. This is done through the Division of Online & Continuing Education.
Student Housing
Students at Weber State can live in different types of housing. Wildcat Village on the Ogden campus offers community-style living. University Village has apartment-style living. It is located near a bus stop, making it easy to get around.
Protecting Our Planet
Weber State University is working to be very eco-friendly. They have a plan to become "carbon neutral" by 2040. This means they want to balance the amount of carbon they release with the amount they remove. This goal includes reducing emissions from student travel and waste.
Weber State was one of the first universities to plan to use electric heat pump systems in its buildings. Since 2007, the university has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 34%. They have also saved almost $16 million in utility costs.
University Athletics
The university's sports teams are called the Wildcats. They play in the Big Sky Conference. They are part of NCAA Division I, which is a top level for college sports. The school colors are purple and white.
The football team plays at Stewart Stadium on the Ogden campus. The men's and women's basketball teams play at the Dee Events Center. Other sports include track and field, golf, tennis, soccer, volleyball, and softball.
Weber State's Spirit Squad has won six national championships. In 2023, the Wildcat team won the Grand National Championship. They had the best score of any school in the competition.
The university also has many club sports. These are less formal teams for students. Some club sports include archery, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and rugby.
Student Life and Media
Weber State has a student-run newspaper called The Signpost. It publishes news and events from campus and Ogden City. It comes out twice a week in print and online.
The university also has an online radio station, KWCR Wildcat Radio. Students and volunteers run it. It helps students learn how to work in radio. Students can even host their own shows.
Metaphor is Weber State’s literary journal. Students create it entirely. For over 40 years, it has shown off student poetry, stories, and art.
Famous People from Weber State
Many notable people have attended or worked at Weber State. Here are a few:
- Nolan D. Archibald – Former CEO of Black & Decker
- Davion Berry – Professional basketball player
- Fawn Brodie – Author and historian
- H. Tracy Hall – Inventor of the industrial diamond
- Taron Johnson – Professional football player
- Damian Lillard – Professional basketball player
- J. Willard Marriott – Famous business leader
- David O. McKay – Former leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- Wataru Misaka – Professional basketball player
- Dick Motta – Professional basketball coach
- Jerry Moyes - Founder of Swift Transportation
- Sarah Sellers – Marathon runner
- Richard H. Stallings – Former U.S. Representative
Images for kids
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Miller Administration Building
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Student Services Center
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Kimball Visual Arts Center
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Elizabeth Hall
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Stewart Library
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Shepherd Student Union
