Designed for Demand: UVU Opens Massive Engineering Hub to Fill Utah's Tech Gap

OREM, UT – January 23, 2026 – Utah Valley University yesterday cut the ribbon on one of the largest and most advanced engineering facilities in the state, a nearly 200,000-square-foot building designed to directly confront a critical shortage of skilled tech talent in Utah's booming economy. The grand opening of the Scott M. Smith Engineering Building marks a pivotal moment for the university, dramatically expanding its capacity to train the next generation of engineers and computer scientists.

The state-of-the-art facility, new home to the Smith College of Engineering and Technology (SCET), was made possible in part by a landmark $25 million donation from Qualtrics co-founder Scott M. Smith and his wife, Karen. It stands as a powerful symbol of public-private partnership aimed at fueling Utah's innovation engine.

"This building opens the door to hands-on learning with state-of-the-art simulations, advanced research equipment, and transformative lab experiences," said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez during the unveiling ceremony. "It will redefine engineering education at UVU and will draw more students to our campus. This facility will incubate human talent and strengthen Utah’s workforce and innovative economy now and in the future."

Addressing a Critical Workforce Chasm

The new building is not just an academic expansion; it is a strategic response to a pressing economic need. Utah's tech sector, often dubbed "Silicon Slopes," is expanding at a breakneck pace, but the supply of qualified professionals has not kept up. State data reveals a persistent gap of approximately 4,000 unfilled engineering and computer science positions. Projections from the Utah Department of Workforce Services indicate that this sector is expected to grow by 3.1% annually through 2028, creating over 23,000 new jobs in a decade.

This new facility positions UVU, Utah's largest public university by enrollment, to directly address this shortfall. The university's Smith College of Engineering and Technology is already its largest academic college, with 6,558 students enrolled in Fall 2025. With the capacity of the new building, UVU is poised to significantly increase the number of graduates ready to enter high-demand fields. This effort is critical, as a Boston Consulting Group analysis estimates the United States needs about 400,000 new engineers every year to remain competitive.

UVU's track record already shows promise, with 81% of its 2022 engineering alumni reporting full-time employment. The new building is expected to bolster these outcomes, providing students with skills directly aligned with the needs of Utah's most innovative companies.

A Legacy of Innovation and Philanthropy

At the heart of this transformative project is the vision of Scott and Karen Smith. Their $25 million gift represents a deep commitment to their home community and a belief in the power of education to drive economic prosperity. Scott Smith, a co-founder of the Utah-based software giant Qualtrics, has been a central figure in the rise of Silicon Slopes.

“It has been a dream for Karen and me to be able to give back in a way that would positively impact people’s lives and help boost the local and state economies,” Scott M. Smith said. “We feel like we are investing in the future of generations of new engineers and computer scientists, and wanted to do it in Utah County. Karen and I grew up here. Our children were raised here, and we started Qualtrics in our home in Provo. Utah County and Utah Valley University hold special places in our hearts.”

This philanthropic investment underscores a growing trend where tech leaders reinvest their success into the educational ecosystem that supports the industry. By funding physical infrastructure and advanced learning tools, donors like the Smiths are creating a sustainable talent pipeline that benefits both students seeking high-paying careers and companies in need of skilled employees.

Inside the Future of Engineering Education

Stepping inside the Scott M. Smith Engineering Building reveals a facility designed for experiential learning. Gone are the days of purely theoretical instruction; this building is a hub of hands-on application, boasting some of the most advanced instructional labs in the region. Among its standout features are 14 classrooms, 116 faculty offices, and a suite of specialized laboratories.

Key labs include:
* The Wind Tunnel Lab: A crucial resource for mechanical and aerospace engineering students, this lab allows for sophisticated aerodynamics testing and flow visualization. It will support coursework in fluid mechanics and serve as a research space for undergraduate projects, giving students practical experience in vehicle and structure design.
* The Smart Grid Lab: Connected to an on-site E-5 wind turbine, this lab is dedicated to the study of renewable energy, electric vehicles, and modern power systems. Students will work with battery technology and energy distribution systems, preparing them for careers in the rapidly growing green energy sector.
* The Electrical and Computer Engineering Drone Lab: This unique, multi-floor space is designed for cutting-edge research in autonomous systems. Equipped with a drone net, cameras, and various drone models, the lab will be a center for projects in machine learning, embedded systems, and applied robotics.

These facilities will support some of UVU's largest and fastest-growing programs, including mechanical, civil, electrical, and software engineering, as well as computer science and digital cinema production. The emphasis is on providing students with an environment that mirrors the real-world challenges they will face in their careers.

A Strategic Hub for Growth and Collaboration

The opening of the Smith Engineering Building solidifies UVU's role as a central pillar in Utah's educational and economic landscape. With a total student body exceeding 48,000, UVU's sheer scale gives it a unique ability to impact the state's workforce. The university's enrollment has surged by over 13,500 students in the past decade, with STEM majors experiencing double-digit growth.

This new facility allows UVU to compete on a new level with other major state institutions like the University of Utah and Utah State University, particularly with its focus on applied learning. While other universities also boast strong engineering programs, UVU's new building and its integrated lab-based curriculum are tailored specifically to its mission of providing career-ready skills.

Furthermore, the building is set to become a nexus for industry collaboration. UVU already maintains strong ties with the tech community through its Industry Advisory Board and a tech management MBA offered in partnership with the Silicon Slopes organization. The university recently announced a major partnership with NVIDIA, a global leader in artificial intelligence, to create an Applied AI Institute and new degree programs. The advanced labs and increased student capacity within the Smith Engineering Building will undoubtedly attract even more corporate partners seeking to recruit top talent, sponsor research, and help shape the curriculum to meet evolving industry standards. This synergy ensures that the education provided within these new walls remains relevant, responsive, and directly linked to the economic future of Utah.