Weber State University: Comprehensive Profile

Background

Overview

Weber State University (WSU), established in 1889, is a public institution located in Ogden, Utah. With a student body of approximately 29,914 as of Fall 2022, WSU offers over 225 degree programs across seven colleges. The university is committed to providing transformative educational experiences through meaningful personal connections with faculty and staff, promoting student achievement, equity, inclusion, and vibrant community relationships.

Mission and Vision

WSU's mission is to deliver transformative educational experiences for students of all identities and backgrounds, emphasizing personal connections and promoting student achievement, equity, inclusion, and community engagement. The vision is to be a leader in transforming lives by meeting students where they are and guiding them to achieve their academic and life goals.

Key Strategic Focus

Strategic Plan (2021–2026)

In March 2021, WSU's Board of Trustees approved a strategic plan guiding the institution through 2026. The plan emphasizes:

Access: Providing affordable, quality education to diverse communities.

Learning: Supporting student success throughout the educational journey.

Community: Serving as an educational, cultural, and economic steward for the region.

A foundational principle of this plan is equity, aiming to eliminate disparities in access and educational attainment.

Financials and Funding

Endowment

As of 2022, WSU's endowment stood at approximately $219.5 million, reflecting the university's financial stability and capacity for growth.

Tuition and Fees (2024–2025 Academic Year)

In-State Tuition and Fees: $6,391

Out-of-State Tuition and Fees: $17,084

Room and Board: $9,900

The average need-based aid package is $6,046, with 64% of students receiving financial aid.

Academic Programs

Colleges and Schools

WSU comprises seven 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

Notable Programs

John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics: Established in 1966, it enrolls over 2,400 undergraduate and 360 graduate students. The school was named after John B. Goddard following a significant donation in 1998.

Dr. Ezekiel R. Dumke College of Health Professions: Recognized for its nursing program, which is among the top ten programs at the university.

Leadership Team

President

Brad L. Mortensen: Serving as the president of WSU, Mortensen leads the university's strategic initiatives and overall administration.

Interim Dean of John B. Goddard School of Business & Economics

Doris Geide-Stevenson: Oversees the business school's operations and academic programs.

Competitor Profile

Peer Institutions

WSU identifies several peer universities for benchmarking and strategic planning:

Arkansas Tech University

Austin Peay University

Eastern Washington University

Middle Georgia State University

Middle Tennessee State University

Northwest State University of Louisiana

Southern Oregon University

Southwestern Oklahoma University

University of Central Arkansas

University of Northern Colorado

Utah Tech University

Utah Valley University

Market Insights and Dynamics

As a regional public university, WSU operates in a competitive landscape with institutions offering similar programs and targeting comparable student demographics. The focus on affordability, accessibility, and quality education positions WSU favorably in attracting students seeking value-driven higher education.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Community Engagement

WSU is actively involved in service programs benefiting youth in the community and has been recognized on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its exceptional service efforts.

Sustainability Initiatives

In 2024, WSU launched an ambitious sustainability initiative aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. This includes incorporating renewable energy sources and expanding educational offerings in environmental science.

Operational Insights

Athletics

The WSU Wildcats compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Big Sky Conference, sponsoring 16 varsity teams. The football team plays at Stewart Stadium, and the men's and women's basketball teams compete at the Dee Events Center.

Student Media

The Signpost: An independent, student-run newspaper publishing twice weekly.

KWCR Wildcat Radio: A student and volunteer-run online radio station offering broadcasting opportunities.

Metaphor: An undergraduate literary journal highlighting students' poetry, fiction, literary nonfiction, interviews, and art.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Enrollment Growth

WSU aims to grow total headcount enrollment to 32,000 students by Fall 2025, including increasing the number of matriculated degree-seeking students to 18,700. The university is also working to become an Emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution by increasing the percentage of students who identify as Hispanic or Latino to 15%.

Program Expansion

In 2024, WSU announced a partnership with local healthcare providers to expand its nursing program, addressing the regional nursing shortage. Additionally, the university received a significant grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a new engineering program focusing on robotics and AI.