Tooele Transcript Bulletin – News in Tooele, Utah

February 17, 2005
Tooele USU growth spurt could hit 1,500 by ’06-07

Utah State University Tooele Campus is busting at the seams, and with the current rate of growth is expected to serve 1,500 students by 2006-07, said Kathleen Robinson, executive director of the Tooele campus.

In a presentation to the Tooele City Redevelopment Agency Wednesday, Robinson said the land grant university has seen growth of 30 percent in the fall of 2004. The Tooele campus is one of three such sites in the state of Utah. The other two campuses are in Brigham City and the Unita Basin.

The Tooele site has extended far beyond its eight classroom campus. Robinson said classes are being taught in Tooele High School, the Stansbury clubhouse, and public buildings in Wendover, Grantsville and Dugway.

Currently USU Tooele serves non-traditional students, with an average age of 35. The average student is married, and employed full-time. Women make up 60 percent of the student population.

However, Robinson said USU Tooele, is launching a formal development campaign. The school plans to develop programs and degrees for a more traditional University clientele. If this were to happen, in addition to more classroom space, the school would also need dorms and facilities for social activities.

Redevelopment Agency council members discussed funding options, including an appropriation bill currently being considered by state legislators. But no further action was taken on Robinson’s report.

Council members also discussed the potential of a establishing a redevelopment area along Broadway. If adopted, the redevelopment area would allow the city to give this section of town a face lift with new sidewalks, trees and other curb appeal amenities. No action was taken on this discussion.

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