State Legislature Approves Funding for New WSU Building
OGDEN, Utah – In the final days of the 2019 session, the Utah State Legislature appropriated $50 million for Weber State University to construct a new building for the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST).
The Noorda Building for Engineering, Applied Science & Technology will help accommodate the rapid growth in computer science and technology programs at Weber State. It will replace the outdated Technical Education Building, built in 1957.
The Noorda Building is one of two new WSU buildings, one in Layton and one in Ogden, that will provide exciting opportunities for students in EAST.
“We appreciate the commitment of our legislators and donors to invest in modern education facilities as we prepare growing numbers of students in high tech careers,” said Brad Mortensen, WSU president. “Workforce demand for graduates in these fields is at an all-time high in northern Utah. The Noorda Building will better position Weber State to meet the challenge of supplying highly trained graduates for the aerospace, defense, manufacturing and technology sectors as they thrive in our region and beyond.”
The Northern Utah Academy for Math, Engineering & Science (NUAMES-North) high school has guaranteed an additional $7.5 million to operate the charter school in the building. Several private donors have also contributed toward the $58 million project.
Keith Titus, chief executive officer of Ogden-based MarketStar and chair of the dean’s advisory board for EAST has helped advocate for the project.
“Weber State’s ability to attract a world-class faculty and student body with a new, state-of-the-art building, paired with an innovative curriculum, is beyond exciting,” Titus said. “The Noorda Building is the catalyst and perfect setting for a new educational frontier in the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology at Weber State University.”
The 143,000-square-foot building will be the home of electrical, mechanical and systems engineering, engineering technology, computer science and professional sales departments. Additionally, four centers will be housed in the building: The Concept Center, the Center for Technology Outreach, the National Center for Automotive Science & Technology and the Alan E. Hall Center for Sales Excellence.
VCBO Architecture is working on the design, and Big-D will begin construction in spring 2020 with completion expected in 2022.
“We are excited for the new energy-efficient building that will bring modern technology to Weber State and EAST for years to come,” said Travis Hogge, project manager. “This new facility will reflect Weber State’s commitment to the STEM fields and provide a space dedicated to current and future technology education.”
In 2016, the Ray and Tye Noorda Foundation pledged the largest single donation ever received by Weber State. Funds from the gift established an endowment to support scholarships, research and travel for students, faculty and staff. The remainder of the donation will help with the building’s construction.
Davis Computer and Automotive Engineering Building, WSU Davis
Weber State will break ground in spring 2019 on the Davis Computer and Automotive Engineering Building at WSU Davis in Layton. The building will be used for automotive, computer and software engineering courses to meet high-demand degrees in northern Utah.
The $20 million project also will include a new primary entrance to campus from State Route 193, which will relieve pressure on the existing entry and allow faster access.
“State-of-the-art facilities will offer innovative and collaborate learning spaces to students in computer science, computer engineering and automotive technology, where we see high demand from industry,” said David Ferro, EAST dean. “Weber State leads state institutions in growth of engineering and computer science graduates, and these buildings will help match that growth.”
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Ross Rosier, Office of Marketing & Communications
801-626-7948 • rossrosier@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu