WSU Celebrates Grand Opening of New Building at WSU Davis in Layton
Weber State University will host a ribbon cutting for the new Computer & Automotive Engineering Building at WSU Davis in Layton, which opened to classes beginning fall semester 2020. The short program will be streamed live on Weber State’s Facebook page, Oct. 9 at 4 p.m.
The 51,000 square-foot building will help the College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST) address the explosive demand for additional workforce in Northern Utah. With growing programs at Hill Air Force Base and the surrounding region, employers are aggressively seeking to recruit more well-educated individuals.
For the past five years, Weber State has led state institutions in increasing the number of degrees awarded in engineering and computer science. With thousands of engineering, software, cybersecurity and computing jobs coming to the region to support the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent and work of the 309th Software Engineering Group, more classrooms and technical instructional spaces are needed to support future growth in WSU’s programs.
“We are grateful for the financial investment of the Noorda Foundation, Stewart Education Foundation and Utah State Legislature to make the Computer & Automotive Engineering Building possible,” said WSU President Brad Mortensen. “This new facility capitalizes on the strategic location of WSU Davis to support Hill Air Force Base and its aerospace and defense industry partners.”
In addition to six classrooms, the $20 million building features a “sandbox” or test environment for computer science and software engineering courses. The new home of the automotive technology program has updated automotive shops, including a Tesla learning center and an engine test cell.
“We have created a new, much-needed home for automotive and computing at WSU Davis,” said David Ferro, EAST dean. “We now have an innovative, exciting space that will increase our capacity to educate students and support Utah’s workforce.”
GSBS Architects designed the building, and R&O Construction completed construction.
The project will also create a new primary entrance to the campus from State Route 193, which will relieve pressure on the existing entry and allow faster access. The entrance is expected to open before the end of 2020.
This is the third major building at WSU Davis. During the groundbreaking, the university will also mark the renaming of building D3, which is now called the Stewart Center In honor of the Stewart Education Foundation and its long-standing support of Weber State.
“We are excited for the future of WSU Davis,” said Julie Snowball, assistant vice president of regional partnerships and director of WSU Davis. “This campus continues to evolve as a collaborative effort between the quality academic minds of the university and the innovative community which it serves.”
At the 105 acre campus located at (2750 N. University Park Blvd., Layton, Utah) students have access to a full range of services, general education courses and a wide variety of associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees.
Nearly 100 percent of the campus’ electrical power needs are powered with a seven-acre solar field installed in November 2016.
One of the hallmarks of the Davis Campus is the special attention given to meeting the needs of non-traditional and working students. Information about degree and certificate programs available at WSU Davis can be found at weber.edu/davis.
Visit weber.edu/wsutoday for more news about Weber State University.
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu- Contact:
Allison Barlow Hess, Public Relations director
801-626-7948 • ahess@weber.edu