President Cantwell Welcomes Students Back for Fall 2024

Editor's note: USU President Elizabeth R. Cantwell sent this message to faculty, staff, and students on Aug. 26.

Dear USU Faculty, Staff, and Students,

Welcome back, Aggies! Whether you’re a long-time employee, a returning student, or you just joined our community, we’re thrilled to kick off another exciting academic year together.

Utah State University continues to soar to new heights. This summer, we celebrated several milestones that underscore our commitment to excellence and innovation.

• Leading Research Frontiers: We initiated the construction of a new building for our College of Veterinary Medicine. Set to open in 2026, this facility will enhance our ability to provide cutting-edge education and research opportunities.
• Commitment to Growth: We restructured our academic enterprise to enhance leadership, foster innovation, and improve operational efficiency, which are essential for long-term success and adaptability in higher education.
• Academic Excellence: Five USU faculty members received Fulbright Scholar Program grants for 2024-25. These grants will allow them to teach and conduct research abroad, strengthening USU’s global connections and academic reputation.
• Community Engagement: We broke ground on the new Monument Valley Education Building to serve the Navajo Nation, featuring modern classrooms, labs, and spaces for education and community programs, expanding our educational access and furthering our land-grant mission.

At USU, we prioritize a thriving, inclusive, and respectful campus environment. We value excellence, entrepreneurship, collaboration, courage, and respect as guiding principles for character development within our university community. Think about these as you look over all the options available at USU for getting involved in our community.

To our dedicated faculty, your passion for teaching and research is the heart of Utah State. To our exceptional staff, thank you for creating a supportive and successful campus community.

And to our inspiring students, your potential is limitless. Get involved, explore new opportunities, and make the most of your Aggie experience. As we kick off a new year, I encourage you to fully embrace Aggie life. This year, we offer new programs, activities, research experiences, and a wealth of scholarship and internship opportunities. Join clubs, attend events, and participate in activities that align with your interests. Our Student Involvement & Leadership Center is an excellent resource for finding opportunities to connect and grow.

As part of our unwavering commitment to a vibrant and inclusive community, please remember the importance of looking out for one another. Our reporting webpage is there to help us maintain a safe and supportive environment. If you see something that doesn't seem right, speak out. If you need help, reach out. We are committed to the health and well-being of every community member. It's crucial to prioritize and support each other.

Let’s celebrate the power of free expression. Respect for free expression is a core value at USU and is paramount to fulfilling the university’s mission of excellence, access, and inclusion. As we move into a new academic year, I invite you to visit our free expression webpage to learn more about fostering open and respectful dialogue.

We aren't merely a university; we are family. Your Aggie Family. As we embark on this new academic year, let's embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead with enthusiasm. I am confident that we will achieve great things together and make a lasting impact on Utah and the world.

Welcome home, Aggies! Let’s make this year unforgettable.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth R. Cantwell
President