USU Interim President: Our Thoughts Are With UVU and All Impacted by Wednesday's Events

Editor's note: This message from USU Interim President Alan L. Smith was emailed to all USU students, faculty and staff on Wednesday afternoon.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The shooting of speaker Charlie Kirk on the Utah Valley University campus today is a tragedy that will have far-reaching impacts across our university communities. An act of violence like this is shocking and painful, and it is natural to feel unsettled in its aftermath, especially with a similar student club event planned on our campus for Sept. 30.

College campuses must be places where free expression can occur safely. Utah State University condemns violence of any kind, including political violence. Our thoughts are with Charlie Kirk’s family and loved ones, our colleagues at Utah Valley University, and all of the students and visitors who witnessed this tragic shooting.

I want to remind all of you about resources available to support your well-being:

For students: Students on any USU campus can connect with the CARE office or access free counseling through Counseling and Prevention Services.

For employees: USU faculty and staff can also access free counseling through USU’s Employee Assistance Program.

USU’s top priority is creating a safe and respectful learning, working, and living environment where every member of our community can thrive. If anyone feels that their physical safety or the safety of others is threatened, please reach out to USU Public Safety at 435-797-1939.

Let us redouble our efforts to ensure that college campuses are places to safely engage a broad span of perspectives in the spirit of seeking truth and understanding. Together, we must continue to build a campus defined by respect and care for one another. I ask you to make that commitment to one another as we navigate today’s emotions and moving forward as we fulfill our responsibilities to our democracy.

Sincerely,

Alan L. Smith
Interim President
Utah State University