USU Tooele to Host Open House on Nov. 14 to Showcase Remodeled Campus

TOOELE, Utah — After nine months of planning and construction, the Utah State University Tooele campus will show off its newly remodeled spaces.

The campus will host an open house from 3-7 p.m. Nov. 14. All members of the local community are invited to tour the campus and to see its redesign.

“As we went through the planning process, we sought student input and feedback and implemented many of their suggestions,” said Jenn Cowburn, associate vice president for USU Tooele. “We wanted to create an environment that is modern, welcoming and functional for everyone who steps onto our campus. We are confident this remodel will allow USU Tooele to continue to offer high quality education opportunities and meet the current and future needs of our students and community.”

The event is open to all members of the public. While no formal guided tours will be offered, staff will be on hand to answer questions. Guests can enjoy refreshments, music and activities as they experience the new spaces.

The remodel includes the addition of multiple group and individual study spaces, modern furnishings and improved accessibility. Reception desks are now located at both entrances to help visitors navigate the campus more easily, and the main common area has been brightened with natural light and new greenery. Multiple electric and USB outlets have been added for charging electronic devices.

With these new and flexible spaces, USU Tooele is better positioned to host community events, student gatherings and collaborative learning opportunities. It also allows the campus to accommodate more students and to support varied education delivery methods.

The remodel took nine months and represents a $1.5 million investment in the campus. It was led by Method Studio Design and Jacobson Construction. During the remodel, USU Tooele staff worked together to minimize disruptions to classes and student services. Temporary office relocations and alternate classroom arrangements allowed summer courses to continue uninterrupted.

Cowburn provided the overall vision for the remodel and worked closely with Sharlynn Meuller, assistant campus director, and Melissa Kroff Lawrence, director of student services, to coordinate with contractors and implement the student-centered needs within the project design. Cowburn also credited Statewide Campuses leadership and USU Facilities for their ongoing support, as well as community partners who continually invest in the success of USU Tooele and its students.

What people are saying about the remodeled campus:

“What I like best about the remodel is how student-friendly the design is. It provides a warm, welcoming place for students to come and study, work, engage with their peers, or simply hang out in a quiet, stress-free environment. Every day (and evening) I see students gathered in the shared spaces, which is something that we rarely saw before. This is no longer a place to take classes — this is a campus.”

Sean Camp, Social Work faculty

“After working off campus during construction, it is so nice to be back on campus with my USU Tooele family. The new spaces are very welcoming and inviting. It seems much brighter and more open. In the 12 years I have worked on the USU Tooele Campus, I have never seen so many students during the day enjoying the spaces and using the study spaces. I can't help but smile and enjoy the time I get to now spend on campus.”

Kim Sullivan, Business Services

“The updated space and classroom technology give students the chance to truly connect with one another in an energizing environment built just for their learning. There’s something powerful about stepping into a place designed with students in mind. You can leave distractions behind and focus fully on your personal learning journey. With open areas for collaboration and quiet corners for study, the space is alive with energy, and students are already taking advantage.”

Morgan Diederich, Data Analytics faculty

“Watching the remodel take shape was interesting. During my time as a student, I felt the older areas of campus felt very utilitarian and not very welcoming. Areas were dated and felt like a time capsule from years past. Now, the remodeled spaces are welcoming and feel like a place to gather, learn, and share ideas.”

Mike Booth, admissions specialist

“I find the new spaces very inviting. I find myself making excuses to take detours through that side of the building just to take a look at how nice everything is. It's awesome to see the number of students taking advantage of this space. I'm excited for these numbers to increase.”

Paul Mickelson, Mathematics and Statistics faculty

“I have experienced many changes at USU-Tooele over the years. From attending university classes as a student at the Army Depot (because there wasn't a designated USU building) to years later becoming a professor and teaching students in the classrooms of Tooele's very own campus building.”