New Facility Aligns Students with Modern Business Practices
Stronger finances, faculty, facilities and students; for Dean Douglas D. Anderson all these had to be realized in order to create a world-class business school at Utah State University in Logan, Utah.
With a strategy to “Get Better Fast” the dean had to call on all available resources to make that happen. He worked by a set of strong guiding principles: Instead of mediocrity – a commitment to excellence. Instead of complacency – a relentless desire to get better. Instead of futility – a sense of confidence that greatness is possible. Instead of an attitude of “What’s in it for me” – an attitude of “How can I contribute and serve?”
In order to make these changes a reality, the school needed more funding. The student body of the business school was quick to step up. A vote to approve differential tuition meant students were willing to pay more for higher quality education. This model proved effective, bringing in crucial funding and an influx of top-notch students. Though no student tuition was used in building facilities, it generated significant momentum for the overall business program.
In addition to tuition, the business school secured a $25 million donation from Jon M. Huntsman Sr. to support faculty, salaries and scholarships. With an additional $15 million grant from the state of Utah and $35 million from other sources, the beautiful, state-of-the-art, Huntsman Hall was built.
Huntsman Hall’s 125,000-square-foot building reflects the changing nature of business today. Students are scheduling their own meeting rooms, teaming up in airy, open lounges, connecting easily to technology and meeting with local business leaders in spaces designed to support community.
The new building creates an atmosphere of openness, teamwork and collaboration that reflects the business school’s quality brand. Huntsman Hall offers 28 classrooms, 24 study rooms and a meeting room with a banquet capacity of 200, which enables the school to host conferences and major events.
The central, south-facing collaboration zone features a 315-foot-long window wall, providing expansive mountain views of Cache Valley. Natural light and full-service amenities allow students in this snowy mountain town to enjoy nature while staying comfortable throughout the cold winter months.
According to Anderson, the building has generated the incredible momentum they had imagined. Enrollment is up; faculty and students are energized; business leaders are showing up to share valuable experience, and donations continue to grow. A quote from Theodor Roosevelt, boldly displayed on the hallway of the building, stands as proof of the school’s challenge to always, “Dare Mighty Things.” And indeed, the Utah State University Jon M. Huntsman School of Business has done just that.
