Approximately 27 years ago, a delegation from the Uintah Basin approached members of the Utah State Legislature concerning the possibility of providing better opportunities and easier access to higher education facilities for residents in the Uintah Basin. One major concern of these residents was that only 25% of the area high school graduates were going on to college as compared to 80% of high school graduates from areas along the Wasatch Front.

With a lot of effort from many dedicated people, the Governor's office established the Uintah Basin Continuing Education Center in 1967 and asked Utah State University to provide higher education classes through its extension services.

The Uintah Basin Continuing Education Center started out with a one-room office and used classrooms from the local high school to teach evening classes. The first classes taught concentrated on courses that filled general education requirements. Efforts were also made to provide classes leading to recertification for public school teachers.

During the evolution of the Center, efforts have been directed toward not only offering classes that fill general education requirements, but to offer classes that lead to complete associate, baccalaureate, and master's degrees. Currently the Center offers three associate, 16 baccalaureate, and seven master's degree programs.

Permanent buildings have been acquired with community assistance in Roosevelt and Vernal through grants from the State Impact Board and through private donations. The facilities in Roosevelt include a 25,000 sq. ft. classroom building and a 7,500 sq. ft. administration building. In Vernal, a 40,000 sq. ft. building is now owned by the University. Efforts have been expended to provide and equip science and computer laboratories in both locations.

In the Spring of 1994, Utah State University's Board of Trustees voted to change the title of the Uintah Basin Education Center to the Uintah Basin Branch Campus. This change in title reflects an expanded role and mission. The Uintah Basin Branch Campus has experienced substantial growth over the past ten years. The Uintah Basin Branch Campus enjoyed a 12% increase in enrollments Fall quarter, 1994, as compared to Fall quarter, 1993. Over 1,100 students were enrolled at the Uintah Basin Branch Campus Fall quarter, 1994.

Guy Denton, Region Department Head
Email: guyd@ext.usu.edu

Roosevelt Offices
987 East Lagoon 124-9
Roosevelt, UT 84066

Phone: (435)722-2294