The University of Utah (also referred to as the U of U, UUtah, or simply The U) is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1850 as the state’s flagship university, it currently serves over 32,000 students from across the United States and the world. The university is classified among “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity.” It is home to both the largest medical school and hospital in the Intermountain West region.
The University of Utah was founded in 1850 by Brigham Young, then president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Young sought to establish a higher education institution that would be accessible to all Mormons living in the western United States, particularly those in his own state of Utah Territory. In April 1892, John A. Widtsoe became the third president of the university and led it towards greater emphasis on academic excellence rather than religious indoctrination. Under his leadership, enrollment at the university increased from just over 1,000 students in 1892 to nearly 5,000 by 1900.
In its early years, however, most classes at the University Of Uta