In the News

• The Herald Journal Friday, Jan. 02, 2026

  Al Smith Named Cache Valley Resident of the Year

  Utah State University has been an integral part of Logan City and Cache County since its founding in 1888, contributing to the local economy, culture and, of course, educational opportunities.

  According to a report from the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, USU was the largest employer in Cache County and the seventh largest employer statewide in 2023. That year, the university supported $1 billion in earnings, $1.4 billion in gross domestic product and $2.2 billion in total sales.

  Many Cache Valley residents attended USU or have had children attend. According to the institute’s report, more than half of USU graduates continue living and working in Utah after graduation.

• National Geographic Friday, Jan. 02, 2026

  Coyotes mate for life—and grieve when their partner dies

  The loss of a longtime companion is a pain many people—and coyotes—know all too well. 

  About a decade ago, scientists discovered that coyotes mate with just one partner in their lifetimes. But more recent research has turned to the sadder side of their lifelong love: the grief of widowhood.

  Scientists hope their inquiries can build compassion for these oft-misunderstood carnivores and perhaps guide the development of new mental health treatments for humans. 

  “We have this opportunity to really understand what happens during loss and how that might translate to improved outcomes for people who have extended grief,” says neuroscientist Sara Freeman, an associate professor of biology at Utah State University who is studying the changes that occur inside the brains of coyotes that have lost their mates. 

• The Herald Journal Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

  8 USU faculty members ranked in the top 2% of global researchers

  An analysis of Elsevier Research’s 2024 statistics revealed eight faculty members of Utah State University’s Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) ranked in the top 2% of global researchers within their respective field, as reported by Utah State Today.

  “The 2024 scholars were ranked among the top 100,000 researchers in the world, or with the top 2% of their sub-field,” Utah State Today reported. “The list is based on publicly available data that tracks how often researchers’ work is used and cited by other scholars worldwide.”

  Interim Dean of the CEHS Shawn Whiteman said the college is thrilled to celebrate the eight faculty members.

• The Herald Journal Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025

  Utah Legislature gives initial support for USU reinvestment plan

  After reviewing Utah State University’s revised strategic reinvestment plan Tuesday, the Utah Legislature’s Executive Appropriations Committee unanimously voted to release 30% of the university’s initial $12.6 million disinvestment.

  The committee requested that USU bring the plan to them a third time before receiving the remaining 70%.

  Committee members expressed support for the plan, including adjustments the university made since Brad L. Mortensen was appointed president. However, some committee members raised the issue of the ongoing legislative audit, which the committee initiated in August over concerns about former USU president Elizabeth Cantwell’s spending.

• ABC 4 News Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025

  USU researchers develop ear tag technology to deter livestock predators

  Researchers from Utah State University have developed a flashing, motion-activated livestock ear tag that is showing promise in deterring livestock predation, which then means that fewer predators would killed by humans.

  They’re called FlashTags, and they are motion-activated LED tags that can be worn by livestock. They are triggered by movement, and they light up in random patterns that help deter predators.

  Julie Young, an associate professor at Utah State University’s Department of Wildland Resources and director of the Berryman Institute of Wildlife Damage Management, explained that the tags are similar to what a cow or sheep is already wearing, and they are just another tool for livestock owners in deterring predators, who tend to avoid new things.

• The New York Times Tuesday, Dec. 09, 2025

  These Utah Beavers Are Moving

  The beaver who would one day be named June was simply doing what beavers do. But her dams, built around her lodge in Utah’s Bear River Mountains, ran afoul of a rancher. He said the flooding caused his sheep to get stuck in the mud.

  That landed the furry engineer in the unfortunate category of “nuisance beaver.” In most places around the country, she would have been killed. Instead, she was enlisted: strategically relocated and released in an effort to restore degraded streams elsewhere in the state.

• KSL Thursday, Dec. 04, 2025

  Aggie volleyball win in NCAA tourney for 1st time since 2001

  The drought is over.

  It's been an unforgettable season for Utah State's volleyball program and it will continue for at least another day.

  USU dominated the end of the first set and the entire second, and then regrouped in a decisive fifth set en route to an intense five-set victory (25-19, 25-15, 20-25, 18-25, 15-11) over seventh-seeded Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday in Tempe, Arizona. It was the program's first NCAA tourney win since 2001 — a year none of the current players were alive.

  Up next for the Aggies, who extended their memorable winning streak to 22, is a Thursday showdown against second-seeded Arizona State on Friday at 6 p.m. The Sun Devils, ranked eighth nationally in the latest AVCA Poll, advanced to the round of 32 with a sweep of Coppin State.

• The Herald Journal Wednesday, Dec. 03, 2025

  USU researchers develop feed to reduce livestock antibiotic use

  Utah State University research partners Cheng-Wei Chang and Jon Takemoto, in collaboration with Yuan-Yu Lin of National Taiwan University, are proposing a way to promote better gastrointestinal health in livestock, while reducing reliance on antibiotics, through a new product called “Aggie Feed.”

  According to Takemoto, professor emeritus in USU’s Department of Biology, antibiotic usage in livestock was introduced in the early 20th century to promote animal health.

  “Antibiotics ushered in revolutionary impacts not only on human health but also on food production as farmers and ranchers turned to the miracle drugs to increase livestock growth and survival,” Takemoto said.

• Forbes Tuesday, Dec. 02, 2025

  Making Parental Leave Policies Work For All

  A host of rigorous studies have found that parental leave is a critical, foundational benefit for families. Maternity leave enhances the health and well-being of both mothers and babies. It gives mothers time to heal both physically and emotionally and to bond with and care for their new babies. Paternity leave allows fathers to provide crucial support for mothers, which strengthens relationships; it also encourages better bonds with children. For infants, one researcher reported that maternity leave provided through the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has led to “small increases in birth weight, decreases in the likelihood of a premature birth, and substantial decreases in infant mortality for children of college-educated and married mothers, who were most able to take advantage of unpaid leave.”

• The Herald Journal Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025

  Newly-appointed President of USU announces next steps for reinvestment plan

  Utah State University’s newly-appointed President Brad L. Mortensen announced the next steps of USU’s strategic reinvestment planning process Monday, informing staff and faculty of an upcoming town hall.

  Slated for 1 p.m. on Dec. 8, Mortensen said the event will “walk through the updated proposal and share highlights from our recent university-wide survey.”

  Following Utah lawmakers deferment of USU’s previous plan, citing the desire for USU to name its next president, Mortensen said he will be working with executive leaders and deans to refine the plan, but any input from the Aggie family is valuable.

• Fox 13 News Friday, Nov. 14, 2025

  USU students becoming air traffic controllers

  LOGAN, Utah — The longest federal government shutdown in history exacerbated a challenge for the aviation industry: a shortage of air traffic controllers.

  While the Federal Aviation Administration allowed more flights to take off and land across the country after the shutdown ended earlier this week, the shortage of air traffic controllers remained an issue.

  In Spring 2024, Utah State University’s aviation program started the air traffic control minor to help teach students the basics of air traffic.

  The goal is to help teach pilots to communicate better and allow more people to pursue this as a career — to make flying safer overall

• ABC 4 News Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

  New Utah State University president talks about goals, moving forward

  LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) — A new president at Utah State University (USU) wants to support students and drive a culture of transparency and innovation.

  Brad L. Mortensen took office as the new president of USU on Monday morning. On his first day, he met with student athletes at the Cache Community Food Pantry to volunteer and help stock shelves. Afterwards, ABC4’s Sarah Murphy sat down with Mortensen to learn about what goals, ideas for change, and thoughts he has for his new role.

• The Herald Journal Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

  USU, local businesses donate 15 tons to Cache Community Food Pantry

  Widespread community support for the Cache Community Food Pantry continued to pour in Monday, as Utah State University and Alta Bank partnered with many local businesses to donate approximately 15 tons of food.

  The effort marks the end of USU and Alta Bank’s annual “Stuff the Truck” event, which began soliciting donations in October and garnered assistance from local business such as; Schreiber Foods, Gossner Foods, Lee’s Marketplace, Onions 52, Central Milling, Stokes Trucking, local farmers and others.

  While some donations were collected in the previous weeks, the biggest push came prior to the Aggies gridiron-matchup against the Nevada Wolf Pack Saturday. Those willing to donate any food items — with an emphasis on Thanksgiving staples — were offered discounted admission to the game.

• Cache Valley Daily Monday, Nov. 10, 2025

  USU, others, donate 30,000 pounds of food to Cache Community Pantry

  LOGAN — Utah State University and Alta Bank donated approximately 30,000 pounds of food to the Cache Community Food Pantry on Monday, marking the culmination of the annual "Stuff the Truck" drive.

  Newly named USU President Brad Mortensen spent a part of his first day on the job helping student-athletes unload two semi-trailers of donated food.

  “Sometimes the first day on the job is a little slow and you’re getting access to things,” said Mortensen. “So, there was a no better way to spend it by sorting potatoes with the Aggie Tennis Team.” 

• Cache Valley Daily Sunday, Nov. 09, 2025

  New USU program addresses air traffic control shortages

  LOGAN - As the government shutdown slows air traffic control systems, several colleges and universities have started FAA-approved training programs to teach the agency’s full curriculum.

  A year ago Utah State University launched an Air Traffic Control Minor, and in the ensuing months it has grown from 36 students to more than 160 today.

  A new Air Traffic Control Simulator, custom-designed for USU’s aviation program, has been added to supplement classroom work. It provides students the chance to experience realistic traffic scenarios, and to respond to changing weather conditions while practicing communication skills in real time.

• ABC 4 News Wednesday, Nov. 05, 2025

  USU Folklorist talks Utah folklore, belief, and local legends

  LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) — Utah is a place rife with folklore and local legends, and a USU folklorist sat down with us to talk about some of those legends and what belief means to society.

  Associate Professor of Folklore at Utah State University Lynne McNeill spoke with ABC4 about some of Utah’s most interesting pieces of folklore and what it’s like to study the paranormal.

  Utah State University is home to the Fife Folklore Archives, one of the largest folklore archives in the country, and McNeill said that it’s a great reason to come to Utah and study folklore. In addition to being a professor, McNeill has also appeared on multiple TV shows, including “Paranormal Caught on Camera” on Travel Channel and “The Unexplained History’s Greatest Mysteries” on History Channel.

• Fox 13 News Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025

  Utah State University names Brad Mortensen new president

  LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University alum Brad L. Mortensen was unanimously selected as the school's new president by the Utah Board of Higher Education.

  Mortensen has spent 21 years at Weber State University, serving the last 6 as president, and will begin his new duties early next month. He replaces Elizabeth Cantwell, who left the school earlier this year to become president of Washington State University after just 18 months in Logan.

  “I am excited to connect with Aggie Nation and collectively build a bright future for USU," said Mortensen in a statement. "From the three generations of my family who lived in Cache Valley before moving to Idaho to the five Aggie alumni in my immediate family, I am deeply committed to ensuring the impact of our university continues to rise.”

• The Herald Journal Monday, Oct. 27, 2025

  New USU course introduces students to realities of nursing as a career

  Utah State University recently created a new course designed to give students an inside look at nursing as a career and introduce them to a broader range of career opportunities in the health care field.

  Introduction to Nursing as a Career is a one-credit course offered by the Nursing Department within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.

  Although USU’s Logan campus offers hundreds of pre-nursing majors, acceptance into the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is very competitive. Despite doubling the program’s capacity in 2024, it is still limited to graduating 60 students each year.?

• The Herald Journal Monday, Oct. 27, 2025

  New USU course introduces students to realities of nursing as a career

  Utah State University recently created a new course designed to give students an inside look at nursing as a career and introduce them to a broader range of career opportunities in the health care field.

  Introduction to Nursing as a Career is a one-credit course offered by the Nursing Department within the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.

  Although USU’s Logan campus offers hundreds of pre-nursing majors, acceptance into the university’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is very competitive. Despite doubling the program’s capacity in 2024, it is still limited to graduating 60 students each year.

  The new course is meant to expose undergraduate students to the realities of nursing and introduce other career options in the health care field that may also fit their goals and skillsets.

• KSL Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025

  USU takes flight with advanced airline pilot training program

  LOGAN — Utah State University is soaring to new heights in aviation education, aiming to become a premier destination for training future airline pilots.

  With major upgrades to its aviation program, students now have access to cutting-edge technology that simulates flying a Boeing 737, offering a hands-on experience that was previously out of reach.

  For students like Sydney Steed, the thrill of flight is more than just a career goal.

  “There’s no other feeling in the world. The views are amazing,” Steed said. “I just absolutely fell in love with it. The adrenaline. It’s so fun. There’s always something new to learn.”

• Cache Valley Daily Monday, Oct. 20, 2025

  USU's report to state leaders underscores Utah's needs

  LOGAN - An annual report from Utah State University’s Janet Quinney Lawson Institute aimed at helping inform policymakers and other decision makers understand pressing issues related to land, water and air was released Thursday.

  The 2025 report to the Governor and Legislature distills current science and on-the-ground experience on Utah’s most pressing natural resource issues, with two special chapters on energy and Utah’s future.

  This year’s report, the fifth of its kind, includes, among other topics, new findings on Utah’s air quality, how state lands are recovering after wildfire, and a spotlight on water conservation efforts through the Great Salt Lake Basin. State legislators, community leaders and academic experts attended the report release to hear key findings and discuss strategies.

• KSL Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025

  USU launches program to treat domestic violence offenders

  LOGAN — A new initiative at Utah State University is taking a different approach to addressing domestic violence by focusing on those who commit it.

  The "Bridges to Change" program, developed by USU experts, aims to reduce intimate partner violence by working directly with offenders.

  "It's not just anger management," said Derrik Tollefson, social work professor at USU. "It's not that simple."

  The program begins with a comprehensive intake process using Utah's Intimate Partner Violence Risk and Needs Evaluation tool. Based on the results, participants are assigned individualized treatment plans that may include group or one-on-one sessions. Some sessions are offered virtually.

  "It's not a one-size-fits-all approach that we used to use a lot in Utah and other places around the country, but we're moving toward an approach that's more tailored to that person's individual risk and need score," Tollefson said.

• Cache Valley Daily Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025

  USU aviation students learning with new simulator technology

  LOGAN - New state-of-the-art flight and air traffic control simulators for the Utah State University aviation technology program will provide students with hands-on learning experience, aiming for safer pilots and safer skies.

  The two 737 jet simulators feature a 220-degree wraparound screen and function like a real aircraft, allowing students to practice various flight scenarios in a safe environment.

  An air traffic control simulator across the hall immerses students in real-world conditions with moving aircraft visuals and realistic radio chatter, helping them understand the other side of flight operations.

• The Herald Journal Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

  USU reports 3.2% increase in fall enrollment

  As reported Monday by Utah State Today, many of Utah State University’s enrollment statistics rose this year, which reflects its “commitment to access and opportunity,” according to USU Interim President Alan Smith.

  With a statewide-headcount totaling 29,831 for USU’s fall semester, the university saw a 3.2% increase over last year.

  “As a loans-grant institution, we take pride in opening doors for students from every corner of our state and online, ensuring that higher education remains a powerful force for improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities,” Smith added.

  Open doors it did — resulting in a 3.6% increase to undergraduate enrollment, a 22% increase to statewide concurrent enrollment students, a 2% rise in enrollment at the main campus in Logan and a 3% bump in full-time student enrollment.