Introduction to Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University (UVU) is a public university located in Orem, Utah, United States. UVU was founded in 1941 as the Central Utah Vocational School. It is the largest public university in the state of Utah, with an enrollment of over 37,000 students. UVU offers more than 200 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates.
Athletics at Utah Valley University
UVU is a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), which is a Division I conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). UVU offers 14 varsity sports, including men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field. The athletics program is dedicated to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
History of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC)
The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) was founded in 1962 as the Western Athletic Association (WAA). The conference has had various memberships over the years, including the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. Currently, the WAC consists of ten members, including:
- California State University, Bakersfield
- California State University, Sacramento
- Chicago State University
- Grand Canyon University
- New Mexico State University
- Seattle University
- Texas-Rio Grande Valley
- University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Utah Valley University
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Benefits of the Western Athletic Conference
The WAC offers many benefits to its member institutions, including:
- Access to NCAA Division I athletics
- Increased exposure to potential recruits
- Competition with other NCAA Division I schools
- A unified voice in NCAA matters
- Increased opportunities for scholarships
Membership Requirements for the Western Athletic Conference
In order to be a member of the WAC, a school must meet a number of criteria, including:
- Enrollment of at least 5,000 students
- Demonstrated commitment to Division I athletics
- Demonstrated commitment to academic integrity
- Athletic facilities that meet NCAA standards
- An established, successful athletics program
Utah Valley University’s Commitment to the Western Athletic Conference
UVU is committed to the WAC and has made a number of significant contributions to the conference. This includes:
- Hosting the WAC Basketball Tournament in 2017
- Producing two WAC Player of the Year award winners
- Winning the WAC Baseball Championship in 2013 and 2014
- Winning the WAC Women’s Soccer Championship in 2012 and 2013
Utah Valley University’s Success in the Western Athletic Conference
UVU has had considerable success since joining the WAC in 2013. This includes:
- Winning the WAC Men’s Basketball Championship in 2014
- Winning the WAC Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017
- Winning the WAC Women’s Soccer Championship in 2012 and 2013
- Winning the WAC Baseball Championship in 2013 and 2014
Utah Valley University’s Commitment to Academic Excellence
UVU is committed to providing a quality education to its students. This includes:
- Over 200 degree and certificate programs
- Award-winning faculty and staff
- State-of-the-art classrooms and labs
- Nationally recognized student support services
- Innovative technology and learning tools
Conclusion
In conclusion, Utah Valley University is a member of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC), which is a Division I conference in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). UVU has had considerable success in the WAC, including winning the WAC Men’s Basketball Championship in 2014 and the WAC Women’s Basketball Championship in 2017. UVU is also committed to providing quality education to its students through its vast array of degree and certificate programs.