Weber State University is inviting ongoing collaboration with regional business and nonprofit leaders to shape learning through the Northern Utah Employer Exchange. Now in its second year, the event allows faculty and administration to connect with industry leaders to strengthen the relationship between higher education and employers.
The exchange, held in WSU’s Shepherd Union Building, features sessions and panels where local leaders from sectors such as manufacturing, banking, aerospace, healthcare, automotive, government, and defense collaborate to tackle issues affecting growth and advancement. A central focus of the recent event was improving employees' durable skills, such as critical thinking, creative problem solving, and initiative, which complement emerging technologies like AI.
Industry feedback informs WSU curriculum to help prepare graduates and build a pool of qualified candidates for employers. To support these efforts, Weber State is using findings from the forum to launch various initiatives. This includes the launch of "A Seat at the Table," a series of small breakout sessions where the university meets with industry partners to address specific needs.
The event's content is steered by an Innovation Committee composed of local industry representatives. Hannah Pierce, a member of the committee and human resource director at Young Automotive Group, stated that the university's efforts to listen to industry show a commitment to its students.
Denise Call, business development manager in Weber State’s Division of Online & Continuing Education, noted that the success of northern Utah organizations leads to stronger communities and partners. Holly Suisse, also a business development manager in the same division, added that the university's mission has evolved from listening to industry to responding to it.
Weber State plans to pilot a professional skills lab in 2027, which will serve as a space to assess and verify the workforce skills required by industry leaders. Additionally, the public can sign up for courses created by WSU in partnership with the Ogden-Weber Chamber of Commerce to develop skills requested by NUEX participants.
Shane Farver, director of special projects, marketing, and communication at WSU’s Division of Online and Continuing Education, said that building relationships with local industries is an effective way to meet the needs of the industry and ensure student success as part of the university's community mission.
