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LOGAN — Utah State University, Brigham City Corporation, and Hi Tech Solutions, LLC, have officially agreed to a memorandum of understanding to evaluate, plan, and advance a collaborative Technical Training, Certification, and Research & Development Campus.The proposed campus will serve as a premier regional hub dedicated to world-class education, workforce training, and innovation in the advanced nuclear energy, national defense, and nuclear technology sectors. By aligning academic rigor with industry demand, the initiative aims to boost the local economy, strengthen national energy resilience, and secure high-quality career pathways for students and skilled tradespeople."This partnership reflects Utah State’s land-grant mission and our responsibility to help meet the evolving needs of our state,” said USU President Brad Mortensen. “Working alongside Brigham City and Hi Tech Solutions, we have an opportunity to explore new approaches to technical training and research that prepare students for high-demand careers, support economic growth, and strengthen Utah’s leadership in energy and national defense."A Regional Hub for Innovation and Economic GrowthThe nuclear energy and defense supply chains are rapidly expanding, driving an urgent regional and national demand for specialized talent. The envisioned campus will address this gap by offering a centralized environment for:Professional certification and technical trades: Equipping workers with advanced skills tailored to nuclear operations, quality assurance, and advanced manufacturing.Applied research and testing: Providing industry-sponsored simulation laboratories, equipment testing, and validation opportunities.Public-private synergy: Utilizing underutilized university-owned property through a strategic public-private partnership structure to foster long-term infrastructure sustainability.Dedicated Pathways for Military VeteransA core pillar of the newly signed agreement is a dedicated focus on support for military veterans and transitioning service members. The campus will actively design credentialing, apprenticeship, and workforce transition programs that leverage veterans' technical military experience. This targeted pathway will rapidly prepare them for high-stakes careers in nuclear engineering support, plant operations, maintenance, and safety critical to national security.Shared Roles and Next StepsUnder the framework of the MOU, the three entities will divide operational and planning responsibilities to ensure the project's long-term viability. USU will provide academic leadership, curriculum development, faculty expertise, research capabilities, and administration of credentialing and degree programs, while also providing a long-term ground lease of the designated property. Brigham City Corporation will support site master planning, infrastructure coordination, regional economic development initiatives, and local permitting processes. Hi Tech Solutions will serve as the master developer responsible for financing, developing, and coordinating sub-development, alongside providing industry expertise, equipment, technology resources, and internship or employment pathways.Utah State University is Utah’s land-grant and space-grant university with a mission of learning, discovery, and engagement. With 30 education locations and 38 Extension sites throughout the state, USU provides access to higher education for Utahns wherever they live, research and expertise on critical issues affecting the state, and outreach to improve Utah communities and families in all 29 counties. As a Carnegie R1 research institution, USU is home to over 50 world-class research facilities and boasts the second-oldest undergraduate research program in the nation.
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Technology 213stories
Energy 110stories
Partnerships 74stories
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