Utah college where Charlie Kirk was killed is a lesser-known school but the state's largest
Share this @internewscast.com

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Utah college where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday is Utah’s largest public university, largely due to rapid enrollment growth over recent years, yet it remains less renowned than other institutions in the state.

Founded in 1941 under a different name, Utah Valley University began as a vocational school focused on war production training. It didn’t start offering four-year degrees until the 1990s—a change that led to a fivefold increase in student numbers over three decades. The university now enrolls nearly 47,000 students, according to its website.

Almost 90% of the students at the Orem-based university are from Utah, and 18% are 25 years or older. Popular majors include business and psychology.

The university’s campus is positioned conveniently off a major highway, approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, home to the state’s flagship University of Utah.

It is also located only a few miles from Brigham Young University, which is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church.

Utah is among 14 states that permit some form of concealed carry of firearms on public university campuses. FBI Director Kash Patel initially stated via social media that a “subject” had been detained but later clarified that the person was released following questioning.

A person of interest in Wednesday’s shooting was in custody, officials said, but no information has been released about whether that person was legally carrying a weapon.

The Utah Valley University Wolverines have several athletic teams, including men’s and women’s basketball teams that play in the Western Athletic Conference.

___

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Texas Tech tells faculty to revise instruction, recognize only 2 sexes in classrooms

Texas Tech Instructs Faculty to Focus on Binary Gender Approach in Classrooms

Texas Tech University System’s Chancellor, Tedd L. Mitchell, has instructed university leaders…
Trump says he's declassifying and releasing all records on Amelia Earhart

Trump Announces Declassification and Release of All Amelia Earhart Records

Earhart’s plane vanished during her attempt to fly around the world in…
Trump's comments on autism evoke anger and hope among autistic people and their families

Reactions to Trump’s Remarks on Autism: Anger and Hope Within the Autistic Community and Their Families

An Indiana mother with an autistic son has expressed concern over President…
Ex-Soros Fund manager indicted, accused of abusing women in Manhattan ‘sex dungeon’

Former Soros Fund Manager Indicted on Charges of Abuse in Manhattan ‘Sex Dungeon’

A former portfolio manager from the Soros Fund Management has been charged…
Officials place Des Moines schools leader on leave after his arrest by immigration agents

Des Moines School Superintendent Suspended Following Arrest by Immigration Authorities

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A day after federal immigration agents apprehended…
Florida sets execution date for man who killed neighbor in 1998

Florida Schedules Execution for Man Convicted of 1998 Neighbor Killing

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has scheduled an…
Russia's Sergey Lavrov warns NATO countries in UNGA speech after Trump shifts tone on Ukraine

During a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Russia’s Sergey Lavrov cautions NATO nations amidst changing rhetoric from Trump regarding Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov utilized his speech at the United Nations…
Sara Jane Moore death: Woman who tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford in San Francisco, California in 1975 dies at 95

Sara Jane Moore, Who Attempted to Assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975, Passes Away at 95

Sara Jane Moore, who spent over three decades in prison for attempting…
North Carolina authorities searching for suspect who fired gunshots from boat toward restaurant, killing 3

North Carolina Police Hunt for Suspect in Fatal Boat-to-Restaurant Shooting

Authorities in North Carolina are currently conducting a manhunt following a tragic…
Ex-FBI agent turned UVU professor breaks down the evidence trail Tyler Robinson left for detectives

Former FBI Agent and Current UVU Professor Analyzes Clues Left by Tyler Robinson for Investigators

A man suspected of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at…
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco married in private wedding ceremony, couple announces on social media

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Tie the Knot in Secret Wedding, Share News on Social Media

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have tied the knot. The renowned couple,…

Tragic Waterfront Bar Shooting in North Carolina Leaves 3 Dead and 8 Injured

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) — Authorities reported that three individuals were killed and…