SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s largest public university, where conservative activist Charlie Kirk was tragically shot on Wednesday, has seen significant growth in enrollment in recent years, yet remains less recognized compared to other universities in the state.

Originally established in 1941 under a different name, Utah Valley University began as a vocational school aimed at providing training for war production. The institution started offering four-year degrees in the 1990s, resulting in a fivefold increase in student enrollment over thirty years. Today, it boasts nearly 47,000 students, as noted on its official website.

At the Orem-based school, nearly 90% of students hail from Utah, and about 18% are 25 years old or older. Popular fields of study include business and psychology.

Positioned just off a major freeway, Utah Valley University’s campus lies approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) south of Salt Lake City, where the esteemed University of Utah is situated.

In addition, Utah Valley is only a few miles distant from Brigham Young University, a campus owned by 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 college and university grounds. A person related to Wednesday’s shooting was taken into custody, although officials have not disclosed whether the individual legally possessed a firearm.

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