SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY
Reaching Beyond Barriers
The commitment to use knowledge and research to benefit others runs deep at the U. In addition to the service provided on an individual level by our students, staff, caregivers, and faculty, the university also collaborates closely with local partners to strengthen and enrich the region. From providing mobile dental care in rural areas to offering thousands of Continuing Education classes to people throughout the state, we care for our communities in innovative ways.
We seek opportunities to share our expertise widely, supporting critical services like the Utah Poison Control Center and SafeUT crisis intervention app, both of which facilitate hundreds of lifesaving interventions each year.
The initiatives in the service pillar are overseen by the president’s office, underscoring our deep commitment to service, innovation, and impact. As we foster a culture of care that strengthens well-being and resilience throughout Utah, we envision a thriving community where every individual feels supported and all can flourish.
GOALS
- Pioneer new models of delivering societal impact, improving the lives of all 3.5 million Utahns
- Achieve unsurpassed societal impact, becoming a top 10 public institution for contributions to our community
HOW WE’LL MEASURE SUCCESS
- Finalization and execution of the West Valley plan, which will include health, education, and economic impact initiatives
- Increased impact on patients and families served by university mental health programs
- Implementation of mental health-friendly policies
- Availability of research expertise (number of engaged faculty, trainees, and visitors) and advanced cyberinfrastructure (computers, storage, and services) to support societally relevant, responsible AI research and innovation
- Engagement of community partners in responsible AI research and innovation (number of participants across domains and sectors and number of community projects initiated)
HOW WE’RE MOVING FORWARD
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The University of Utah’s West Valley initiative is a cross-campus effort to address health care and other disparities in West Valley City, Utah’s second-largest city. West Valley residents face significant barriers, including limited access to quality health care, fewer economic opportunities, and a life expectancy nearly a decade shorter than residents in neighboring areas.
To address these disparities, the university will establish a world-class medical campus designed to provide culturally responsive care. In addition to the medical campus, the university will create opportunities for learning, employment, and community wealth building. By working closely with residents, leaders, and organizations, the university will ensure the project reflects the diverse values and priorities of West Valley and surrounding communities.
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The University of Utah is dedicated to addressing the nation’s mental health crisis, led by our faculty and staff at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI), a groundbreaking organization that integrates mental health research, education, and exceptional patient care.
In 2025, HMHI will open a new receiving center in South Salt Lake, which will divert patients from emergency rooms to an environment focused on immediate support and stabilization. This approach underscores HMHI’s commitment to reducing the burden on traditional health care systems while offering compassionate, targeted care for vulnerable populations. In 2026, HMHI will also launch the Translational Research Building. Designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, this facility will drive groundbreaking discoveries and solutions, further establishing the University of Utah as a leader in care, research, and in the national dialogue around mental health.
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The One-U Responsible Artificial Intelligence (One-U RAI) initiative is a $100 million endeavor aimed at safely harnessing AI to tackle the most pressing concerns of our time. This initiative will attract top talent and foster expertise, solidifying the university’s position as a regional and national research leader. Through strategic partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions, the university will build an accessible cyberinfrastructure, create a transdisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem, establish guidelines for responsible AI usage, and develop innovative solutions tailored to regional needs.