About the School

The purpose of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business is to be a career accelerator for our students and an engine of growth for our communities, the state, the nation and the world. Our education is focused around our four pillars:

With ten undergraduate degrees and six graduate degrees, Huntsman students have a variety of educational options within the field of business to study. The global vision of Huntsman students is expanded through the Study Abroad program which sends students 20 countries, annually. The Huntsman School also sees its students intern in more than 15 countries every year.

Whether you’re an undergraduate who would like to learn how to start your own business or an executive who would like to expand your global connections while obtaining your graduate degree, there’s a place for you in the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.

Quick Facts

percent of Huntsman students speak a language besides English
 

different languages spoken by Huntsman students
 

percent of Huntsman students have lived outside of their home country for at least six months
 

percent of Huntsman students work 10+ hours a week while attending school
 

percent of graduating Huntsman students plan on starting a business within the next 10 years
 

percent of huntsman students provide volunteer service each week

Huntsman School History

During the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Morrill Land-Grant Colleges Act, providing funding for the establishment of a new college in each state and territory. These schools were to promote higher education and practical learning to people of all classes and walks of life, especially rural life. In 1888, the Agricultural College of Utah was founded as the state's land-grant institution. It became Utah State University in 1957. To see Utah State University’s history, click here.

In 1889, the Agricultural College of Utah established its commercial department which saw its first graduates in 1894. It was name the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business in 2007 after a generous gift was made to the business school from the Huntsman Foundation.
 

 
  • 1888: USU is founded as the Agricultural College of Utah (UAC) on March 8. Two years later, 14-year-old Miss Vendla Berntson enrolls as the Agricultural College of Utah's first student.
  • 1894: The first eight students receive business degrees, making USU home to the oldest continuously operating business school in the West.
  • 1914: As part of the school's land-grant mission, the Utah Cooperative Extension Service is founded, bringing research-based knowledge to people, especially farmers, around the state.
  • 1918: The school becomes known as the School of Commerce and Business Administration.
  • 1952: The Management Institute is established under the direction of Professor C.D. McBride.
    1957: Utah State Agricultural College becomes Utah State University. The School of Commerce and Business Administration becomes the College of Business and Social Sciences.
  • 1961: Led by future Hall of Famer and Huntsman School grad Merlin Olsen, the Utah State Aggie football team finishes at #10 in the nation, its highest year-end ranking.
  • 1967: Building plans for a new business building were approved by the USU Board of Trustees.
  • 1970: The George S. Eccles Business Building is dedicated on May 8.
  • 1975: The university initiates its Undergraduate Research Program, making it the second oldest program in the nation, behind MIT.
  • 1985: USU Research and Technology Park is founded north of campus. It will later be renamed Innovation Campus and will support the research of private companies engaged in projects with student researchers and faculty.
  • 2003: USU initiates its first capital campaign for $400 million. In a short period of time, the university receives the three largest private gifts in its history including the gift to the Huntsman School from the Huntsman Foundation.
  • 2007: The College of Business became the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business after receiving a generous donation from the Huntsman Foundation.
  • 2011: Governor Gary Herbert signs a bill authorizing the construction of a new business building to house the growing Huntsman School.

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