Just over a century ago Cache Valley settlers had a dream--a lofty dream of bringing education to the rural masses, an almost unheard of idea at the time. With high hopes and scarce resources patched together from pioneer thrift, the Agricultural College of Utah opened its doors in 1888 to a handful of students.

The "AC" was created through the Morrill Act of 1862, which sought to provide a democratic education nationwide, to be Utah's land-grant institution, a charter that has led to groundbreaking research and global dissemination of those findings.

Today, Utah State University welcomes more than 23,000 students each year to its main campus in Logan and to time-enhanced learning centers throughout the state. Since 1989, nearly 4,500 students have received degrees through the University's distance education component. Whereas students could choose from five majors or career options in 1888, today's students select from more than 200 options offered in seven colleges: Agriculture, Business, Education and Human Services, Engineering, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, Natural Resources, and Science.

About 80 percent of our students are living away from home on this residential campus and in nearby private housing. They are treated to abundant sport and recreation opportunities on campus and near campus.

Utah State is more than an institution, more than a collection of buildings and projects and class schedules. Our university is a community of creative minds engaged in the highest human endeavors, transforming the world with our vision. After more than 100 years, we are still creating the future.