Utah State University has launched the Center for Rural Economic Development & Emerging Technologies, a new initiative aimed at advancing economic resilience and technological integration in rural areas across the state. This centralized hub will coordinate efforts to expand workforce training, foster entrepreneurship, and improve digital infrastructure in underserved regions. Under the leadership of Paul Hill, who serves as associate vice president for economic development and executive director of the center, the program will consolidate existing projects like the Rural Online Initiative and the E-Commerce Accelerator into a unified strategy.
The center responds to persistent challenges in rural Utah, such as job scarcity, limited internet connectivity, and misalignment between available skills and labor market demands. Its mission centers on delivering research-based education, enhancing digital access, and supporting local innovators to stimulate long-term economic vitality. By aligning training programs with high-growth industries, the initiative seeks to create sustainable pathways for residents in remote communities.
Ken White, senior vice president for USU Statewide Enterprise, emphasized the university’s commitment to equitable opportunity, stating that the center represents a significant advancement in fulfilling its land-grant purpose. Hill expressed enthusiasm about leading a team dedicated to empowering rural populations through practical solutions tailored to modern economic realities. The establishment of the center follows formal approval by the USU Board of Trustees, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to inclusive development.
— news from Utah State University
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USU Launches New Center to Drive Rural Economic Growth
Utah State University recently established a new center to support economic growth and technological innovation in rural communities statewide.
The USU Center for Rural Economic Development & Emerging Technologies is designed to serve as the hub for USU’s statewide efforts to strengthen workforce development, diversify rural economies and drive technological innovation across Utah’s rural communities.
USU Extension Professor Paul Hill has been named associate vice president for economic development and will lead the new center as its executive director.
The center will address the unique challenges facing rural Utah, including limited economic opportunities, unemployment, insufficient broadband access and gaps in workforce development. It will also unite USU’s signature initiatives, including the Rural Online Initiative and the E-Commerce Accelerator, into a single strategic platform to maximize impact for rural communities statewide.
“USU’s land-grant mission is to empower individuals, families and communities, no matter where they live,” said Ken White, senior vice president for the USU Statewide Enterprise. “The creation of this new center under Paul Hill’s leadership is a major step forward for our state and university. Paul has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build innovative programs that meet real needs. With his vision, we are poised to deliver workforce training, digital access, and entrepreneurial support to communities that need it most.”
The center’s mission is to empower rural communities through research-driven education, workforce innovation and entrepreneurial support for sustainable economic growth and broad access to emerging technologies. It will focus on increasing digital literacy and broadband adoption, supporting rural entrepreneurs, aligning workforce training with high-demand industries and expanding opportunities for rural residents.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to lead the Center for Rural Economic Development & Emerging Technologies,” Hill said. “Our amazing team is dedicated and already working to create pathways for rural Utahns to succeed in the digital economy now and in the future.”
The creation of the center follows the USU Board of Trustees’ approval and builds on USU’s commitment to excellence, access and opportunity throughout Utah.