Utah State University has launched the USU Center for Rural Economic Development & Emerging Technologies, a new initiative aimed at fostering economic resilience and technological advancement in rural areas across the state. The center will act as a central hub for coordinating statewide programs focused on workforce development, economic diversification, and digital transformation in underserved regions. n nPaul Hill, a USU Extension Professor, has been appointed associate vice president for economic development and will serve as the executive director of the center. His leadership will guide efforts to integrate existing initiatives such as the Rural Online Initiative and the E-Commerce Accelerator into a unified strategy designed to maximize outreach and effectiveness. n nThe center will tackle persistent challenges in rural Utah, including limited job prospects, lack of high-speed internet access, and insufficient training opportunities aligned with modern industry demands. By promoting digital literacy, expanding broadband adoption, and supporting local entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to create sustainable pathways for economic growth. n nKen White, senior vice president for the USU Statewide Enterprise, emphasized the university’s commitment to inclusive development, stating that the new center represents a significant advancement in fulfilling USU’s land-grant mission to support communities regardless of location. He praised Hill’s track record in designing responsive, innovative programs. n nHill expressed enthusiasm about leading the effort, noting that the team is already working to equip rural residents with the tools needed to thrive in a digital economy. The center was established following approval by the USU Board of Trustees, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to equity, access, and opportunity across Utah. n
— News Original —nUtah State University recently established a new center to support economic growth and technological innovation in rural communities statewide. n nThe 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. n nUSU Extension Professor Paul Hill has been named associate vice president for economic development and will lead the new center as its executive director. n nThe 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. n n“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.” n nThe 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. n n“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.” n nThe creation of the center follows the USU Board of Trustees’ approval and builds on USU’s commitment to excellence, access and opportunity throughout Utah.