The Utah State Board of Regents approved an administrative restructuring that creates the School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education within the College of Agriculture at Utah State University.
Effective July 1, the School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education replaces the current USU Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Department and encompasses two units at Utah State University-College of Eastern Utah. Those include the divisions of Professional and Technical Education Division and the Workforce Education Division. The new school’s acronym, ASTE, remains the same.
Bruce Miller, ASTE department head and career and technical education director for USU, was additionally named assistant dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education.
The combination of knowledge, skills and abilities within the new school allows USU to offer cohesive and coordinated programs that will prepare students for higher paying, high-demand jobs in career and technical fields while also providing related undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities, including the training and licensure of teachers for career and technical programs, Miller said.
“The new administrative structure, linking the Professional and Technical Education and Workforce Education divisions at USU Eastern to an academic unit on USU’s Logan campus, provides diverse opportunities for our students ranging from certificate programs to doctoral degrees,” Miller said. “The School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education will create a value-added experience for all students enrolled in our programs.”
The ASTE Department on the Logan USU campus offers undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees in agricultural education and family and consumer sciences education, which prepare students for licensure in secondary education, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in agricultural communication and journalism and agricultural systems technology.
The department also provides career training for agricultural machinery students at the Associate of Applied Science and certificate levels. At the graduate level, the department offers a Master of Science degree and an interdisciplinary doctoral degree in education with a specialization in curriculum and instruction, which is offered through the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services.
The Division of Professional and Technical Education as USU Eastern in Price and Blanding provides a comprehensive set of programs that offer Associate of Science degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees and certificates.
Workforce Education at USU Eastern offers noncredit programs through local agencies, businesses and industries with short- and long-term certificate training. It provides the Price community with the resources needed to meet targeted workforce needs.
“The formation of the School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education will provide programs like those offered by workforce education, the ability to grow, expand and serve additional student needs,” said Miles Nelson, associate vice chancellor for Workforce Education at USU Eastern.
The School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education will advance interdisciplinary applied sciences, technology and education external funding proposals and research through science, technology, engineering and math initiatives, and career and technical education funding opportunities.
The creation of the School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education provides additional delivery methods and interactive centers for career and technical education and allied education programs originating from all USU campus locations, including online and blended distance-delivery options.
Noelle Cockett, dean of the College of Agriculture, said the School of Applied Sciences, Technology and Education provides an educational connection to students throughout Utah who want to access certificate and degree-training opportunities.
“This is an exciting addition to the College of Agriculture, allowing us to expand educational opportunities offered through USU,” Cockett said.
For more information contact Miller at 435-797-2232 or visit aste.usu.edu.