Utah Tech University welcomes Dr. Michelle Sabick as provost. Becoming a provost is not something easy to achieve, but Sabick proves that she has the experience to back herself up.
Even though Sabick is new to the area she has more than 25 years of experience in the academic department. Her new title as provost was not easy to achieve, because a provost oversees all of the college departments. Ensuring that all academic departments get the attention they need.
Overall Sabick estimates that she oversees three-fourths of the whole university. She said “I can never do everything I have to have a great team of people and trust them to do all the things…occasionally I get to sit for a few hours, but then I have to step back,” Sabick.
Before coming to Utah Tech Dr. Sabick was at the University of Denver where she was the dean of engineering computer science. Sabick mentioned one of the biggest differences between her old school and Utah Tech was the cost of attendance.
“And because it’s private, it’s relatively expensive and somewhat exclusive, whereas Utah Tech has open access, it might not feel inexpensive to those of you paying tuition but it is compared to other schools it is,” Sabick. With Utah Tech being open access it has changed how people can come and experience college.
Dr. Sabick has been here for less than two full months. She is already getting ready for the future. “Already some things are becoming clear where we have some opportunities,” Sabick. While change is crucial for growth to happen “it’s not like we need to reinvent the wheel,” Sabick. Utah Tech is a wonderful university as it is, but there are ways to make it even better. One of the ways Sabick wants to do that is to “define what polytechnic means, and then how do we make sure we’re actually delivering it,” Sabick.
In short, a polytechnic university is somewhere where you don’t just read from a textbook, but a place where you can get real hands-on learning that helps prepare you for the future.
Dr. Sabick loves this and wants to expand it even more. “I think the thing is that I hear a lot of people think polytechnic is interesting and sort of want to know more, and they’re not exactly clear what that means,” Sabick. While she is an engineer and while her stuff “aligned with sort of stem disciplines…but it isn’t just stem disciplines.” This is what makes it so meaningful to come to a polytechnic college. It does not matter what you are trying to achieve, you can still grow and get experience, while you are learning.
From my short time with Sabick I saw just how much she cares about Utah Tech and the students here. She said “if you come here and you’re willing to work hard and learn, we’re going to help you do that…We’re glad you’re here to keep up the good work,” Sabick. While college can be scary you can be certain that the new provost has good intentions, and is ready to work not just with you, but for you.
