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Evolving students into artistic powerhouses
Set against the backdrop of five US national parks and Grand Canyon, Utah Tech University’s location is an endless source of inspiration. It fuels artistic expression and adventure and is a natural extension of the university’s commitment to active learning and active life.
In the College of the Arts, faculty members are no mere sages behind a lecture podium. They are mentors, guiding students through hands-on projects that mirror real-world challenges. This immersive approach not only enhances their learning but also prepares them to excel in their chosen field — regardless of whether their passion lies in art, dance, digital film, music, or theater.
Indeed, there’s something here for all artistic aspirations, but perhaps the best part of all is that Utah Tech makes its world-class education accessible. As Utah’s most affordable public university, it offers low tuition. Plus, first-time incoming freshmen and transfer students can benefit from generous academic scholarships. Read on to uncover just how else the college creates an unparalleled environment for growth and creativity.
Evolving students into artistic powerhouses
Reflecting on her first year, the psychology major is pleased with her progress. "I have learned so much, met amazing professors, and gotten better grades than I ever had in high school," she says. Facing challenges in math and essay writing during her first year, Riccio used the university’s math tutoring center and writing center — both of which provided crucial support.
One of her favorite experiences as a dance minor was participating in the fall student dance concert, where her choreographed duet was accepted for performance. Riccio was the only freshman to submit a piece and the experience of managing costuming, lighting, and tech-ing was invaluable.
In her junior year of high school, Journie Riccio attended "Blazer Blast," an overnight event for interested students. There, she performed a solo piece she had choreographed, impressing Dean Jeff Jarvis, who encouraged her to contact Sara Gallo, Utah Tech’s dance department chair.
"I left that day feeling super excited, and I knew in my heart that this arts program was meant for me," Riccio recalls. She auditioned, received a dance scholarship, and has been thriving at Utah Tech ever since.
Journie Riccio
Las Vegas, Nevada
Thanks to such interactions, and despite having just finished her first year at Utah Tech, Riccio can already see herself becoming a dance teacher one day. Her ultimate dream is to join the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
She credits much of her growth to her mentor Professor Jennifer Weber. "She has created a safe and open dance environment for my peers and me," says the student, who was just in her first semester when she was cast in Weber’s faculty dance piece.
Growing up in Grantsville, a small town west of Salt Lake City, Utah, Brooklyn “Rook” Reilley always knew art would play a significant role in their life. "I grew up writing, playing the piano, singing, and participating in school theater productions as early as I could," she says. When the time came, she opted to pursue her passion at Utah Tech, which conveniently allowed her to do so without the burden of student debt, thanks to academic and theater department scholarships.
So far, Rook’s academic journey has been diverse. She explored many fields before deciding theater arts was the path for her.
A highlight of Rook’s studies was directing the mainstage production of “This Girl Laughs, This Girl Cries, This Girl Does Nothing” — particularly their performance for over 175 elementary students. "Partnering with the school to show them how exciting theater can be was the most fulfilling experience of my time here," says the student, who will be graduating later this year.
"I want to support myself through my work in theater and make work that engages my community and makes a difference in the world," she says. “At Utah Tech, what I gained most was working alongside professionals and learning how to enter that workforce.”
Brooklyn “Rook” Reilley
"The program is designed to make sure that students learn a little bit of everything," she says. Starting with a focus on acting, she gained experience in directing, arts administration, playwriting, sound design, and more.
Outside the classroom, Ramos performed as a vocalist and dancer with Fusion, the university's touring song and dance ensemble, for two years. Her theater roles included Titania in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Nell Shaw in “John Proctor is the Villain,” and Trix the Aviatrix in “The Drowsy Chaperone.”
Her talent and dedication earned her the Trailblazer Award for "Entertainer of the Year" in 2023 and the Diversity and Inclusion "Excellence in Arts and Creativity" award in 2024. Accolades aside, this level of immersion revealed a hidden passion for directing. Her growth was supported by mentors like Brandon Bruce, a professor and director who pushed her beyond her perceived limits.
Since graduating, Ramos has taken on exciting projects, including directing a junior production of Disney's “101 Dalmatians: The Musical” in St. George and performing alongside her fellow Utah Tech theater alumni in “Blamed” — a “choreopoem” exploring the suppressed stories of historical women.
Courtnee Ramos's path to Utah Tech began with her high school choir instructor, who saw her acting potential and cast her in a school musical. This endorsement, along with glowing reviews of the university, led Ramos and her mother on a campus tour that captivated their hearts and minds. “It’s picturesque and easily navigable campus, coupled with its agreeable climate and affordable tuition, seemed tailor-made to suit my collegiate aspirations,” she says.
With a strong background in singing and dancing but limited acting experience, Ramos dove into all available theater courses at Utah Tech.
Courtnee Ramos
“Engaging in acting, directing, and design classes gave me the knowledge required to craft and execute compelling performances,” she shares.