Weber State University - History

History

Weber State University was founded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the Weber Stake Academy in 1889; like Weber County and the Weber River, the school was named after John Henry Weber, an early fur trader. The university first opened its doors for students on 7 January 1889 when ninety-eight students enrolled for classes. The first principal of Weber Stake Academy was Louis F. Moench. He served from 1889–1892 and again from 1894-1902. In the latter year Moench was succeeded as principal by David O. McKay who served in that position until 1908. From 1914-1917 James L. Barker was the principal of the Weber Stake Academy.

In the early 20th century, the school underwent multiple name changes: Weber Stake Academy from its founding in 1889 to 1897, Weber Academy in 1902, Weber Normal college in 1918, and Weber College in 1922. In 1933 the LDS Church transferred the institution to the State of Utah. In 1951 the college moved from its downtown location in Ogden to a spacious and scenic area in the southeast bench area of the city. The school became Weber State College in 1962 and on January 1, 1991, finally gained university status, obtaining its current name.

Weber State University has developed into a major state undergraduate institution serving northern Utah and areas beyond, including American and international students. Notable alumni and faculty include business magnate J. Willard Marriott, author-historian Fawn Brodie, past LDS Church president David O. McKay, communications expert Mark Evans Austad, inventor of the industrial diamond H. Tracy Hall, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury David M. Kennedy, prominent lawyer and university president Ernest L. Wilkinson, former president and CEO of T-Mobile USA Robert Dotson president of Black & Decker Nolan D. Archibald, professional basketball coaches Dick Motta and Phil Johnson, and band and orchestra composer Clair W. Johnson.