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SALT LAKE CITY — Westminster College has called Salt Lake City home for nearly 150 years and will now usher in its next era as a full-fledged Westminster University.
"We've grown from a small college preparatory academy in 1875, to a junior college and then a four-year baccalaureate institution in 1949," said Westminster President Bethami Dobkin. "Since then, we've grown in size, stature, activities and academic offerings. It's time for Westminster's next chapter."
The institution's board of trustees unanimously approved the change in a meeting last week, after Westminster presidents considered the university designation for nearly 20 years.
Westminster currently provides more than 50 undergraduate programs, 11 areas of graduate studies and two doctoral degrees, with more doctoral studies launching soon.
"Becoming Westminster University showcases our strengths and trajectory as a small, comprehensive institution," Dobkin said in a video announcing the change.
Though Westminster has gained university distinction, Dobkin was adamant it will not change the size, campus culture or the core commitments of the long-standing institution.
"It will change how people come to find us, come to know us and recognize in Westminster the outstanding opportunities that we offer," Dobkin said.
The latest U.S. News and World Report's college rankings revealed Westminster as the No. 12 university in the West as well as the No. 5 best value school.
"We will always be a place where students forge close connections with some of the best faculty in the country, and where a liberal arts foundation encourages thinking broadly, critically, collaboratively and in ways that solve complex problems, building leadership and career confidence," Dobkin said.
Westminster aims to officially launch as Westminster University in fall 2023.
An FAQ page will be updated to keep the Westminster community informed as its becomes Westminster University.
