The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation announced today (March 14, 2022) a gift of $2.5 million to support a new building that will be home to experiential learning programming at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University.
This most recent gift adds to the more than $4 million previously given by the Miller Family Foundation to the Huntsman School to support programs aimed at preparing students with the skills and attributes needed in today’s fluid business environment. The new building will be located adjacent to the School of Business campus in Logan.
“We have made a conscious effort of putting students and their success as our top priority. We know experiential learning, or learning by doing, works, and it will be our focus over the coming decade,” noted Huntsman School Dean Douglas Anderson. “Over the past decade and more, we have invested significant resources to recruit world-class faculty, build a world-class facility, and worked hard at refining and improving the curriculum our students learn in the classroom. We have also been developing a lot of our own hands-on, outside-the-classroom learning experiences.”
With this donation, the Huntsman School will invest in existing experiential learning programming and add opportunities to allow all Huntsman students to participate in meaningful and relevant learning in and out of the classroom.
“The Miller Family Foundation has been an incredible partner in our journey, and we look forward to working closely with them as we explore new ways to create value for our students,” Anderson said.
Research has shown that students who have the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiential learning are more likely to both land work after graduation and be engaged and excited about their jobs. The new building will house Huntsman’s expanding experiential learning programs and create room for new initiatives, like a program aimed at supporting female students and a new Analytics Solutions Center. It will also include professional co-working space for student use for remote internships or other needs. The building is a part of a campaign to increase experiential learning opportunities across the school.
“Our family is committed to advancing these important initiatives because we believe education unlocks doors and enriches lives,” said Gail Miller. “We are grateful for our partnership with Utah State University and the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business and look forward to seeing the advancements in our communities that result from these experiential learning opportunities.”
Increasing experiential learning has also long been a priority for USU President Noelle E. Cockett.
“The Huntsman School has developed so many amazing opportunities for students, from their Focused Fridays to the She’s Daring Mighty Things Initiative. The Miller Family Foundation is the perfect partner,” said President Cockett. “They have a demonstrated commitment to supporting and growing our community, and I really feel like so much of what they have done – such as Larry and Gail building their business from one automotive dealership to a diverse portfolio of companies –- is a demonstration of learning by doing. I am just thrilled to be able to build on this great partnership between the Miller family and Utah State University.”
About the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business
Originally established in 1889 as the second oldest business education program west of the Mississippi River, the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University develops well-rounded and hard-working business leaders. With nationally recognized programs in accounting, economics, entrepreneurship, and human resources, a faculty of over 100 professors who are experts in their fields, and a culture that puts student success at the forefront, the Huntsman School motto to “Dare Mighty Things” is evidenced every day by students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
About the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation
The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation was established in 2007 to continue the philanthropic spirit exemplified by Larry and Gail Miller for future generations. The Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation supports programs that enrich lives and communities in the areas of health and medicine, shelter and food security, education and training, jobs and economic self-reliance, and cultural and spiritual enrichment.
