Utah Tech University Inducts Three Members into Hall of Fame – Celebrating Trailblazers in Education and Innovation
Honoring Visionaries: The 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
The Utah Tech University community recently celebrated the induction of three distinguished individuals into its Hall of Fame. Dr. Wayne Provost, and the late Lindsay Atwood along with her daughter Laura Atwood were honored for their lifelong dedication to education, innovation, and community engagement. Their stories highlight how sustained service and generosity can elevate an institution’s mission and foster a culture of inquiry and practical impact.
Background of the Hall of Fame
Founded in 1998, the Hall of Fame recognizes members who have significantly advanced the university’s culture through philanthropy, mentorship, or professional achievement. Inductees are chosen for their lasting impact—locally, statewide, nationally, or even globally. The awards ceremony is more than a milestone; it is an invitation for current students and faculty to learn from proven leaders and to surface new ideas for growth.
The 2025 Inductees: A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Dr. Wayne Provost, known affectionately as “Doc” by his colleagues, brings a unique blend of engineering acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to Utah Tech. With a record that includes over 90 U.S. patents across medical devices, mechanical systems, and software, Provost has spearheaded inventions such as the insulin pump and portable dialysis machine. Beyond product development, he has guided more than five hundred students and professionals through the intellectual property process, resulting in numerous patents and trademarks. His role as founder and director of the Innovation Guidance and Solutions Center has created a supportive environment where ideas transform into market‑ready solutions.
The Atwoods, meanwhile, combined business success with generous community involvement. Lindsay served as a trustee, educator, and mentor, while Laura continued the mission with particular emphasis on STEM education. The duo has contributed to the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology—most notably by founding the Lindsay and Laura Atwood Genomics Lab—and by establishing the Atwood Innovation Plaza, a dedicated business incubator that supports budding entrepreneurs. Their contributions have made Utah Tech a prime example of how universities can become innovation hubs while staying rooted in hands‑on learning and student empowerment.
What the Honors Mean for Students and Faculty
The inductees exemplify Utah Tech’s “active learning, active life” philosophy. Their lives demonstrate that classroom instruction and real‑world experience need not be separate compartments; instead, they are interwoven. Students gain a concrete sense of how knowledge and creativity can partner to solve tangible challenges—whether that is designing a new medical device or launching a sustainable startup.
Faculty members can draw on the inductees’ professional networks and philanthropic resources to develop research collaborations, secure funding, or launch educational incubators on campus. The recognition also reminds the community of the power of long‑term commitment: Providence’s work with patents dates back to the early 1970s, while the Atwoods’ foundations have quietly nurtured scientific inquiry for decades.
Leveraging the Hall of Fame for Future Growth
Utah Tech University plans to build on the momentum from this year’s ceremony. New initiatives include a mentorship bridge that connects graduating seniors with alumni in similar fields, a public speaker circuit featuring Hall of Fame members, and a scholarship program that rewards students who pursue patents or launch social enterprises.
Students, especially those studying science, engineering, technology, and business, will benefit from this expanded network. The emphasis on active learning encourages participants to take leadership roles in faculty‑led projects, secure patents, and develop entrepreneurial skills that can translate to robust career prospects.
Why You Should Pay Attention to This Event
Inducting members into a Hall of Fame might seem like a ceremonial gesture, but it codifies values that resonate across campus and community. When learning from the Atwoods and Provost, students and faculty alike see the following lessons:
- Entrepreneurial experience can amplify the effectiveness of academic research.
- Consistent mentorship and philanthropy provide long‑term return on investment for institutions.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration unlocks opportunities for real‑world impact that few traditional programs can match.
- Leadership is demonstrable, and recognizing it encourages the next generation to step forward.
These takeaways have practical implications. For example, a fourth‑year engineering student who has a patent in development can now apply for the campus incubation program backed by the Atwood Innovation Plaza. Or a rising‑junior educational science student can seek out a research assistantship with a faculty mentor who has partnered with alumni from the Hall of Fame to secure grant funding.
How to Engage with the Hall of Fame Program
Prospective students and alumni who want to contribute to or learn from Utah Tech’s rich tradition of impact can explore several pathways:
- Learn more about the Hall of Fame program and discover how you can contribute.
- Register for the upcoming Innovation Night—an evening where students present their prototype projects to a live audience of academics and industry veterans.
- Join the college’s Entrepreneurship Club, which provides weekly mentorship meetings and access to prototype labs.
- Apply for a scholarship with a focus on intellectual property or thesis that incorporates a patent or novel design.
Invitation to Future Generations
Utah Tech University’s story is one of growth fueled by the belief that change can be engineered, planned, and sustainably nurtured. The Hall of Fame inductees are the embodiment of this narrative—each a milestone in the university’s evolution and a beacon for future leaders.
As the university moves forward, it will emphasize collaboration, affective engagement, and continuous learning. Students who join today will have the chance to work alongside seasoned innovators, receive mentorship, and potentially contribute to the next wave of patents, startups, or community initiatives.
Call to Action
Are you ready to contribute to Utah Tech’s legacy of innovation and education? Consider the opportunities highlighted above and take your next step today.
- Submit your application to Utah Tech University today and shape the future of education.
- Schedule a free campus tour to see the innovations firsthand.
- Share your thoughts on how the Hall of Fame inspires you in the comments below.
- Explore Utah Tech’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology for tailored STEM programs.
- Have questions? Write to us at [email protected] for personalized guidance.
