The University of Utah has joined the Voice of Intercollegiate Esports (VOICE), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to shaping the future of higher education through inclusive and sustainable collegiate esports governance.
By joining VOICE, Utah strengthens its role as a national leader in collegiate esports and games education and contributes its experience to conversations around policy, institutional governance, and cross-campus collaboration.
“Since launching our varsity esports program in 2017, we have believed that esports belongs squarely within the academic life of a research university,” said Michael Young, Chair of the Division of Games. “Joining VOICE allows us to help shape national conversations around governance, policy, and student-centered program design, ensuring that collegiate esports grows in ways that reflect the values and long-term mission of higher education.” Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Mitzi Montoya will serve as U President Taylor Randall’s representative on VOICE’s Presidents’ Council.
A Pioneer in Power Five Esports
Utah has been at the forefront of competitive collegiate esports since 2017, when the Division of Games launched the first varsity-level esports program housed within a school at a university competing in the NCAA Division I Power Five conferences. That move established a new benchmark for integrating esports into the student experience at a major research institution.
Today, Utah fields a varsity roster competing across four established game titles. Student-athletes train in dedicated gaming facilities and are supported by streaming and production studios that enable live competition, broadcasting, and event production. The program reflects a holistic model that integrates competitive excellence, academic rigor, and professional development.
Academic Leadership in Games
Utah’s competitive success is deeply connected to its academic leadership through the Division of Games, consistently ranked the #1 public game development program in the world. The Division brings together faculty expertise across game design, engineering, art, production, and research. Students participate in studio-simulation project courses, collaborate with industry professionals, and graduate with professional portfolios that position them for careers in interactive entertainment and related industries.
For Utah, joining VOICE is a natural extension of its long-standing commitment to shaping the national conversation around games and esports in higher education.
“Collegiate esports is at an inflection point,” said AJ Dimick, Director of Esports Operations for the University of Utah. “VOICE creates a national forum where institutions can collaborate on governance models that prioritize student success, competitive integrity, and sustainable program growth. Utah is proud to help lead that work.”
VOICE Executive Director Jesse Bodony welcomed Utah’s participation, noting that the University has helped define what excellence looks like both competitively and academically in collegiate esports.
By joining VOICE, the University of Utah reinforces its commitment not only to winning championships, but also to advancing thoughtful policy, cross-campus collaboration, and the long-term sustainability of collegiate esports nationwide.