The University of Utah (U of U, UofU,[13] or simply The U) is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah. It is the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education. The university was established in 1850 as the University of Deseret (/ˌdɛzəˈrɛt/ (listen))[14] by the General Assembly of the provisional State of Deseret,[1] making it Utah's oldest institution of higher education.[15] It received its current name in 1892, four years before Utah attained statehood, and moved to its current location in 1900.[1]

Established in 1850, the University of Utah is the Flagship University of the State. A community of students, staff, and scholars, the University of Utah—affectionately called "the U"—is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through innovative research; the education of future citizens, professionals, and leaders; and scholarly and creative pursuits that preserve and broaden our understanding of the human condition. The U prepares students for leadership roles in Utah, the country, and the world.