University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

As we wrap up another semester, University of Advancing Technology's (UAT) Provost Dr. Dave Bolman offers his thoughts and reflections on this past Fall Semester.

Dear UAT students,

Winter is ahead, and 2025 is nearly done. At UAT’s main campus, sightings of the season include decorations filling the halls. Meanwhile, students, faculty, and staff wear sweaters in 68-degree weather. 

As a student, December is a busy time for completing the current term and preparing for the next. One of my favorite things about this time of year is watching students working on projects whose complexity is profoundly more advanced than what I saw 3 months ago. Hovering over laptops, power stations, and tablets, students at UAT are creating design portfolios, robots, prototypes, cyber defenses, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and games in every corner, on every table, on every couch, in every think tank, and lab. These scenes remind me of a quote from Ernest Cline’s debut novel, Ready Player One:

“Then the Hunt for Halliday’s Easter egg began, and that was what saved me. Suddenly, I’d found something worth doing. A dream worth chasing. For the last five years, the Hunt had given me a goal and purpose. A quest to fulfill. A reason to get up in the morning. Something to look forward to.”

I have always loved Ready Player One for how it captures what it is to be in the culture of technology builds, and this quote shines a light on what I watch UAT students do every day. First is the joy and satisfaction to be found in the pursuit of your own tech creation. No matter the direction your interests take you. Studying, inquiring, experimenting, and exploring every nook of technology to unfold an idea that has grown in your thoughts is beyond energizing (once you catch up on sleep). UAT students do this every day as they prepare to compete, curate boards, and assemble completed innovations showcased to the community. 

The quote’s other insight encourages us as creators to build and seek out Easter Eggs. For upwards of 50 years, there has been a tradition of hiding pop references, puzzles, and amusing messages inside tech. Much like the December holidays, tech Easter Eggs are playful, a bit random, and do things that make the creator and discoverer smile. Finding secret levels filled with demon cows (Diablo II) is the same kind of fun as unwrapping an unexpected gift. As students, you are creating innovation projects. Soon, you will go on to build amazing tech. In both scenarios, being playful about what is nestled inside your creation is like opening brain gates that give permission to connect wildly different ideas, leading to something new. My message here is that not only are December holidays a time of fun, but they are also good for you and your tech creativity. So lean in and look for playful ideas that become something more!  

All of the faculty and staff at UAT wish you success in your current classes, projects, and SIPs. We have loved working with you throughout the year. UAT returns in 2026 with emerging tech, competitions, events, and innovations to pursue. There will also be a graduation to celebrate. Until then, find some playful tech to insert new and random ideas into your creative plans. Along the way, nibble tasty things, enjoy family and friends, see a movie, and celebrate your 2025 accomplishments. We will see you in January! 

Dr. Dave Bolman, Provost