USU Outdoor Product Design & Development Celebrates 10 Years of of Creativity, Industry Impact

When Utah State University launched its Outdoor Product Design & Development program a decade ago, it was stepping into uncharted territory. No other degree in the country had combined design, natural resources, sustainability, textiles and marketing with newly created courses tailored specifically to the outdoor gear industry. The vision was ambitious: prepare students who love the outdoors to build meaningful careers shaping the products that make outdoor experiences possible.

Ten years later, OPDD has lived up to that promise and become a recognized force for creativity, innovation and industry impact.

10th Anniversary Keynote

Hap Klopp, the visionary former president and CEO of The North Face, will deliver a keynote presentation commemorating OPDD’s 10th anniversary at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 24 in Room 131 of the Education Building.

For nearly two decades, Klopp led The North Face from a small mountaineering company to one of the world’s most recognized outdoor brands. Klopp will share stories from his time building The North Face, lessons on leadership and innovation, and insights into the future of the outdoor industry.

Attendees can RSVP online.

Built for the Industry

From the start, faculty worked hand-in-hand with leaders in the outdoor sector, asking a simple question: What do you wish new hires knew on their first day? The answers shaped the program’s curriculum, ensuring that graduates would arrive in the workplace ready to contribute.

Faculty hoped the new program would attract 12 to 15 students in its first couple of semesters, but the new degree opportunity had immediate appeal. More than twice that number switched majors to join in the inaugural year, and the program has grown steadily ever since.

Students begin with broad foundational work before moving into design-intensive projects that can take them in many directions, from building hiking footwear and refining climbing gear to managing sustainable product lines or creating technical apparel for diverse environments.

A Decade of Hands-On Learning

Learning at OPDD has always extended beyond the classroom. Internships place students with companies across the U.S. and abroad, while guest speakers bring the voices of founders, designers and innovators directly into classrooms and studios.

Partnerships with companies result in design challenges that students tackle with specific product goals. The combination gives students a front-row seat to the realities of an industry that spans everything from skiing and climbing to golf and fishing.

“It is wonderful to see the OPDD program reach this milestone and to know it has launched so many careers in the industry, including my own, is incredibly meaningful,” said alumna Natalie Cullum, who graduated in the program’s first cohort. “Looking back, I’m grateful for the opportunities, mentorship and experiences the program gave me, and I’m proud to see it shaping the next wave of leaders in the outdoor industry. The program equips students with the tools, confidence and real-world experiences they need to seamlessly transition into industry roles, and it’s been inspiring to watch graduates continue to thrive and innovate across the outdoor space.”

Spaces That Spark Creativity

Students in the highly interdisciplinary program can be found in many spaces on campus. but a walk through the program’s home in the Janet Quinney Lawson Building makes clear just how hands-on the work is. Mannequins in parkas, murals of mountain landscapes, and a kayak at the entrance set the tone, but it’s the labs and studios that tell the real story: textile testing machines humming in the background, 3D printers working on prototypes, students gathered around worktables debating fabrics and features. Support from industry partners, including a $100,000 gift from KLIM, has helped create a space where imagination meets technology.

The program has also opened new pathways for students, including a transfer agreement with Salt Lake Community College that makes it easier for fashion design students to transition into outdoor product careers.

Not all the projects begin close to home. In one standout class, students studied NASA-patented materials to imagine how space-age technologies could be adapted for outdoor gear. Their research and designs were presented directly to NASA engineers — a collaboration that reflects the program’s spirit of curiosity and innovation.

Preserving and Sharing the Story

OPDD doesn’t just train future designers, it helps tell the story of the industry itself. The Highlander podcast has become a hub for conversations with outdoor innovators, offering insights that resonate with students, professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

In partnership with USU Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives, the program has built the Outdoor Recreation Archive, a growing record of gear designs, promotional videos and marketing materials that showcase the evolution of outdoor equipment over time. The project’s visibility on Instagram attracted a publisher in the UK and The Outdoor Archive: The Ultimate Collection of Adventure & Sporting Graphics, Illustrations and Gear was released earlier this year.

Looking Ahead

As OPDD marks its 10th anniversary, the program is still expanding with new tools, new partnerships, and a growing alumni network that is shaping the future of outdoor gear. The first decade proved what was possible when a bold idea met industry collaboration. The next promises even greater impact, driven by the same mix of creativity, sustainability, and passion for the outdoors that launched the program in the first place.

For more information about OPDD, a standout program in the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, visit opdd.usu.edu.