The University of Utah is an institution of higher learning organized under the constitution and laws of the state of Utah as a body corporate and politic, controlled and supported by the people of the state, and dedicated primarily to disseminating and assimilating knowledge in advanced fields of study and higher learning, research, and intellectual service to the state and nation. [(Utah Constitution, Article X, Section 4; Utah Code 1953, 53-31-1, 2, 3. See also entire Chapter 31 of Title 53, Utah Code 1953.)] (Act of Feb. 28, 1850; Utah Const. Art. X, 4; Utah Code Ann. 53-31-1 et seq. (1970).)