Bryan R. Waite: Program Director - Global & Multicultural Engagement

I have been teaching in the Education department at UVU since 2007 and love it. My family and I come to Utah by way of Texas and Colorado and are very excited to be raising our family here. Katrina and I have 3 children, Mckinley, Lily, and Sophia. We lived in Boulder CO for six years where I completed a PhD in Education in 2006 as well as my Master's degree. One of my many passions is being in the classroom with future and current teachers. My specialty is Multicultural Education and ESL/Bilingual Education. I love language and culture and always enjoy the rich discussions my students and I have in our classes together.

I am currently an Associate Professor of Education as well as the Program Director for Global and Multicultural Engagement in the Center for Global and Intercultural Engagement at UVU. With the distinct priviledge of working with faculty and staff in issues of cultural diversity and inclusive pedagogy.

When I'm not in the classroom or on campus I love being with my family. We love the outdoors - camping, mt. biking, hiking, etc. I used to do a lot more of that before the kids came along, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. I can't wait until Mckinley is old enough that he and I can hit the trails and go backpacking, etc.

 

Grant Paul Skabelund: Director - International Study Programs (ISP)

Grant considers Central Idaho his place of refuge and enjoys biking, gardening, hiking, reading, and spending time with Shari, Analyn, Andrew, Natalya, Joshua, and a few close friends. He also finds satisfaction in assisting faculty and students create memorable international study experiences. Grant dreams of stewarding a few acres in a self-sufficient, sustainable manner, while providing a bit extra to share with friends and neighbors, as well as those who may get their only connection to land through that sharing process.

Marianna Henry: International Study Programs Coordinator (ISP)

Marianna is a first-generation American; her family hails from Poland. She graduated from UVU with a bachelor's degree in Communication. Marianna participated in a student exchange to Australia in 2004. She enjoys singing, planning events, eating international foods, and traveling in the U.S. and abroad. She's married to Tom, an assistant professor at UVU. Marianna thoroughly enjoys working with the staff, the students, and everything international. She is thrilled to help students achieve their own unforgettable international experience.

Ana M. Fisher: Financial Officer

Hi, my name is Ana Fisher. I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I attended and graduated high school in Guayaquil and completed three years at the FACSO Faculty where I studied Journalism. When I was twenty- two years old I married my husband, Shane Fisher, and six month later I moved to the United States and Orem, Utah. When I arrived in Orem, I froze all my school projects because I had started a new life which required all my dedication. I needed to adapt myself to my new life. A big part of the new challenge was to learn and understand this language and culture, as well as become accustomed to the weather—especially the snow! All this transition was a dramatic experience for me but it wasn’t the only change I experienced—my family started to grow. My first child came and then I decided to dedicate my life to the role of mother; however I never lost the desire to pursue my education.

After my fourth child, I returned to school and enrolled at Utah Valley University. I decided to begin by taking ESL courses. After graduating from that program, I decided to pursue a degree in Accounting. As a foreign student, I had to face many challenges along the way but it culminated in success. In December of 2011, I graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. I currently work for Utah Valley as a Financial Officer in the International Center—Study Abroad Department. I love UVU!

Jason Grotegut: Graphic Designer & Communications Specialist

Jason has a degree from UVU in Integrated Studies, with emphases in Humanities and Graphic Design. He hopes to eventually attain a master degree in an area of design. He loves to travel, explore the outdoors, go skiing or snowboarding, play soccer, and find rocks to climb. Other interests include computers, spicy foods, and hanging out with Kathryn his wife of 9 years, and their daughter Gwen. He also spent two years in the Brazilian Amazon, and can speak some Portuguese when he remembers it. He is pleased with the cooler temperatures of altitude as a self-proclaimed lover of the mountains.