Mission Statement

The Office of International Affairs & Diplomacy actively supports UVU's global engagement efforts by:

  • Advancing UVU's presence and prestige in the international community;
  • Helping UVU students become globally competent graduates;
  • Promoting cultural literacy and diversity both on campus and in the community;
  • Creating opportunities for engaged learning and regional economic development through cultural exchanges and diplomatic visits.
Dr. R.E. Butler

Dr. R.E. "Rusty" Butler

Associate Vice President, International Affairs and Diplomacy

Dr. Butler is the Associate Vice President for international affairs and Director of the Utah-Russia Institute at Utah Valley University. In addition, he is the Honorary Consul General of the Russian Federation in Utah and President of the Utah Consular Corps which represents all foreign consulates in Utah (24).

Dr. Butler’s career started as a professor of linguistics in Canada from which he branched into private business in western Canada and the United States. He later served as a senior staff member in the U.S. Senate and the Reagan White House before entering management with the Boeing Corporation in its military operations. He returned to the academic world at UVU in 1992.

Dr. Butler was awarded the medal of merit by the Russian Foreign Ministry and has published in the Ministry’s journal, International Affairs. He is an accomplished triathlete, cyclist, marathon runner and plays ice hockey in his spare time.

Amy Barnett

Amy Barnett

Program Coordinator & Chief of Protocol, International Affairs and Diplomacy

Amy Barnett comes to UVU as an experienced international events manager, having worked directly with National Olympic Committees and dignitaries for both the Salt Lake 2002 and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. She also worked as a visa and travel agent, as well as a Russian interpreter in Utah.

Amy is a passionate traveler and loves to share her insights and favorite places. She uses her creativity to enrich her event planning and her everyday life.

Annette Yeruski

Annette Yeruski

Administrative Support

Annette’s motto is to “Live Life Joyfully.” The breadth of her experience includes working in education as a Bi-lingual Tutor and ESL Instructor, discovering the world of non-profit organizations as an Evening Supervisor for the Chicago Botanic Garden and Administrative Assistant for the union based Laborer’s Training Center and venturing into the corporate world of investment as a Customer Service Professional at Ameriprise and T. Rowe Price. She has an Event Management Certificate from San Diego State University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation from Western Illinois University. She’s studied abroad in Germany and did her internship in Guadalajara Mexico. Her passions include learning, especially languages, meeting people from around the world, dancing, holistic health and protecting the environment. She speaks Spanish and German.