Strategic Program Development
UVU’s program advisory boards play a critical role in ensuring that academic offerings remain responsive to evolving industry standards and workforce needs. By engaging professionals from relevant sectors, these boards provide timely insights that inform curriculum updates, emerging skill requirements, and technological advancements.
Bridging Academia and Industry
Program advisory boards serve as a vital conduit between the university and its industry partners. They foster meaningful dialogue that enhances mutual understanding, encourages collaborative initiatives, and supports long-term relationship building. These partnerships often lead to co-developed projects, guest lectures, and collaborative research opportunities.
Expanding Networks for Students and Faculty
Through regular engagement with program advisory board members, UVU faculty and students gain access to a broad network of professionals. This connectivity supports mentorship, career exploration, and real-world learning experiences, enriching the academic environment and preparing students for successful transitions into the workforce.
Establishing Program Advisory Boards is essential to building academic programs that are responsive to today’s workforce demands. These boards are intentionally formed to bring in industry insight that helps shape curriculum, align learning outcomes with real-world skills, and ensure graduates are career-ready. Creating a board is a proactive step toward maintaining program relevance, quality, and long-term student success.
"Program Advisory Boards help ensure we align our offerings with the most pressing industry need, both current and emerging, in terms of topics and skillsets."
Dr. Anne Arendt, Associate Dean, UVU Smith College of Engineering & Technology (CET)
"The Information Systems & Technology department at Utah Valley University works closely with our Program Advisory Board to keep our programs in cybersecurity, applied AI, IT, and business information systems relevant and career focused. Their input ensures our graduates are equipped with the skills employers need—helping them land great jobs and ready to contribute from day one in a dynamic, tech-driven economy."
Dr. Matt North, Professor, UVU Smith College of Engineering & Technology (CET)
"The Advisory Board provides an essential link between industry and academics. This partnership creates an atmosphere of understanding and connectivity that enhances the academic curriculum and provides a “window” into industry practices and trends. Students benefit from courses that are current with industry needs including participating in industry sponsored internships. Faculty benefits by consulting opportunities, summer employment and externships. Industry benefits by employing students and graduates that are competent."
David P Phillips - Advisory Board Member, Tech Management and Mechatronics (CET)
"Utah Valley University appreciates the vital contributions of individuals not employed by UVU serving on our advancement boards and program advisory boards. Board members enrich the student experience and strengthen the institution through expertise, support, insight, and private resources. This policy outlines the purpose of boards, their governance, and supports board members in their service to the University."
UVU Policy 104: Advancement Boards and Program Advisory Boards
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Date: October 10, 2025
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2026
Date: February 20, 2026
