For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.

Vincent Van Gogh

UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez, wearing a black dress, smiles in her office, holding a book.


From the President

As a young girl in the Philippines, I would often lie in bed at night and look up at the stars through the holes in our thatched roof. That cosmic view filled me with hope and wonder as I contemplated the vastness of the universe and dreamed of far-off possibilities. Living near the ocean, I was intrigued by the tales of seamen who could navigate simply by following these shimmering points of light.

As we celebrate the conclusion of another academic year at Utah Valley University, we have been guided by our own North Star: our mission of student success.

Over the past five years, our completion rate has increased by 11%, equating to hundreds more Utahns with degrees that open doors of opportunity. As an open-admissions university, we are committed to helping all who seek to improve themselves through higher education. We are proud to prepare our students to be productive, engaged members of society, committed to civil dialogue and volunteerism. Their inspiring stories can be found in the pages of this report.

Beyond the lives of our students, UVU’s impact is benefitting our community. We are training a highly skilled workforce to support Utah’s thriving economy, ensuring our businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies have the talent they need to succeed. Our campus is a platform for the community to have important conversations about pressing topics of our day.

We engage in meaningful work thanks to the dedication of our faculty and staff, who support our students’ quest for excellence. We thank members of the Utah Legislature, who see the value of a UVU education and help us keep tuition affordable by underwriting half of our operating expenses. We’re also grateful to generous donors who transform lives by providing scholarships, supporting innovative programs, and investing in new facilities. Our donors’ leadership and generosity will be even more essential as we seek to complete our first-ever comprehensive campaign, EverGREEN, to raise $350 million for the university.

The stars have aligned at UVU: We have a compelling mission, a supportive community, talented people, and a commitment to our values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. What’s in the stars for UVU next year and beyond? We will continue to offer the transformative benefits of a college education to as many individuals as possible. Beyond that, we are dreaming big. The future of this university shines bright.

With Warmest Regards,

Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez signature

Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez
President, Utah Valley University


Utah Valley University
At a Glance

Utah Valley University is an integrated university and community college that educates every student for success in work and life through excellence in engaged teaching, services, and scholarship.


Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) and UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services (BIRS), fall 2023

*Fall 2023 (third week)   **Does not include high school concurrent enrollment students   ***UVU Fall 2023 Student Opinion Survey

UVU educates and graduates more Utahns than any other university

 

44,653
total students*

Students walk around outside the library on the first day.

5,663
faculty and staff members

Nursing program at UVU.

28,993
full-time equivalent students

350+
program options

Willy takes a selfie with 3 students.

15,445
high school students

Student on a laptop in the food court.

109 Certificate Programs
65 Associate Degrees
110 Bachelor's Degrees
20 Master's Degrees
61 Online Programs

2024-2025

78%
work while in school***

Culinary tudent prepares tables at the 'Awards of Excellence'

50%
are female

Student in green cap and gown receives degree at convocation.
 

28%
are adult learners (age 25+)**

Students fill the hallway on the first day of classes.

84%
are Utah residents

Student studies in the Woodbury commons.

14%
support at least one child under 18***

37%
are first-generation students

20%
are students of color

Student studies in the Woodbury commons.


13%

are Hispanic or Latino, making up UVU's largest group of students of color

Empowering
Student
Success

At UVU, we believe every student deserves the transforming benefits of higher education. We are dedicated to creating accessible, far-reaching support services for students of all backgrounds to ensure they have the resources to achieve their greatest dreams. From the time they submit their applications to the day they join the Wolverine alumni family, UVU students are empowered to succeed.

Line icon of graduation cap.

10,197
graduates were honored at commencement 2024

Operational data provided by UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services (BIRS)

 

The Class of 2024
Tomorrow's Leaders


Crowd photo of students graduating at UVU’s 2024 commencement ceremony.

10,197
Graduates

12,499
Degrees and certificates

President Tuminez waves green and silver pom-poms and cheers while standing with faculty members and Board of Trustee members during UVU’s 2024 commencement ceremony processional.
A student with brown hair speaks at a podium while wearing graduation regalia.

+11
percentage point completion rate increase since 2019

Oldest graduate is
71
youngest is
16

44%
are 25 or older

#1
graduating the most Utahns

Icon of Utah with Utah County highlighted.

From
26 Utah counties
48 states
42 countries

34%
are first-generation students

Number of degrees and certificates

2,389
certificates

5,128
associate degrees

4,495
bachelor's degrees

415
master's degrees

72
graduate certificates

Operational data provided by UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services (BIRS)

Jamie Kern Lima, the keynote speaker for UVU’s 2024 commencement ceremony, speaks to the Class of 2024 at a podium while wearing black regalia.

Former L’Oréal Brand CEO Keynotes Commencement 2024

Founder of IT Cosmetics, bestselling author, and first-generation college graduate Jamie Kern Lima counseled UVU’s Class of 2024 to redefine rejection and use individual uniqueness to fuel self-worth during her keynote address at UVU’s commencement ceremony.


“Your authenticity is your superpower. Embracing who you truly are is key to building self-worth. And this impacts everything in life because, in life, we don’t become what we want — we become what we believe we’re worthy of."

— Jamie Kern Lima

The first graduating cohort from UVU’s physician assistant program smile while wearing white coats on UVU campus.

First Physician Assistant (PA) Cohort Graduates

In spring 2024, the first cohort from UVU's new physician assistant program received their diplomas, preparing them to work in many areas of healthcare in Utah and beyond. The graduating cohort included 27 students with a 90% graduation rate. The PA program is a full-time, 28-month, year-round graduate program comprising 95 credit hours completed over seven semesters.

Graduating students from UVU’s Wolverines Elevated program, wearing green regalia, pose on UVU campus stairs with a faculty member from the program.

Program Propels Students With Intellectual Disabilities to Graduation

Wolverines Elevated (WE), a fully inclusive college program for students with intellectual disabilities at UVU, celebrated the graduation of its first cohort in spring 2024. WE students work toward certificates in integrated college and community studies, including coursework focused on self-determination, independent living, and career development. Students can also pursue certificates from any of UVU’s other offerings. For more information, visit Wolverines Elevated.

A graduating student from UVU’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology, wearing a green construction hard hat, green regalia, and two medals, smiles at the camera while giving the thumbs up.

UVU Graduates Land 4- and 5- Star Jobs

Approximately 5,000 2024 graduates were awarded degrees and certificates in high-demand jobs with high wages, helping them become part of Utah's strong and expanding economy.

77%

Line icon of the state of Utah.

77% of students live in Utah 10 years after graduation

(UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services [BIRS])

17,303

Since 2018, UVU has awarded diplomas or certificates to 17,303 first-generation students.

(UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services [BIRS])

Abstract triangular and circular shapes.

Campus-Wide Commitment to Student Success

Recent graduation and retention rate increases are tied to consistent and targeted student success efforts at crucial junctures. UVU is committed to helping students transition to college and thrive with tools to prioritize mental, physical, and academic health. Below is a snapshot of these services:

First-generation student support: UVU’s first-generation support efforts include the First-Generation Student Success Center, $15 million in legislative funding for first-generation students, and TRIO Student Support Services, a federally funded program.

Programs for support and connection: To help students find community, we offer programming open to everyone through the Multicultural Engagement Program, the Military-Affiliated Student Hub, International Student Services, the LGBTQ+ Intercultural Engagement Program, the Native American Excellence Program, and the Women's Intercultural Engagement Program. This programming furthers cultural education, celebration, engagement, and awareness to provide opportunities for all students to learn with and from one another.

Personalized advising and academic tutoring: In addition to tailored advising, students can access three labs: the Science Lab, the Business Lab, and the CET Lab, which collectively provide on-campus and online tutoring for 549 UVU courses and have seen 6,500+ students.

Financial aid and scholarship resources: UVU offers extensive financial aid and scholarship resources to support students: The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on scholarships, FAFSA, and loans; ScholarshipUniverse connects students with scholarships; and the Money Success Center offers advising and education to help students minimize debt and secure their financial futures.

Holistic wellness services: UVU’s comprehensive student health services include affordable mental health resources with individual and couples therapy sessions at just $10 each and free group therapy sessions. Physical health resources include a free food pantry, the Student Life and Wellness Center, and the Outdoor Recreation Center.

First-Year and Transfer Student Orientation: UVU's detailed student orientation resources include online sessions for first-year and transfer students and their parents. All students enroll in JumpStart Orientation and receive a thorough checklist to help them complete necessary tasks for a smooth first semester.


By caring for the holistic aspect of the student’s life, we are much better able to help them on their journey.”

— Cole Bertelsen, First-Year Advising Center Counselor

Early Alert Program Uses AI to Keep Struggling Students on Track

The Early Alert program uses data, AI, and insights from faculty members and peer mentors to intervene when a student exhibits signs of struggling, such as missing assignments or showing behavioral changes. When an alert is submitted, a team of student success specialists reaches out to the student to assist them in navigating campus resources. These students report significantly higher persistence and retention levels.

Crucial Support in Students’ First Years

Approximately 29% of full-time, first-year students drop out of college in their first year, according to a 2023 study by the Education Data Initiative. UVU launched the First-Year Advising Center (FAC) in 2019 to directly assist students enrolled in their first years of college.

Appointments with FAC advisors begin one to two months before a student’s first semester and carry through their second semesters, ensuring they are supported in registering for classes, integrating with the UVU community, connecting with academic advisors, and maintaining momentum.

In 2023, the UVU support team addressed over
4,400
early alerts, ensuring these students were supported and stayed on track

UVU Reaches Graduation Goal Early

In 2019, UVU set a goal to bring its 37% completion rate to 45% by 2025 — and it achieved that goal two years ahead of schedule. Thanks to UVU’s commitment to student success, the completion rate is 46%, an increase of 11 percentage points over five years. The national average for undergraduates at public institutions stands at 63% (National Center for Education Statistics). By 2030, UVU aims to reach a 50% completion rate.

Student Retention on the Rise

From 2018 to 2023, UVU’s one-year student retention rate rose from 65% to 70%. That increase means that more UVU students are staying enrolled and graduating. (BIRS)


Every percent increase in our completion rate means approximately 100 more UVU students will be on the path to a bright future.

— Dr. Michelle Kearns, UVU Vice President of Student Affairs

Two UVU students, one in a black floral blouse and the other in a red blouse, smile at the camera, one with their arm over the other’s shoulders.

UVU Entrepreneurship Institute students pose and cheer against a black UVU backdrop while holding seed funding checks they won in a competition.

Entrepreneurship Institute Helps Students Grow Businesses

UVU’s Entrepreneurship Institute helps students pursue ventures through business classes, mentorship, lectures from seasoned entrepreneurs, seed funding, and more. “I think we have a really cool secret sauce that people are going to start noticing,” said Seth Jenson, the institute’s new director who was appointed in Jan. 2024.

#1

UVU ranks #1 for producing local entrepreneurs

(Switch On Business Reports, 2024)

Four military-affiliated UVU students, wearing camouflage Army gear, walk near a black helicopter.

Empowering Military Students

For the third year in a row, UVU was designated a 2024-2025 Silver Military Friendly School by Military Friendly, an organization that measures a school’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful opportunities for the military community. UVU is ranked among the nation’s top 50 large public universities, assisting over 3,200 veteran students and military-affiliated dependents.

Students and staff from UVU’s Native American Initiative smile for a group photo on steps on UVU’s Orem Campus.

UVU Expands Native American Initiative and Native Scholarships

With over 800 Native American students, UVU has focused on expanding its Native American Initiative and offering scholarships to Indigenous students from Utah’s eight federally recognized tribes. New tribal scholarships and a $2 million appropriation from the Utah Legislature will eligible Indigenous students to attend UVU tuition-free, increasing Native enrollment rates.

Forbes Advisor List logo with UVU catagory Best Online Hospitality Degree Programs.

Award-Winning Programs Set Students Up For Success

  • UVU’s Online Hospitality Program Ranks 10th on the Forbes Advisor List of Best Online Hospitality Degree Programs of 2024
  • UVU’s Online Homeland Security Degree Was Named a Top 10 Best Accredited Homeland Security Program by Intelligent in 2024
  • UVU’s Personal Financial Planning Program Was Named a Top 5 Personal Financial Program in the U.S. by WealthManagement.com in 2023

UVU alumna Maysen Rollo Minor, wearing a white floral dress, smiles while sitting on a dark green sofa.

Alumni Spotlight

Maysen Rollo Minor


Hear her story here

Starting a Successful Local Business With $1

For UVU alumna Maysen Rollo Minor, a beginning entrepreneurship class sparked a creative passion and changed her life. The professor challenged students to start a business with just $1. Minor had a little tube of beads at home, so she began making and selling jewelry. That course assignment soon became her job. “When an opportunity comes, you can take it, or you can not take it, but you have the rest of your life to think about what could have happened,” Minor said.

Minor turned to UVU’s Entrepreneurship Institute to take things to the next level. The Entrepreneurship Institute director encouraged Minor to compete in Seed for Startups, a business competition that she won, securing initial funding. Today, Minor owns the store Beadology in Provo, where anyone can make a beaded accessory or jewelry piece. She was also named one of Utah Valley BusinessQ's 40 Under 40 in 2024. “UVU is a place where you can make amazing things happen,” Minor said.

Inspiring
Innovation

Hands-on learning and real-world experience are at the heart of UVU’s educational approach. We empower our students to innovate by immersing them in collaborative projects, cutting-edge research, and entrepreneurial ventures. By providing the resources and opportunities students need to develop and implement their ideas, UVU ensures they are well-equipped to become the leaders and problem-solvers of the future.

Line icon of a lightbulb.

+16.2%
Since 2020, UVU has seen a 16.2% increase in students completing internships.

UVU Career and Internship Center

Photo:
Nathan “Regi” Reginato
Mechanical Engineering Major
Semi-Pro Soccer Player

 

UVU’s Innovation Academy Inspires the Next Generation of Leaders

Launched in 2022, the Innovation Academy is a dynamic hub that fosters creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking among students. By embracing innovation, mentorship, and global awareness, UVU equips students to be trailblazers in their fields.

College students can embrace their entrepreneurial spirit and drive positive change with unique programs, like the Capitol Reef Field Station, the Career and Internship Center, Excelerate (integrating course curricula with projects for external partners), the Excellence and Innovation Initiative (e2i) (supports student projects through industry collaboration and mentoring), study abroad programs, Empowered Professionals of Tomorrow, and more.

Over the past year, programs like the Jobs CEO Council and mentorship efforts have had a particular impact on the UVU community.

Students from the UVU-FanX Studios Writer’s Room pose on stairs on UVU’s Orem Campus with Hollywood screenwriter Ed Neumeier.

New Writer’s Room Gives Students Real-World Screenwriting Experience

In a unique collaboration between UVU’s Innovation Academy, FanX Studios, and Hollywood screenwriter Ed Neumeier, five UVU film students joined the inaugural UVU-FanX Studios Writer’s Room. Through the program, students gain real-world screenplay writing experience under Neumeier’s mentorship and have paid opportunities to develop screenplays. Selected from a special digital cinema course, the students work on original screenplay ideas, refining their skills over six months with guidance from industry professionals and UVU mentors.

Representatives from UVU’s Jobs CEO Council pose outside of UVU’s Museum of Art at Lakemount with President Tuminez and other UVU executives.

Jobs CEO Council Ensures Students Receive Relevant

Part of the Innovation Academy, the Jobs CEO Council connects UVU with some of Utah’s largest employers, including Horrocks, Revere Health, Intermountain Health, Texas Instruments: LFAB, US Synthetic, Nu Skin, Awardco, Savory, Ancestry, Adobe, and Vivint. The council identifies how UVU can prepare students for their careers by ensuring curricula teach skills relevant to today’s most high-demand jobs. By providing consistent feedback and encouraging measurable improvement, the Jobs CEO Council ensures UVU graduates are well-equipped to meet Utah’s workforce needs, fostering the prosperity of the state and beyond.

Five UVU students wearing white lab coats stand and talk in a laboratory.

Faculty Drive Advancements Through Research

Over the past year, UVU faculty have conducted leading research, earning publication in prestigious peer-reviewed journals and other esteemed outlets. To celebrate these achievements, we have assembled various faculty publications showcasing the vast range and impact of scholarly work, spanning fields from biology to philosophy.

View Faculty Publications

25:1

UVU’s 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized education

(UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services, 2023-2024)


Committed to STEM


Four UVU students studying water resource research at Sundance Ski Resort smile at the camera while standing in the snow.

UVU and Sundance Collaborate on Utah Water Resource Research

A team of student researchers partnered with Sundance Ski Resort to advance water resource research in Utah. The project spanned disciplines from snowpack analysis to hydrology, leveraging Sundance's diverse ecological settings for robust sampling. The team studied factors like dust and black carbon deposition on snow to understand snowmelt acceleration. The initiative provided UVU students with hands-on fieldwork experience while promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.

A person wearing a floral top and jeans cuts a blue ribbon with giant scissors at a community event promoting a new educational plant walk in Vineyard, Utah.

Botany Students Partner With Vineyard City to Create Plant Walk

UVU botany students and Professor Ashley Egan partnered with the city of Vineyard in Oct. 2023 to create a unique educational plant walk along the Utah Lake Shoreline Trail near Sunset Beach Park. The project aims to enhance the community’s understanding of the local ecosystem while promoting conservation and outdoor learning. It will include permanent signage featuring common names, scientific names, and plant families of various plant species found on the trail, including QR codes that lead users to detailed online plant profiles and various educational activities for all ages.

Mechanical engineering and computer science students stand on an airfield while showing the operation of an autonomous electric airplane tug, which bears UVU’s logo.

Students Develop Autonomous Electric Airplane Tug to Transform Airport Operations

Working with two UVU professors, mechanical engineering and computer science students unveiled an autonomous electric airplane tug — technology that could transform airport operations by enhancing safety, conserving fuel, and promoting environmental sustainability. At the Provo Airport, the students showcased the prototype’s potential to revolutionize aircraft movement on the tarmac. With patents pending and commercial prospects on the horizon, estimates suggest substantial fuel savings and emission reductions equivalent to removing thousands of cars from the road annually.

Campus photo of Wolverine statue.

STEM Students Earn Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

UVU students Mikaela Cowles and Kyri Forman received the prestigious 2024 Goldwater Scholarships for their exceptional research in physics and biology. Cowles, a physics major, conducted notable astronomical research using the James Webb Space Telescope, while Forman, a biology major, made significant contributions to butterfly proteomics. Each will receive up to $7,500 annually for up to two years. Out of 1,353 nominees, only 438 students were selected as Goldwater Scholars this year, including five from Utah.

UVU alumnus Steve Lockhart, wearing a white shirt bearing the SkillCo logo, smiles while sitting on a green sofa.

Alumni Spotlight

Steve Lockhart


Hear his story here

A Nontraditional Path Leads to A Successful Local Business

UVU alumnus and Provo native Steve Lockhart’s nontraditional career path led him to create the Utah-based company SkillCo. He began his journey at UVU, and debated between pursuing business, political science, or law while working for the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. He found his passion in UVU’s hands-on, collaborative learning environment, taking four legislative internships and courses unrelated to his major. "The knowledge you can obtain from the different colleges on campus is immense,” he said. “Explore information that's interesting to you that will also benefit your life to come.”

After graduating with a degree in finance, Lockhart founded SkillCo to help students like him find careers that best match the skills they gain in college courses. Through his company, he gives back to higher education and enables students to find similar success. "UVU is a place to live in a dream and let it become reality,” Lockhart said.



Various insects labeled and categorized in a case.

Insect Insights: Students Contribute to Comprehensive Field Guide

Students from the UVU Department of Biology and Assistant Professor T. Heath Ogden worked together on a decade-long project to complete a book titled “The Insects of Capitol Reef: A Field Guide.” The book is a culmination of multiple grants, collection trips, curation, databasing, and years of preparing photos and illustrations. Undergraduate students carried out the research in UVU’s Ogden Lab.


This project would not have been possible without our fantastic science students. They have taken advantage of the unique hands-on learning experience within UVU and the College of Science and have been able to take part in the multiple research projects associated with the writing of this field guide.”

— Professor T. Heath Ogden


Arts and Humanities


Various UVU dance students wearing colorful leotards perform on a dark stage.

Ballet Students Learn From Complexions Contemporary Ballet

UVU students had the opportunity to learn from and perform with New York City-based ballet company Complexions Contemporary Ballet, one of the nation’s top ballet companies. After multiple hands-on instruction opportunities, the students collaborated on a performance in Feb. 2024.

Students from UVU’s Product Team smile in front of a map of the United States during an expedition to Boston, Massachusetts.

Student Web Design Team Embarks on ‘UXpedition’

UVU’s Product Team, a club for students majoring in web design and development, embarked on an engaged learning experience in Boston in Oct. 2023. Accompanied by Dan Hatch, associate professor teaching interaction and design at UVU, nine students met with industry-leading companies including iMotions and KPM, gaining first-hand knowledge about cutting-edge advancements in the field of user experience (UX) design and development. “This experience has given me a fresh perspective and ignited my passion for a chosen career,” said Product Team member and UVU student Jaxon Tilby.

Group photo of the cast and crew from a production of “The Sound of Music,” a collaboration between UVU Department of Theatrical Arts students and the Sundance Summer Theatre.

Harmony in the Hills: UVU Theatrical Arts Shines in Sundance Production

In its 15th year of collaboration, UVU’s Department of Theatrical Arts collaborated with Sundance Summer Theatre in the classic musical “The Sound of Music.” UVU students, faculty, staff, and alums worked as cast and crew but also assisted with costuming, set pieces, prop construction and management, and stage management.

UVU students from left to right. Breanna Lambert, Priscilla Villaseñor-Navarro, Addison Hansen.

Student Research Team Wins Award at the University of Oxford

UVU students Breanna Lambert, Priscilla Villaseñor-Navarro, and Addison Hansen competed in the University of Oxford’s “Map the System” research competition hosted by the Skoll Centre of Social Entrepreneurship. The competition encouraged teams to develop a deep understanding of the unjust systems they attempt to dismantle.

The team researched “The Lack of Comprehensive Sex Education for Utah Youth,” taking an equity-centered, system-thinking approach highlighting health and safety concerns throughout the state. The team won the “Underrepresented Community Voices Award” for its efforts to highlight the effects on local communities.

A person wearing a black shirt speaks into a microphone on a stage against a screen reading 'The Future of AI and Ecommerce.'

UVU's AI Leadership: Transforming Campus Life and Learning

UVU is taking proactive steps to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into campus operations, solidifying its position as a leader in educational innovation. The university has organized several key events and initiatives focused on AI, preparing students and staff for future technological advancements.

UVU established an AI Task Force to coordinate AI efforts, bringing together various departments to explore and implement AI solutions across campus. The task force is focused on optimizing AI usage to benefit students, faculty, and staff while enhancing the overall student experience responsibly, securely, ethically, and inclusively.


At UVU, we encourage students, faculty, and staff to embrace the use of AI to support learning in an appropriate and ethical way.”

— President Tuminez

UVU Provost and Senior Vice President F. Wayne Vaught shakes hands with the president of Snow College.


The collaboration between Snow College and UVU exemplifies the power of partnership in higher education.”

— Dr. F. Wayne Vaught, UVU Provost and Senior Vice President

UVU Expands Student Opportunities With Partnerships and Articulation Agreements

  • RMU Occupational Therapy Partnership: UVU and Rocky Mountain University (RMU) partnered in 2024 to create a pathway to obtain a doctorate in six years. Students can begin their education with UVU’s Bachelor of Health Sciences program, then attend RMU’s occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) program in their third year.
  • 6 Articulation Agreements With Bridgerland Tech: In 2024, UVU and Bridgerland Technical College (BTECH) signed six pathway agreements recognizing the work of BTECH students graduating in healthcare, automotive, construction, and technology by granting them 30-40 credit hours toward specific UVU associate and bachelor’s degrees.
  • MTECH Articulation Agreement: In 2023, UVU and Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) created a pathway for MTECH graduates in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and welding to earn associate degrees in business management. MTECH graduates get 28 UVU credit hours toward two-year business degrees, cutting the time to graduation in half.
  • Snow College Partnership: In 2024, Snow College and UVU announced an agreement allowing Snow students to earn a UVU bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Snow students with an associate degree or 60 credits in elementary education will be automatically accepted to UVU.

A student sprays a hose while standing near an airplane with the UVU Wolverine logo.

High Schoolers Earn Aviation Associate Degrees Through UVU Concurrent Enrollment

Cedar Valley High School in Eagle Mountain is the only Utah high school offering associate degrees in programs beyond general education, thanks to its partnership with UVU. Through UVU’s Concurrent Enrollment (CE) program, Cedar Valley allows its students and other students in the area to earn associate degrees in aviation. Faculty and pilots from UVU’s School of Aviation Sciences even visit classrooms and attend parent-teacher conferences, helping students begin their college careers before they’ve left high school. And thanks to CE’s low tuition rate of just $5 per credit, these high school students are set up to soar.

Table pace setting sign advertising 'The Green House'.

Student-Run Agency, The Green House, Pioneers Real-World Learning

UVU’s student-run marketing agency, the Green House, recognizes the pressing need for undergraduates to gain hands-on experience in today's job market. The agency offers digital marketing students the chance to participate in a semester-long learning lab, learning to provide digital audits and strategies to local businesses. Beyond mastering digital marketing techniques, students cultivate essential communication and conflict resolution abilities, equipping them for future careers.

In the past year, the Green House’s 60 paid students worked with 60+ businesses from various industries, surpassing $135,000 in client revenue. Of the students, 75% lacked previous experience, 30% are from diverse backgrounds, and 37% are first-generation students. Graduates from the program gained employment at local companies including 97th Floor, Wander, and WCF Insurance.

In 2023, the Green House received funding to increase its program reach:

  • $50K from WEX Bank
  • $10K from 97th Floor
  • $1M from Alan Hall Foundation, later holding a marketing and sales invitational that provided scholarship funding for high school students

Driving
Conversations

UVU has fostered meaningful dialogues through diverse gatherings, providing a platform for critical discussions that impact the local community and the broader state of Utah. These events have brought together thought leaders, industry experts, and community members to tackle pressing issues, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on solutions that drive positive change.

Icon of 2 figures with conversation bubble.

500+
community events were held on UVU campuses last year.

Photo:
Founder and CEO of Reparations
Club Jazzi McGilbert speaks at UVU during MLK Commemoration Week

 

Left: Former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan sits in a chair on a stage with former Utah Governor Gary Herbert. Top right: Two people pose with Nikki Haley, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Bottom right: A person wearing a suit and tie speaks into a microphone while seated at a table with others.

Educating Voters at the Herbert Institute for Public Policy

The Herbert Institute for Public Policy facilitated engaging discussions to encourage civic thought and leadership in students and community members by publishing three white papers and hosting numerous guest speakers. Visiting speakers included former House Speaker Paul Ryan, former presidential candidate Nikki Haley, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Elizabeth Truss, and Senator Mike Lee.

The institute’s three published white papers about election security were presented at the Brandon D. Fugal Gateway Building in Jan. 2024 in front of students, faculty, staff, and community members. The documents and the accompanying panel discussion provided an opportunity for voters, young and old, to think about the importance of making informed decisions that impact the future of the surrounding community.

Panelists with Global Engagement Office

Fostering Peace and Human Development Through Education

Scholars from across the country gathered in March 2024 to discuss the future of academia. Speakers shared their personal experiences educating the next generation of leaders and thinkers. Guest speakers included Senior Liaison Officer of UNESCO Lily Gray, UVU Assistant Professor Dr. Adam Ogurlu, Baltimore City Public Schools Representative Dr. Amna Afreen, Harvard University Preceptor of Arts and Sciences Dr. Gülnar Eziz, and University of Utah Professor Dr. Blair Bateman. Read about the Symposium

A person in a suit speaks into a microphone while standing on a stage at the Growth and Prosperity Summit and points at a screen showing a presentation titled 'Business Environment.'

UVU at the Forefront of Utah’s Growing Workforce

In Nov. 2023, UVU hosted the third annual Growth and Prosperity Summit in partnership with the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. With nearly 500 future-forward thinkers in attendance, the summit lent the stage to speakers from the Chamber and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget. The summit focused on Utah’s rapidly expanding population and the future of education, transportation, air quality, infrastructure, workforce development, and more. Read about the Summit

Political activist Dr. Cornel West, wearing a black suit, speaks into a microphone on UVU campus.

Continuing Dr. King’s Legacy

With the theme “Dream Again, March Forward,” UVU’s 30th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Week included breakout sessions led by community guest speakers, a keynote address from Dr. Cornel West, and an endnote address from Jazzi McGilbert, founder and CEO of the Reparations Club. While topics varied from session to session, the event’s overarching message of creating a beloved community through education and love rang strong. Read about the Lecture

Headshot of Dr. Adam Ogurlu, an assistant professor at UVU


Academic freedom is essential to quality education, quality teaching, and quality research.”

— Dr. Adam Ogurlu, UVU Assistant Professor

Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Curtis Blair, wearing a gray suit and yellow tie, speaks at a podium.


Education and workforce development is one of our key seven pillars of growth. You cannot have businesses thriving if you do not have a qualified workforce.”

— Curtis Blair, President and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce

Students handle small plants in the UVU greenhouse.

Thinking Green for a Better Future

In the blossoming spring of April 2024, UVU hosted its third annual Sustainability Summit. Bringing together experts in water, transportation, engineering, ethics, business, and government, the summit’s four panels focused on identifying challenges and solutions in global sustainability. Following the panels, attendees went on a campus sustainability tour and learned about UVU’s geothermal plant, campus transportation and air efforts, the GRIT Garden, and more.


For UVU students preparing for the workforce, increased sustainability literacy will improve their ability to contribute higher quality, more meaningful work, no matter their chosen industry or field of study.”

— Sarah Bateman, UVU Sustainability Outreach Program Manager

Sharon McMahon, wearing a blue dress, speaks on stage during an event at the UCCU Center.

Celebrating History on a Sold-Out Stage

In Oct. 2023, “America’s Civics Teacher” Sharon McMahon took the UCCU Center stage to address thousands of the “governerds” in her fandom. Known for sharing stories about little-known historical figures on her popular podcast “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting,” McMahon was the keynote speaker for the UVU Center for Constitutional Studies’ fall civics-educator conference.

McMahon challenged attendees to recognize their own power, remember past lessons from history, and work together to improve their communities and the country.


What you do matters, so it is time to choose how you want it to matter — what kind of difference you want it to make.”

— Sharon McMahon, Author, Podcast Host, and Social Media Influencer

Photo of four people on stage at the Women and AI Symposium on UVU’s Orem Campus.

Groundbreaking Women and AI Symposium Hosted at UVU

Early spring provided a fitting backdrop to blossoming conversations surrounding the world of AI. The Women and AI Symposium welcomed esteemed panelists who shared their experiences with the technology. Heather Nemelka, Marissa Saunders, and Becky Edwards were lead panelists for the discussions. UVU served as an ideal location for the event and provided ample opportunity for attendees to connect and network.


By offering events such as this, UVU can better understand and address the needs of local industries as we develop applied artificial intelligence degrees from associate to master’s level.”

— Dr. Anne Arendt, Associate Dean of UVU’s Smith College of Engineering and Technology

President Tuminez and The Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones sit in chairs on a stage during the Presidential Lecture Series.

Wearing a suit and tie, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Martin Baron shakes hands with a UVU student while another student looks on.

The Rolling Stones Bassist and Former Washington Post Editor Visit UVU

UVU’s fall and spring Presidential Lecture Series events gave students, faculty, staff, and UVU community members unique opportunities to listen to addresses from The Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and editor Martin Baron.

In his lecture, Baron reflected on his over 40-year career in journalism, noting that his field is going through a “period of radical reinvention” as the world adapts to 24-hour news cycles, social media, and generative AI.

In addition to giving a lecture, Jones attended a screening of “Darryl Jones: In the Blood” at The Noorda and participated in an hour-long Q&A with Eric Hamburg, the documentary film’s director.


To all of the students here [at UVU], I would say, try to take advantage of your time here. It’s like a catapult: The more you learn here, the more force you have as you go out into the world.”

— Darryl Jones, The Rolling Stones Bassist

Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, wearing a floral dress, sings into a microphone during an event at The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts.

Community Gathers at The Noorda to Experience the Arts

The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts is a vibrant hub where the community can come together to enjoy diverse and enriching cultural experiences. This season, The Noorda featured internationally renowned performers in music, dance, and theatre, including Grammy-winner Keb' Mo', Tony-winner Renée Elise Goldsberry, the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra, Grammy-winner Kalani Pe'a, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, the Utah Symphony, and many more.

President Tuminez, wearing a green and white floral blouse and black pants, speaks on stage during the UVU Data Summit event.

Unlocking the Academic Potential of Data

UVU Digital Transformation (Dx) hosted the third annual UVU Data Summit in Nov. 2023. Throughout the two-day summit, speakers discussed UVU unlocking its potential by using data to make informed decisions about students, courses, community outreach, and more. Speakers included President Tuminez, UVU Vice President of Digital Transformation Christina Baum, USHE Senior Assistant Commissioner for Data Governance Laura Zemp, and Brigham Young University Computer Science Professor David Wingate.

Pacific island dancers on stage.

UVU Hosts Annual Intercollegiate Showcase

The Utah Pasifika Intercollegiate Association held its fourth annual showcase in March 2024 at UVU’s Rebecca Lockhart Arena. Each year, participating universities are assigned one of the six major island nations in the Pacific to represent through song and dance. UVU represented the Cook Islands. The showcase is an opportunity for students to share their talents while teaching audiences about the rich cultural histories of each island nation.

A student wearing glasses and a black and white striped shirt places a blue sticky note on a word wall celebrating native languages.

Honoring the Languages of UVU

In honor of International Mother Language Day, UVU students, faculty, and staff shared their heritages in Feb. 2024. A word wall in the Hall of Flags featured words written in people’s mother languages, and the event included a multicultural performance night. A mother language poster competition also created opportunities for participants to celebrate the many voices of UVU.

UVU students wearing white lab coats conduct work in a lab.

Over 1,000 Undergraduates Share Research at UVU

In Feb. 2024, students from 10 Utah universities shared research on topics ranging from art to molecular biology at the Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research. The event featured keynote addresses from former Senior DreamWorks Vice President and current FanX Studios CEO Brent Baum, and UVU Associate Provost of Academic Innovation Tammy Clark. Dr. Brad Cairns and Dr. Donald Ayer of the Huntsman Cancer Institute also hosted special sessions about cancer research.

Five adults, one with a baby, sign American Sign Language on a stage

Gaining Insights About the Deaf Community

In April 2024, the UVU College of Humanities and Social Sciences observed National American Sign Language (ASL) Day by hosting a deaf life panel facilitated by UVU ASL and deaf studies lecturer Chad Kennedy. ASL students gained insights into interpreting for deaf and hard-of-hearing community members as they navigate everyday life.

Women of UVU Lead International Women’s Day Panel

International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024, gave UVU the opportunity to discuss women's progress in the world through a panel discussion moderated by and comprised of UVU faculty and staff. Panelists were joined by Maryna Storrs, head of global HR at Partner.Co and CEO and founder of the Ukrainian Center Utah “Dzherelo.” Panelists discussed the necessity for women in the workforce and the endless potential women have to succeed in the world.

Renowned Philosopher Advocates for Animal Rights

In Sept. 2023, University of Chicago professor Dr. Martha Nussbaum advocated for treating animals with respect to a standing room-only audience at UVU. In her lecture, “Justice for Animals: Practical Progress Through Philosophical Theory,” Nussbaum emphasized that animals, despite their inability to communicate like humans, deserve freedom of speech and dignity. She stressed that animals need not be human-like to deserve dignity and urged humans to advocate for animals by understanding their lives and concerns. Her proposed rights include life, bodily health, emotions, and control over one’s environment.


In Orem, Utah, I encountered one of the most heartening scenes in higher education that I have witnessed in my long career.”

— Dr. Martha Nussbaum

Headshot of Dr. Martha Nussbaum, renowned philosopher.

 

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Jennifer Howell, wearing a black shirt and jacket, holds a microphone while lecturing on stage.

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September 2023

Woodbury Lecture Series: Jennifer Howell

Emmy Award-winning producer and senior entertainment executive Jennifer Howell hosted workshops and a keynote address about scriptwriting, animation and film, acting, and more.

Read More

Thurl Bailey, wearing a gray suit, speaks into a microphone on stage.

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October 2023

Annual UVU Conference on Mental Health

Former NBA star Thurl Bailey gave the keynote address at the UVU Conference on Mental Health hosted by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Read More

Headshot of Hannah Rowntree, founder of R.E.C.CLAIM UTAH.

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January 2024

Roots of Knowledge Speaker Series: R.E.C.Claim Utah

The Resources, Support, and Healing for QTBIPOC Women in Outdoor Recreation (R.E.C.CLAIM UTAH) co-founders and team spoke about making Utah’s outdoor spaces open to all.

Watch Session

Utah businessman Brandon Fugal, wearing a suit and tie, speaks on UVU campus.

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February 2024

Woodbury Lecture Series: Brandon Fugal

During his keynote address, influential Utah businessman and Colliers International Chairman Brandon Fugal encouraged UVU students to seek opportunities amid adversity.

Photo of actors on stage in costume for 'Into the Woods'.

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April 2024

UVU Theatre Performs Comedic Rendition of "Into the Woods"

The School of the Arts ended its 2023-24 season with a playful interpretation of “Into the Woods” by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim.

Read More

 

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Celebrating
Achievements

UVU aims to empower students through engaged teaching, services, and scholarship. All across campus, our efforts are focused on ensuring students have the support and resources to reach their potential so they can make meaningful contributions to their families, employers, and communities. We are proud of the amazing things our Wolverines have achieved over the past year, and we can’t wait to see what they do next.

92%
UVU athletes have a 92% graduation rate

UVU Athletics, 2023-2024

Photo:
Tanner Toolson
Freshman guard, men’s basketball
Exercise science major

 

A group of UVU students participating in SkillsUSA pose for a photo during the national competitions in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dominance Continues at SkillsUSA

Year after year, Wolverines have excelled at state and national SkillsUSA competitions. UVU ranked top in the nation at the SkillsUSA Championship, winning medals in 12 categories. Competing in Atlanta, 19 UVU students secured five gold, five silver, and two bronze medals, surpassing all other post-secondary institutions. UVU's performance highlighted its dominance in skilled trades, outperforming 41 states.


Our success at SkillsUSA continues to prove that UVU is one of the top universities in the nation.”

— Darin Taylor, UVU SkillsUSA Director

UVU Ethics Bowl team members pose for a photo, some holding trophies the team has won.

Tackling Moral Dilemmas at the Ethics Bowl

The UVU Ethics Bowl team finished its year strong by placing fourth at the national 28th annual Association for Practical and Professional Ethics Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl in Cincinnati in Feb. and by sweeping the Wasatch Regional Ethics Bowl last fall. UVU’s team beat Yale University, San José State University, the University of Maryland, Coastal Carolina University, and 36 others to reach its national fourth-place finish.

ACF Student Pastry Chef of the Year Kambree Thomas

American Culinary Federation Sweet on UVU

UVU Culinary Arts Institute student Kambree Thomas won Student Pastry Chef of the Year during the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Convention held in New Orleans in July 2023, marking the second year in a row UVU has had a student win Student Pastry Chef of the Year. Thomas prepared an homage to the city of New Orleans and Mardi Gras: a chicory coffee entremets cake and bananas foster ice cream, garnished with a fleur-de-lis cookie and figs.

Headshot of UVU Culinary Arts Institute student Kambree Thomas, who is wearing a white chef’s hat and coat.

Scrappy W0LV3R1NES Take Second Place at National Cybersecurity Challenge

Students from UVU’s cybersecurity team, the “W0LV3R1NES,” placed second out of 43 prestigious university and military academy teams in the international Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge in Washington, D.C., in March 2024, sponsored by the Atlantic Council. The UVU team was the only full group of undergraduates in the competition, facing and defeating master’s and doctorate students from Columbia University, the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, Arizona State University, and many others.

Students from UVU’s mixed-use construction management team pose for a group photo while wearing medals they won in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 6 and 7 competition in Sparks, Nevada.

UVU Construction Management Built to Win

UVU’s mixed-use construction management team took home first place in the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC) Region 6 and 7 student competition, held Feb. 2024 in Sparks, Nevada. More than 1,700 students from 22 states and 55 universities showcased their construction management skills and knowledge. During the intense competition, the teams were assigned a real-world construction problem sponsored by an industry partner and given approximately 14 hours to develop a comprehensive proposal that included total cost estimates, site logistics plans, safety measures, project schedules, and unique construction strategies.

UVU alumna Kiana McAllister, wearing a black shirt with a white collar, smiles while sitting on a green sofa.

Alumni Spotlight

Kiana McAllister


Hear her story here

Making Waves From UVU to Oxford

For UVU alumna, Utah native, and nontraditional student Kiana McAllister, attending college while raising three little ones was often challenging. Resources like UVU’s Wee Care Center and Financial Aid and Scholarships Office proved invaluable. With that support, she advanced to the next stage in her college career: working with the UVU Center for Constitutional Studies on The Quill Project and partnering with the University of Oxford.

At Oxford, she presented original research and interacted with some of the world’s most renowned historians. McAllister’s experience gave her the confidence to set her sights higher, and she is now working on her master’s degree and hopes to one day teach at the place where her life changed: Utah Valley University.


Students from UVU’s College of Science, who competed in the 'Bench to Bedside' competition at the Utah State Capitol, smile while posing with a giant check for $5,000, which they won in the competition

Science Students Win in 'Bench to Bedside' Competition

UVU College of Science students competed in the “Bench to Bedside” competition at the Utah State Capitol and won Best in Science against 32 other teams, along with a $5,000 award. This event involves developing and pitching a novel medical device, including a marketing plan, pitch video, white paper, market research, and more.

A group of UVU biotechnology students wearing white lab coats smile together in a UVU lab.

Blooming Success for UVU Biotechnologists at Paris Competition

A team of UVU student biotechnologists presented their research to reduce Utah Lake’s harmful algal blooms at the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Grand Jamboree competition from Nov. 2-5 in Paris, France, and walked away with a silver medal for their progress in solving the problem. The students focused on cleaning up Utah Lake because algal blooms are local and international problems.

Four students from the UVU financial planning team do the Wolverine sign with their hands at the AFCPE 2023 Knowledge Bowl.

Financial Planning Team Claims Top Spot in National Knowledge Bowl

The UVU financial planning team is still celebrating its first-place finish at the AFCPE 2023 Knowledge Bowl last fall. The bowl is a game-show-style competition that includes a series of rigorous questions about financial planning, budgeting, and laws and regulations. The UVU team members — Andrew Mathis, Maddy Snizek, and Aaron Love — competed against big-name universities across the U.S. in New Orleans and showcased their deep knowledge of financial planning.

The UVU women’s soccer team, along with coaches and family members, pose for a group photo with their WAC Championship trophy in front of a soccer goal on the field.

Second Straight WAC Title for Women’s Soccer

The UVU women’s soccer team claimed its second consecutive WAC championship in 2023 and its third title since 2020. The team earned a national top-25 ranking multiple times during the season, and senior defender Sydney Bushman was named an Academic All-American before joining the Wolverine coaching staff.

Senior forward Heather Stainbrook became the first Wolverine women’s soccer player to sign a contract in the National Women’s Soccer League, the country's highest level of professional soccer. She joined the Washington Spirit in March and made her NWSL debut against the Chicago Red Stars in May.

UVU rodeo team member Sam Carson, wearing a cowboy hat and a green vest with the UVU Wolverine logo, jumps from a moving horse to wrestle a steer during the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming.

Student Wins College National Finals Rodeo

Sam Carson won first place in steer wrestling at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming, in June 2024. Carson's victory earned him a traditional belt buckle, scholarship awards, and the inaugural Spirit of the Cowboy Award. The title held special significance for Carson, whose older brother Ben won the same title for UVU in 2012.

The UVU Green Man Group, the UVU cheer team, and the UVU dance team pose together in front of a UVU truck.

UVU Cheer, Dance, Green Man Group Reign Supreme

UVU’s Cheer Team, Dance Team, and Green Man Group were collectively named Game Day Division 1 (D-1) National Champions at the 2024 NCA Cheerleading Competition in Daytona Beach, Florida. “The talent and atmosphere at the national competitions are electric,” said UVU Spirit Squad Director Kati Marsing. “And our students were simply amazing. We are very proud of them.”

Members of the UVU women’s track and field team pose together on UVU’s Orem Campus, wearing white jerseys and holding their WAC trophy.

Women’s Track and Field Capture First-Ever WAC Championship

UVU women’s track and field ran away with the WAC Outdoor Track and Field Championship in May 2024 after record-breaking performances from Paige Young, Olivia Pixton, Calia Odekirk, and Kelsi Oldroyd.

UVU baseball team members, wearing Utah Valley jerseys, cheer and celebrate on a baseball field.

UVU Baseball Beats In-State Rival

The Wolverines had another successful season on the diamond, including a road win over crosstown rivals Brigham Young University in March. They also swept in-state and WAC rivals Utah Tech University in a three-game series. UVU catcher Burke Camper was named a semifinalist for the Buster Posey Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate catcher. Second baseman Daniel Dickinson and fellow catcher Luke Iverson joined Camper on the 2024 All-WAC team.

A Utah Valley lacrosse player, wearing a green and white jersey and a green helmet, plays on a lacrosse field.

Lacrosse Sees Best Season in UVU History

In a stunning victory in May 2024, the Utah Valley lacrosse team became just the second team in D-I tournament history to win a first-round game as a No. 14 seed. Later that month, the Wolverines made their first appearance in the MCLA Division I national championship, competing against BYU. The Wolverines lost, but enjoyed their best season in university history.


Wolverine Athletes Excel On and Off the Field

92%

graduation rate

3.45

average cumulative GPA

4.0

18 athletes with cumulative 4.0 GPAs

Source: UVU Athletics


UVU Awards


UVU’s Faculty Success team — Laurie Toro, Trevor Morris, Bryan Cowley, and Wioleta Fedeczko, smile together at an award ceremony with the Impact Award trophy they won.

Faculty Success Team Honored With Impact Award

UVU’s Faculty Success team, including Faculty Development Director Laurie Toro, Faculty Development Program Manager Trevor Morris, Digital Transformation Systems Analyst Bryan Cowley, and Academic Affairs RTP Liaison Wioleta Fedeczko, received the Impact Award from Watermark software in June 2024. The award recognizes exceptional institutional, student, or community impact. The team, praised for bridging technology and faculty interests, also presented a popular session at the conference.

A large group of women pose together at an event celebrating the fact that Utah Governor Spencer Cox recognized UVU as one of the 100 Utah-based businesses championing women.

Recognition for Championing Women

Utah Governor Spencer Cox recognized UVU as one of the 100 Utah-based businesses championing women. UVU was the only university to receive the designation by the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.

Photo of the UVU CARE Hub van, which is white and has graphics of fruit and vegetables on it.

CARE Hub Receives Regional Award

The UVU CARE Hub’s student food access program received the 2023 NASPA Region V Innovative Program Award, given to a college or university that has developed an outstanding program that has benefited students and enhanced campus life. UVU’s CARE Hub is dedicated to helping students connect to resources that help them address food insecurity, mental health, safety, and housing issues.

A student in a suit and green tie speaks in front of an audience.

UVU Leadership Development Honored

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) presented UVU’s People and Culture division with its 2023 Excellence and Innovation Award for Leadership Development and Diversity. People and Culture received the national award for its Leadership Competency Experience program, which teaches hiring committees how to effectively hire new supervisors with the right skills and provides ongoing leadership training.

A UVU campus advertisement featuring six UVU students on UVU campus, along with a logo of the Circle of Excellence Award the advertisement campaign won.

UVU’s ‘A Place for You’ Brand Campaign Receives Two National Awards

UVU’s University Marketing and Communications department received two gold Circle of Excellence awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the UVU: A Place for You comprehensive campaign. The awards specifically recognized the A Place for You branding campaign’s marketing materials, including videos and ads, as well as the A Place for You campus photo installations, which were placed around campus and produced by UVU’s in-house photography team.

Logo of the Utah Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Organization

Energy Champions

The UVU Facilities department, led by Associate Vice President of Facilities Planning Frank Young, Assistant Director of Central Plant Scott Draper, and Lead HVAC II Specialist Darren Brough, was selected as the 2023 Energy Champion for the Education category from the Utah Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Organization. They were recognized for their work on UVU’s 14-building retro-commissioning/monitoring-based commissioning project.

A representative from the Utah College of Science smiles while wearing a jacket emblazoned with the UVU Wolverine logo.

College of Science Receives ‘Friends of UtSTA’ Award

The UVU College of Science (CoS) was awarded the “Friends of UtSTA” award by the Utah Science Teaching Association (UtSTA). CoS was recognized for its unwavering support of educators in science and STEM, as well as its leadership in promoting STEM education in Utah. CoS is known for providing excellent science education that prepares students for successful careers after graduation.

Photo of the UVU Wee Care Center’s playground.

Wee Care Center Receives National High-Quality Rating

The UVU Wee Care Center received a “high-quality” certification from Utah’s Child Care Quality System (CCQS). The CCQS rating system was created by Utah’s Office of Child Care through Utah Workforce Services. The “high-quality” certification is given to programs that create environments focusing on children’s health and safety.

Representatives from UVU’s SMARTLab, wearing white lab coats, smile with a Best of State Award trophy they won.

SMARTLab Wins Best of State Award

The SMARTLab, UVU's neuromarketing research lab, received the Best of State Award for the Best Analytical Lab in Utah for the eighth consecutive year in April 2024. The lab once again outperformed 14 other nominees, including Brigham Young University, Disruptive Advertising, and Bonneville Communications.



2024 Awards of Excellence

In April 2024, the UVU Presidential and Board of Trustees Awards of Excellence recognized and honored 10 full-time faculty and staff members who dedicate their time and talents to students, scholarship, and the advancement of higher education. Through their work, these employees nurture student success and uphold the ideals that make UVU a place for all students.

Board of Trustees Awards of Excellence

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Spencer Childs

Senior Director, Concurrent Enrollment

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Christie Denniston

Associate Vice President, Strategic Engagement, Institutional Advancement

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John Curl

Director, Financial Aid and Scholarships

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Claudia Jorgensen

Associate Professor, Behavioral Science

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Amy L. Smith

Assistant Director, People and Culture

Presidential Awards of Excellence

Headshot of Jon Anderson

Jon Anderson

Associate Professor, Mathematical/Quantitative Reasoning

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Jon Barclay

Deputy Chief Information Security Officer

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Weihong Wang

Associate Professor, Earth Science

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Josh Berndt

Director of Internal Communications, University Marketing and Communications

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Chris Lemay

Head Coach, UVU Women’s Soccer

Community Faculty and Staff Awards and Recognitions

Headshot of Robert Allen

Robert Allen

Robert D. Allen, the new dean of UVU’s Woodbury School of Business, was honored by the American Accounting Association (AAA) for his leadership service at the association’s national convention in Denver, Colorado.

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Cheung Chau

UVU Associate Professor of Music Cheung Chau received a Bronze Award for Conductor in the Professional Orchestra category as part of The American Prize, a nonprofit competition designed to evaluate, recognize, and reward the best performers, ensembles, composers, and conductors in the U.S.

Headshot of Steven Clark

Steven Clark

Dean Steven Clark from UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Extraordinary Options for Ordinary People, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to support organizations with connections and education about mental health resources and support.

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Francine Jensen

Francine Jensen, associate professor of nursing at UVU, was named one of Utah Business’ 22 Healthcare Heroes of 2023, an honor given to healthcare workers who have made it their mission to improve health in Utah.

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Matthew Potts

Associate Athletic Director Matthew Potts was named one of Utah Valley BusinessQ’s 40 Under 40 in 2024. The publication recognized Potts for his dedication to UVU Athletics and his fundraising efforts for the university's athletic programs.

Headshot of Rasha Qudisat

Rasha Qudisat

UVU Chief Engagement and Effectiveness Officer Dr. Rasha Qudisat was selected by Utah Business as one of 24 recipients of the Living Color Awards. The Living Color Awards highlight individuals in the community who work toward a more equitable and inclusive future for Utah.

Headshot of Sally Rocks

Sally Rocks

Dr. Sally Rocks, associate professor of inorganic chemistry at UVU, received the American Chemical Society (ACS) 2023 Utah Award: Outstanding Educator at a Primarily Teaching Institution in Nov. 2024. “She brings the deep applied skills she developed at that job, plus a passion for student success, to UVU,” said UVU College of Science Dean Daniel Horns.

Headshot of Kara Schneck

Kara Schneck

UVU Vice President of Marketing and Communications and Chief of Staff Kara Schneck was named an Executive Excellence Honoree by Utah Business, an award highlighting executives’ strategic vision, resilient leadership, and profound influence. She was featured in Utah Business magazine and honored at an awards luncheon in June.

Headshot of Wendy Simmerman

Wendy Simmerman

UVU Senior Director of Workforce Alignment Wendy Simmerman was named a "Workforce Development Hero" by the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP), an honor bestowed to professionals who support job seekers and employers.

Headshot of Jared Sumsion

Jared Sumsion

Athletics Director Jared Sumsion was named the Division I-AAA Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). The award celebrates the dedication and positive impact of athletics directors at all levels, acknowledging their commitment to student-athletes, campuses, and surrounding communities.

New Leaders Join UVU

Headshot of Kedric Black

Kedric Black Named AVP of Finance

Kedric Black was selected as the new UVU associate vice president of Finance. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business management and accounting from Utah State University. Black joined UVU nearly 20 years ago, and has held roles including senior accountant and university controller.

Headshot of Brian Hall

Brian Hall Appointed AVP of Platform Technologies

UVU appointed Brian Hall as its new associate vice president of platform technologies in 2023. Hall has over 20 years of experience in enterprise IT leadership, with most of his time spent in the food and beverage industry.

Headshot of Wioleta Fedeczko

Wioleta Fedeczko Named Faculty Senate President

English Professor Dr. Wioleta Fedeczko began serving as Faculty Senate President in 2023. Fedeczko holds a Ph.D. in English rhetoric and composition from Miami University of Ohio and teaches numerous English classes at UVU.

Headshot of Cameron Archibald

Cameron Archibald Named AVP of Commercial and Auxiliary Services

Cameron Archibald was named associate vice president of commercial and auxiliary services in June 2024, with a focus on diversifying the university’s revenue sources. Archibald holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics from the University of Utah and is a graduate of the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

New Members Join UVU Foundation Board

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Chris Bae

Founder and CEO of Enhanced Digital Group

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Chelsey Curtis

Grants Manager at The Kahlert Foundation

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Brian Epperson

CEO of Target River

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Arturo Soza

Patient Access Supervisor at R1 RCM

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Shauna Smith

CEO of Savory Restaurant Fund

Headshot of Trina Limpert

Trina Limpert

CEO and Founder of RizeNext Corporation

Board of Trustees

UVU's Board of Trustees consists of prominent leaders who foster positive changes for students and staff. Their unwavering commitment to student success and inclusive education supports and enhances the university's culture of excellence.

Headshot of Rick Nielsen

Rick Nielsen

Chair of the Board, Superintendent of Nebo School District

Headshot of Paul Thompson

Paul Thompson

Former Weber State University President

Headshot of Jeremy Hafen

Jeremy Hafen

President and CEO of Clyde Companies

Headshot of Scott Smith

Scott Smith

First Vice Chair, Qualtrics Co-Founder, Philanthropist, Educator

Headshot of Blake Modersitzki

Blake Modersitzki

Managing Partner at Pelion Venture Partners, Investment Leader

Headshot of Mimi Barney

Mimi Barney

2024-2025 Student Body President

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Jeanette Bennett

Second Vice Chair, Founder and CEO of Bennett Communcations

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Noel Vallejo

Founder and CEO of TestOut

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Clark Collings

Secretary to the Board, UVU General Counsel

Headshot of Andrea Clarke

Andrea Clarke

Founder and Co-Chair of the Labor and Honor Foundation

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Kara North

Managing Partner at Moxie Law Group, Chair of the UVU Alumni Board and UVU Foundation Board Member

Black and white photo showing the recipients of Utah Business Women of the Year, including UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez.

Exceptional Honors for President Tuminez

President Tuminez received multiple awards and honors recognizing her continued vision and leadership. She was named a Woman of the Year in 2023 by Utah Business, which described her as the “quintessential torchbearer of human potential.”

She was one of 15 recipients of The Outstanding Filipinos Award (TOFA), a recognition that spotlights the contributions of Filipinos who have made their marks on the global stage. The publication 40 Over 40 named President Tuminez in its exclusive list in 2023. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching also named her a Carnegie Postsecondary Commission member.

A UVU advisor sits at a desk and meets with a UVU student.

UVU Advisors Recognized for Excellence in Advising

The National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) recognized three UVU advisors as part of the 2024 NACADA Region 10 Excellence in Advising Awards: First-Year Advising Center Director Elaine Lewis, College of Health and Public Service Advisor Christina Fife, and First-Year Advising Center Counselor Cole Bertelsen. All were recognized for their outstanding efforts to provide UVU students with exceptional care and support.

2024 Alumni Award Winners

In Feb. 2024, UVU honored alums and community members who live the university's mission and have distinguished themselves through career success and efforts in supporting students.

Headshot of Lindsay C. Lewis, Alumni Impact Award winner.

Alumni Impact Award

Lindsay C. Lewis ‘15 MBA ‘17

Headshot of Shauna Smith, Honorary Alumni Award winner.

Honorary Alumni Award

Shauna Smith

Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) logo.

University Partner Award

Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU)

Headshot of Travis M. Hansen, Distinguished Alumni Award winner.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Travis M. Hansen ‘00

Headshot of Janis F. Lindley, Wilson W. Sorensen Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

Wilson W. Sorensen Lifetime Achievement Award

Janis F. Lindley

Investing
in the Next
Generation

UVU is grateful to the Utah Legislature, donors, alums, and community partners for their invaluable contributions to the university’s ongoing development and achievements. Each donation enables us to offer life-changing educational opportunities to deserving students. Together, we’re impacting students’ lives and cultivating excellence and innovation that extend to our community, state, and country. By investing in higher education, we are paving the way for the next generation's success.

$871,000
was raised for student scholarships at the
2023 President's Scholarship Ball

Icon of coins stacked.

President Tuminez, Scott M. Smith, Karen Smith, and other UVU representatives, wear white UVU construction hard hats and shovel dirt during the groundbreaking for the new Scott M. Smith Building.

UVU Breaks Ground on State-of-the-art Engineering Building

UVU broke ground on the Scott M. Smith Building on Sept. 21, 2023, in an event attended by Qualtrics co-founder Scott M. Smith and his wife, Karen Smith — the donors who made the building possible. Slated for completion in 2025, the five-story building will support 6,000+ engineering and technology students and serve as a state-of-the-art learning facility for Utah’s future engineers.


We have received much from UVU. Our children and our neighbors have been educated here. We interact with and are served by students. Everywhere we go in the valley, any business we go to, there are individuals from UVU that are there … I simply want you to know how grateful we are for the opportunity to contribute. You’re our friends, and we thank you.”

— Scott M. Smith, Qualtrics Founder and Building Donor

President Astrid S. Tuminez cuts a yellow ribbon with giant scissors alongside a woman in a red dress at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Young Living Alumni Center building.

UVU Opens Doors to New Alumni Building

On Aug. 18, 2023, UVU celebrated the opening of the Young Living Alumni Center, a new hub for alums to network, advance their careers, and plan their futures. The center accommodates UVU’s rapidly growing alumni community, 77% of whom remain in Utah a decade after graduation. President Tuminez emphasized the center’s role in UVU’s evolution and impact. The center also houses the Institutional Advancement department, which supports scholarships and university initiatives.

UVU presidential interns and UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez dance on stage at the 2023 President’s Scholarship Ball in front of a large audience.

President's Scholarship Ball Secures Scholarship Funds to Empower Students

UVU's 33rd annual President's Scholarship Ball raised over $871,000, contributing to an impressive $100 million endowment that has nearly doubled in the past five years. This milestone supports the university's mission to provide critical scholarships for students, especially those who are first-generation.

Since its inception, the President's Scholarship Ball has funded nearly $3 million in scholarships.

During the 2023-2024, academic year
5,842
students received
$24.3 million
in institutional scholarships

UVU Financial Aid and Scholarships Office


Freshman Housing Partnership Announced

UVU announced a new public-private partnership for freshman housing with The Green, a student housing community east of the Orem Campus. The partnership sets aside specific apartments for first-year UVU students, enabling them to be near their peers. Residential Community Leaders will help them navigate UVU’s social and academic resources, such as UVU’s First-Year Advising Center. Residents will also have access to weekly university-related events and amenities, including private rooms, study rooms, a swimming pool, hot tubs, a fitness center, and music rooms with pianos.

Clockwise from top left: 1. President Astrid S. Tuminez and other UVU representatives, wearing construction hard hats, shovel dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new UCCU Soccer Stadium on UVU’s Orem Campus. 2. Close-up photo of soccer students, the Green Man Group, and others waving pom-poms and cheering during the UCCU Soccer Stadium groundbreaking ceremony. 3. Soccer students, the Green Man Group, and others wave pom-poms and cheer during the UCCU Soccer Stadium groundbreaking ceremony. 4. Photo of the shovels used in the UCCU Soccer Stadium groundbreaking ceremony. 5. Close-up photo of a shovel and dirt during the UCCU Soccer Stadium groundbreaking ceremony.

New UCCU Soccer Stadium Will Elevate UVU Athletes

In April 2024, UVU broke ground on the UCCU Soccer Stadium, a world-class facility made possible by a $28.5 million donation from Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU), $20 million of which will go toward the stadium. The 22,000-square-foot facility will feature seating for 3,000 fans, team amenities, and luxury suites. The stadium is a valuable investment in supporting student-athlete success and creating a place for the community to gather and cheer on the Wolverines. The facility aims to elevate UVU soccer and foster a stronger community connection.


We anticipate with excitement the future events this stadium will host. This will be one of the premier soccer stadiums in all of the country. We look forward to cheering on the Wolverines in this stadium as they take collegiate soccer to a new level.”

— Bret VanAusdal, President and CEO of UCCU

Ice Scupture of UVU Mascot on a table at partnership event.

New Health and Wellness Village Unveiled at Vineyard Campus

In fall 2023, UVU announced a new Health and Wellness Village coming to UVU’s Vineyard Campus. The village will provide health services to Utah County’s growing community and will be a training ground for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The Health and Wellness Village is part of UVU’s master plan for the 225-acre Vineyard Campus. Students studying healthcare disciplines will have a dedicated space for hands-on learning and clinical trainings that provide vital services to the community. Through a collaborative effort, UVU will also partner with the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), which plans to establish a comprehensive cancer center in Vineyard.


This Health and Wellness Village will play an important role in meeting the state’s workforce needs of tomorrow and will align with the university’s model of engaged learning, with continues to set UVU apart.”

— President Tuminez

A group of women pose with President Astrid S. Tuminez during the 2024 Women’s Success Center luncheon.

Women’s Success Center Raises $477,172 to Empower All Students

UVU’s Women’s Success Center hosts an annual luncheon to raise scholarship funds for students of all genders. In March 2024, the luncheon raised $477,172 to assist UVU students.


I am extremely grateful for the scholarship I have received. Without it, I would have struggled to pay for my education. This scholarship not only helps me but also allows me to serve and support other women on campus. I am very lucky to have this opportunity.”

— Lexi Jackson, UVU Student and Women’s Success Center Scholarship Recipient

UVU students, faculty, staff, and executives speak with members of the Utah government in the rotunda of the Utah Capitol Building during UVU’s Day on the Hill.

UVU Day on the Hill

In Feb. 2024, dozens of UVU students and employees participated in UVU’s Day on the Hill, an annual opportunity for the university to share its successes and goals with legislators. The Utah Capitol Building’s rotunda included displays from the Herbert Institute for Public Policy, the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy, the Excellence and Innovation Initiative (e2i), and the Center for Constitutional Studies.

President Tuminez poses with a member of the Utah government in front of large, green UVU letters in the Utah Capitol Building.

Members of UVU’s Institutional Advancement Strategic Engagement team, wearing white UVU shirts and green UVU bucket hats, pose together for a group selfie.

EverGREEN Ambassador Program Wins CASE Gold Award

Helping donors become advocates for the university is essential to UVU’s Institutional Advancement Strategic Engagement team. The team launched the EverGREEN Ambassador Program in 2022 to boost strategic engagement with principal and major donors via social media and increase the use of the hashtag #EverGREEN among donors by 25%. The team met and exceeded those goals and received recognition through a 2023 CASE gold Circle of Excellence Award in the Targeted Constituency Engagement category.

UVU Obtains Transformative Resources

National Science Foundation logo.

$15 Million to Support First-Generation Students: In 2023, UVU achieved a five-year goal set in 2018 to raise $15 million to support first-generation students.

Science Grant for Researchers at USHE Institutions: The National Science Foundation granted $387,295 to a group of researchers at universities in the Utah System of Higher Education. One of the researchers involved, Dr. Weihong Wang, is an associate professor at UVU and chair of the Department of Earth Science.

$1.7 Million Engineering Research Grant: Five UVU engineering professors received a $1.7 million Civil and Mechanical (CAM) Engineering Scholarship Program grant from the National Science Foundation to fund 140 full-tuition scholarships over the next six years and support involved faculty and engineering experts.

Center for Constitutional Studies Quill Project Grant: The Center for Constitutional Studies received a National Archives grant of $350,000 to expand its student‐led digital modeling of state constitutional conventions in partnership with the University of Oxford on the Quill Project. The grant will help Quill complete its “50-in-10 Project” by 2030.

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UVU Secures Legislative Funding to Boost Student Success

During the 2024 Utah General Legislative Session, UVU achieved significant milestones by securing funding to empower students with workforce readiness and a deep understanding of civic thought and leadership. The university also obtained crucial funding to combat inflation and rising insurance premiums, ensuring continued excellence and support for its community.

Compensation

3%  cost of living compensation increase

7.2%  offset for mandatory health insurance increase

0.9%  offset for mandatory dental insurance increase

Performance funding

$5.4 million  ongoing (FY 2024)

$829K  ongoing (FY 2025)

 

Requests for appropriations

$300K  one-time funding for Jobs CEO Council

$125K  ongoing and $750k one-time funding for Utah Fire and Rescue Academy

$1.5 million  one-time funding for Civic Thought and Leadership Initiative

$250K  ongoing funding for Herbert Institute for Public Policy

Headshot of Leyssa Sevigne, UVU finance major.


This scholarship has unlocked previously closed doors, allowing me to pursue my objectives with strong tenacity. Its influence extends far beyond the financial support it offers. It has given me a great sense of validation, confirming that my hard work, devotion, and objectives have been noticed and supported.”

— Leyssa Sevigne ’26, Finance Major

Headshot of Todd Okeson, associate head coach of UVU men’s basketball.


As an employee, I choose to give back because I know that every student, no matter their background, can find success at UVU. When our community rallies around our students with scholarship opportunities or by expanding support services, we play a role in helping them find that success. I believe in UVU, and I believe in our students. Go, Wolverines!”

— Todd Okeson, Associate Head Coach of UVU Men’s Basketball and UVU Donor

EverGREEN Surpasses $100M Endowment Goal, Enhancing Scholarships and Campus Growth

EverGREEN, the inaugural comprehensive campaign for UVU, will impact every aspect of the campus, from engineering and athletics to the arts and automotive. While confronted with challenging economic conditions, the careful management and stewardship of donor resources have allowed the university to reach a $100 million endowment well ahead of schedule. In the past year, the number of endowed scholarships increased by 6.88%.

o In addition, more than $2.2 million was awarded directly to scholarship recipients, programs, and faculty chairs. As UVU scales to meet future demand, the endowment will serve as a foundation for financial stability. To learn more, please visit uvu.edu/give.


UVU is built to last. Our inclusive approach to higher education allows us to personalize the journey of every student. UVU is OUR school. OUR story. OUR EverGREEN university!”

— President Tuminez


UVU's Far-reaching Impact


As we reflect on the past year, Utah Valley University reaffirms its dedication to being a welcoming and empowering institution for all. We are committed to creating an environment where students receive the support and resources they need to become graduates who positively impact their families, employers, friends, and communities.

The impact of UVU and higher education is vast and far-reaching. Looking ahead, we remain devoted to furthering UVU’s impact by continuing to deliver exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results, helping our students achieve their goals and our state meet its changing workforce needs.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our state legislature, donors, alums, and community partners for their unwavering support in helping us achieve these goals. Together, we are making a positive impact that will benefit those around us for generations.

How To Give

Every donation impacts a student’s life and helps UVU achieve its mission of student success.

Give Today

www.uvu.edu/give

UVU student Conner Green rides a skateboard outdoors on UVU’s Orem Campus.