Presidential Perspective

The past academic year presented unique challenges and opportunities. 2020 in particular has forced us to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, an extreme economic downturn, racial tensions, and polarized politics. We implemented necessary adaptations to university operations and continued to support already-marginalized populations that were disproportionately impacted by the global pandemic. In May, we moved over 4,000 course sections to a remote format in accordance with national health recommendations. In the past few months, we have been able to reimagine how we operate, ask hard questions, and create more relevant and rigorous educational opportunities.

We have gained new perspectives as we adapted to the current environment, while remaining focused on our dual mission as an integrated university and community college that prepares every student for success in work and life through excellence in engaged teaching, services, and scholarship.

This academic year, we reached many milestones in supporting student success:

• UVU’s largest-ever graduating class received their degrees and celebrated with a one-of-a-kind commencement ceremony.
• Construction began on the much-anticipated pedestrian bridge and the new Scott C. Keller Business Building.
• The university acquired a new campus at Thanksgiving Point and property for a new satellite campus in Payson.
• UVU played a key role in bringing the historic 68th annual U.N. Civil Society Conference to Salt Lake City, the first time that this conference was held outside New York City (when the U.S. was hosting).
• Generous donors contributed record-setting funds that will enable UVU to help more students succeed in their education.

In addition, our resolve to innovate and improve continuously prompted us to create a 10-year plan called Vision 2030, which is firmly rooted in our institutional values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. The plan is organized around three action commitments: include, engage, and achieve. We have identified priority initiatives and actions that will address future growth and the educational needs of our region.

While the current global climate presents novel challenges and opportunities, I am confident that UVU will come out of this stronger than ever. I am humbled by the hard work, creativity, collaboration and achievements of our students, staff, and faculty. As we make higher education more accessible, affordable, and relevant, we will prepare students and families to face the future with resilience. We are grateful for the generous support of so many friends of UVU. The future looks bright!

Sincerely,