Utah Valley University | Annual Report 2022-23
Utah Valley University is made up of students, faculty, and staff from numerous backgrounds, and we believe this makes UVU the special place that it is — a place for dreamers, a place for innovators, and a place for everyone who wants to learn and better their lives. We invite you to discover what is possible through the transforming power of education.
Dear friends,
So much happens at a university in one year, it’s almost like time passes differently. There are so many achievements, challenges, and moments of joy.
I’m excited to share some of these highlights from the past academic year with you, including the words of author and leadership expert Whitney Johnson, who delivered our Spring Presidential Lecture.
“Learning is the oxygen of human growth,” she said, describing the path individuals take as we grow and change. She encouraged each of us to keep striving for new achievements, otherwise, “your plateau will become a precipice. What do you do? You keep climbing.”
In some ways, this is the story of UVU. We’ve done a lot of climbing — both the university and our students.
This year marks our 15th as a university, but our roots go back to 1941 when we opened as a small technical training facility to support the war effort. Our transformation since then has been breathtaking.
As I conclude my fifth year as UVU’s president, I am proud of what we have accomplished. Today, UVU is an innovative university and community college wrapped in one. With our open-admissions policy, we invite all students to “come as you are.” More than 43,000 have answered the call, joining together to create the largest university in the state. From 2022 to 2023, we helped 8,517 students earn 9,629 degrees and certificates. And we’re doing all we can to keep the cost of education affordable so that more students can keep climbing.
We have worked tirelessly to deliver on our commitment to include all students, regardless of background. We engage them with rigorous, meaningful learning opportunities and help them achieve their personal and professional goals for learning.
I am grateful to everyone who helped our students succeed over the past year, including the Utah Legislature. Lawmakers funded traditional needs and supported innovative programs like the Native American Excellence Opportunity, which will help more than 800 Native American students find community and achieve their academic dreams at UVU. I also salute our outstanding faculty and staff who show up every day with the goal of making a difference for our students and each other.
I’m also grateful to our generous benefactors, whose donations are an affirmation of the important work UVU is doing. More members of our community are joining them through EverGREEN, our first-ever comprehensive campaign for the university, which will support new programs and scholarships. You’ll read more about some of these transformative gifts in the following articles.
This past year, we refreshed UVU’s Vision 2030, a strategic, 10-year roadmap detailing our mission to meet the educational and workforce needs of UVU’s service region through 2030 and beyond. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how UVU has provided exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results while also setting goals to achieve even more. Our focus remains on helping our students succeed, whatever their dreams. To learn more, visit uvu.edu/vision2030/.
Of all the things I’m proud of from the past year, the most inspiring examples come from our students, staff, and faculty. Their stories are the heart of this annual report. Please read them and enjoy. You’ll meet hard-working students who overcame challenges to achieve their goals. Athletes who experienced moments of triumph. Artists who brought meaning and joy to our community. And you’ll gain a new appreciation for the dedicated UVU faculty and staff who provide the “oxygen” for student growth every day.
Together, we’ve created a place of limitless possibilities. This is the real story of UVU.
Thank you for your support.
With warmest regards,
Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez
President, Utah Valley University
43,099
total
students
27,646
full-time equivalent students
13,612
concurrent enrollment students
5,437
faculty and staff
are
employed
support at
least one child
are adult
learners age 25+
are students
of color
are
female
are first-generation
students
Hispanic/Latino students make up UVU’s largest group of students of color at 12%
Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) Data and UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services, Fall 2022
At UVU, we believe that everyone deserves the life-changing benefits of higher education. We are dedicated to offering our students exceptional learning experiences that are affordable, flexible, and tailored to each student to help them achieve their unique goals. We welcome individuals from all walks of life and empower them to thrive in an inclusive, supportive, and accessible learning environment. We believe that every individual has great potential and want everyone who steps through our doors to find their place at UVU.
UVU is dedicated to providing a place where students of all backgrounds can find connection and achieve their academic goals.
Latinos of Tomorrow Summer Bridge Program participants tour UVU’s Orem Campus.
UVU Latino Initiative serves growing community, individual needs
Utah's population has transformed over the past decade with a rapidly expanding Latino community. According to United States Census data, 15% of Utahns are Latino, while 30% of Utahns under age 18 identify as racial or ethnic minorities — up from 24% in 2010.
Utah Valley University has been well prepared to address this increase and help each student find success. In fall 2022, more than 5,000 students enrolled at UVU identified as Hispanic or Latino — about 12% of UVU’s total enrollment. In the halls and classrooms, on the athletic fields, on the stage, and in the community, Latino Wolverines have found a home at UVU.
The faculty and staff at UVU understand that each Latino student is an individual with different needs. One might be ready to thrive the moment classes begin. One might have grown up in Utah as a child of legal immigrants, with a desire to reconnect to their heritage. Another might be an international student on a visa. For another, obtaining financial aid might be their greatest need. Or overcoming the language barrier. Or finding suitable housing.
In other words: Addressing the educational needs of this rapidly rising demographic isn’t a one-size-fits-all proposition.
Large photo: Latinos of Tomorrow Summer Bridge Program participants tour UVU’s Orem Campus.
Since 2012, UVU’s Latino student enrollment has increased by 113.52%.
USHE Institutional Data and UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services
UVU’s Latino Initiative was founded in 2007 with the aim to increase access, equitable educational opportunities, and enrollment and graduation rates for Latino students. Since then, it has helped thousands of Latino students at UVU thrive, earn degrees, and, most importantly, find a place for themselves in Utah Valley.
Elizabeth Nield, director of UVU’s Latino Initiative, said her vision is to provide services and programs to encourage inclusion, remove barriers, foster cultural competence through best practices, and guide students’ journeys to success. She wants to create a home away from home and a refuge for Latino students at UVU.
“My students are my friends,” Nield said. “Even when they’ve finished school, they know they can consider you a friend. That’s the most important part I have seen.”
In addition to the Latino Initiative, UVU provides programs, activities, and events to help Latino students feel at home — in some cases, even before they’ve started attending classes.
UVU offers three summer program options for high school students: Latino Scientists of Tomorrow, Engineers and Technologists of Tomorrow, and Business Leaders of Tomorrow. Each one is a tuition-free, 10-week course of classes and activities designed to increase the number of underrepresented students in Utah who graduate with STEM degrees.
The programs have been so successful that they’re now being piloted at six other universities across the nation, and they’ve received $2 million in support via a partnership with Dominion Energy.
“About 85% of the students who complete the Latino Scientists of Tomorrow Summer Bridge Program come to UVU for at least one semester after graduating high school,” said Daniel Horns, dean of UVU’s College of Science and co-administrator of the Latinos of Tomorrow Summer Bridge Program. “About 40% of those students are majoring in a STEM field.”
UVU also highlights resources, scholarships, and financial aid in numerous community outreach events at high schools and other places where families feel comfortable, meeting them where they are and providing information in Spanish to those who need it.
UVU senior Hector Cedillo, president of UVU’s Latino Leadership Council, said the biggest thing he tries to communicate at these events is that there are no limits on what Latino kids can do in life.
“Sometimes people think Latinos come to the U.S. just to work, you know, construction and restaurants, things like that,” Cedillo said, “When in reality, we have the potential, the capacity, the skills, the knowledge to become a CEO of a company, become a business owner. There are so many more things that we can do.”
Cedillo, a Mexico native who first immigrated to Connecticut before moving to Utah, said he was looking for that “home away from home” Nield described — something that can be a big obstacle for Latino students uncomfortable with the local language and culture.
“I feel like the biggest challenge that we have is just being away from your loved ones, your family, your friends,” Cedillo said. “So you start talking to your classmates, your neighbors, and you pretty much create your own family here.”
Latino-focused events at UVU, such as Bachata Fest and Celebración Latinoamericana, help students and community members preserve and embrace their cultures, even if they’re a long way from their countries of origin.
“We don’t want students to lose their cultural background,” Nield said. “That’s so important for us. When another person knows about your culture, they can get to know you. You’re not putting on a mask. You don’t think, ‘Oh, I need to be another person, because I don’t fit here.’”
Together, these efforts earned UVU recognition as an Outstanding Member Institution by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), a nonprofit organization representing more than 500 colleges and universities in the U.S., Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the nation.
On average 145 students participate in UVU’s Latino Summer Bridge Programs each year.
UVU Latino Initiative
“We are so grateful for the support from HACU as we continue to serve our growing and diverse communities,” said Kyle Reyes, UVU vice president of Institutional Advancement, who accepted the award at HACU’s annual conference in San Diego in October 2022. “Inclusivity is among [UVU’s] founding pillars. We have led the way in initiatives to open the door to success for everyone.”
While the challenges of a college education can seem daunting and varied, Cedillo said the resources are here to help at UVU.
“Regardless of your immigration status, if you’re from Utah or not, if you speak the language or not, college is really hard,” he said. “You need to have people around you. There are so many resources here. You just have to put in the effort and sacrifice. The sky is the limit.” ▀
“About 85% of the students who complete the Latino Scientists of Tomorrow Summer Bridge Program come to UVU for at least one semester after graduating high school. About 40% of those students are majoring in a STEM field.”
— Daniel Horns
dean of UVU’s College of Science and co-administrator of the Latino Scientists of
Tomorrow program
Yvonne Nsabimana had a happy childhood in Rwanda — but it was interrupted by the Rwandan Civil War. In April 1994, she and her mother and siblings were waiting for their father to return home. Nsabimana heard a huge explosion and her family later learned that their father died.
“Normally, the funeral would follow,” Nsabimana said. “Unfortunately, that’s not what happened.”
She and her mother and siblings fled to Belgium, covered in the back of a truck. When they arrived, she and her siblings had to find work to help the family make ends meet. In the midst of tragedy, Nsabimana connected to dance.
“I was in a Rwandese ballet company there since I was almost 14,” she said. “That really helped me heal with the trauma of war and the sense of community that brought me back to the sense of life.”
In 2008, she began studying transportation management and logistics at UVU as an international student. Her marketing and career success class especially resonated with her. “[The class] helped me with the next thing I ended up doing in my life.”
Nsabimana began teaching African dance, and even created a nonprofit called Ngoma y’Africa, which helps communities in Utah and the African diaspora connect with African culture. They often partner with UVU’s African Diaspora Initiative, too.
“We offer them that sense of self-acceptance, the sense of being happy — because it’s hard to navigate the system,” Nsabimana said. “It’s really hard to be able to feel like you belong sometimes in a community where you are a visible minority. So we try to build that sense of community and that sense of belonging, and we are really grateful for that partnership [with UVU].”
In Utah’s 2023 legislative session, UVU received funding to establish a Native American Excellence Opportunity, providing scholarships, mentorship programs, and academic support to promote Native American student achievement. UVU’s Native American students bring invaluable cultural contributions and perspectives to our campus community. The university strives to create a welcoming environment that fosters academic success and personal growth for our Native American students through strong support and resources.
UVU is dedicated to supporting its more than 2,000 veteran students with unique resources, including the Veteran Success Center, which currently serves about 800 military veteran students and 2,400 military dependents. UVU’s commitment was further acknowledged in May 2023, when the university earned a Top 10 Military Friendly School designation for the second year from Military Friendly, an organization that reviews college and university investments in serving military and veteran students.
In February 2023, UVU’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity and Department of Languages and Cultures celebrated International Mother Language Day, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. Activities included multicultural performances from the Cultural Envoy Leadership Program and a “word wall” where notes written in different languages were shared with the campus community.
At UVU, our Black students are a fundamental part of our campus community and diverse student body, and we strive to celebrate Black history and culture throughout the year. In January 2023, UVU held its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Week, featuring speakers Anthony Ray Hinton and Dr. David Kwabena Wilson, and held service activities.
Instant picture #1: Speaker Anthony Ray Hinton signs copies of his book for students.
Large image: Dr. David Kwabena Wilson Speaks at UVU in January 2023.
Lower right: This year, all students were invited to activities and events celebrating Black culture,
including a Black History Month skate night, a Juneteenth celebration, and a visit
from the Utah Black History Museum bus.
At UVU, we’re proud of our Wolverines of all gender identities. In June 2023, UVU celebrated Pride Month with activities like creating pride tote bags and a campus-wide poster exhibit highlighting 10 queer trailblazers. UVU students, staff, and faculty also proudly marched in the Utah Pride Parade on June 4 in Salt Lake City. Year-round, UVU’s LGBTQ+ Student Services provides a range of resources, support, and programming to ensure safety and inclusion on campus for LGBTQ+ Wolverines.
UVU supports students throughout their educational journeys with a particular focus on first-year students and first-generation college attendees. These students face unique challenges, and UVU is committed to providing comprehensive assistance. From personalized advising and academic support to resources tailored to their needs, UVU ensures that all students receive the guidance and resources necessary for a successful college experience with resources such as the First-Generation Student Success Center and the First-Year Advising Center.
37% of UVU students are first-generation, meaning that neither of the student’s parents completed a bachelor’s degree.
UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services, Fall 2022
UVU is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to its student-parents, recognizing the unique challenges they face in balancing academic pursuits with parental responsibilities. UVU’s Wee Care Center provides a safe and nurturing environment where students can entrust their children while they focus on their studies, supporting 178 children and 119 families in the past year alone.
In 2023, UVU introduced a new play area in the Fulton Library, providing a welcoming space for student-parents to study, read, and research while keeping their children entertained nearby. Since 2019, UVU has also provided Mamava pods to allow mothers to access a private, secure spot for breastfeeding. UVU also introduced a website where student-parents can find helpful resources specific to their needs: uvu.edu/studentlife/new-parents.
Kaitlin LeBeau, a theatre major at UVU, grew up as a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA), giving her a unique perspective that she said formed her into the person she is today.
“Imagine being in the grocery line, and the cashier asks, ‘Hey, how are you today?’ And the five-year-old who’s loading groceries onto the cart is like, ‘We’re doing good, thanks!’” LeBeau said. “I got a firsthand look at how the world isn’t fair or the same for everyone who lives in it. Going through high school and college, I realized that [being a CODA] is kind of like a superpower.”
This past year, LeBeau shared her superpower with the UVU community when she was an assistant director, understudy, and American Sign Language (ASL) coach for a production of “Romeo and Juliet” that featured Deaf actors and actors with autism.
“We wanted to do an ASL version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ because Deaf people have existed forever and ever, and they‘re going to continue to exist,” LeBeau said. “But their stories are rarely told because people don‘t want to get over the hill of casting a Deaf person in something.”
LeBeau encourages UVU students to take leaps. “Ask if you can get involved, because there is a spot for you,” she said. “And once you find it here, you‘re going to do so great. And it‘s going to be so great.”
The Women‘s Success Center celebrates the graduation of scholarship recipients.
From the women in UVU’s student body to President Astrid S. Tuminez and everywhere in between, women impact all levels of education at UVU. We strive to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of our women Wolverines during Women’s History Month each March, as well as throughout the year. UVU proudly supports women with the student-run organization Women of UVU, the Women’s Leadership Academy, and the Women’s Success Center.
Over the past year, UVU's Women's Success Center had a remarkable impact on UVU's community:
350
UVU students
mentored
426
student
members
16
students completed the Women's Leadership Academy program
10
Women of UVU
Leadership Council members
159
Student scholarships awarded
Women’s enrollment in the College of Science increased to 43% in 2022.
UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services, Fall 2022
UVU Online programs empower students of all backgrounds to pursue their academic goals on their own terms. UVU offers 40+ diverse programs online and adds more each year, allowing students to integrate education into their busy lives and foster a culture of lifelong learning.
UVU offers 40+ online programs and has added new programs in the past year, including:
Bachelor of Science in healthcare administration
Bachelor of Science in public health
Associate of Science in public health
UVU offers students valuable opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation both inside and outside the classroom. With the openness of a community college and the rigorous curricula of a four-year university, UVU empowers students with academic experiences that lead to success in work and life. Our dynamic engaged learning model and dedicated staff and faculty mentors provide students with the knowledge, resources, and skills that empower them to flourish and forge career paths they can take pride in.
UVU School of Education students visited Navajo Nation elementary schools and taught students using robotics.
UVU Students Receive Hands-on Learning Experiences in Navajo Nation Elementary Schools
In March 2023, 16 UVU School of Education students toured Utah’s San Juan County elementary schools to instruct K-6 students using robotics and network with professional educators.
“This trip provides our UVU preservice teachers, the elementary school students, and the K-6 teachers with an opportunity to witness how engaging robotics can be and how computer science can be integrated across the content areas,” said Krista Ruggles, elementary education professor and director of the UVU Creative Learning Studio.
San Juan County has 12 schools, six of which are in the Navajo Nation, a Native American reservation that occupies a portion of southeastern Utah. UVU students taught at three elementary schools in the Navajo Nation: Tsébii‘nidzisgai Elementary School (TES), Montezuma Creek Elementary School, and Bluff Elementary School.
Large photo: UVU School of Education students spent five days teaching in elementary schools located in the Navajo Nation, near Monument Valley.
Faculty instructed UVU students about navigating cultural differences while teaching in Navajo Nation classrooms to help students build awareness of the world around them. Students on the trip earned the global/intercultural distinction on their transcripts, demonstrating that they have graduated with global and intercultural competencies and skills necessary for future employment and graduate school.
Elementary education students and twin sisters Sarahi and Arahi Salgado took this instruction to heart and developed a kinship with the Navajo students they taught.
“Teaching at [TES], I was able to relate to the kids because I am a person of color,” Arahi Salgado said. “And not just because of that, but also because of my experiences at home. Some teachers have told [me] that a lot of students are absent much of the time, and that was our situation. Growing up, we were going through a hard time; our parents just got divorced. We were absent so much that we were behind … I want to be the one person in the room that says, ‘Hey, you‘re struggling. Let‘s do it together … It doesn‘t matter how many weeks it takes, but let‘s work.’”
Sarahi Salgado recalled a similar experience in TES.
“I loved noticing how special our differences can be,” she said. “When we went into one of the classrooms, I started asking the kids questions like ‘What does your name mean?’ Because they all have unique names like my sister and I do. And ‘What other languages do you speak?’ … it was so beautiful to see the connections, even though we‘re so different in a way. I kind of saw myself in the kids.”
The student-teachers used lesson plans incorporating robotics from the UVU Creative Learning Studio. One such lesson was the Robot Mouse, which can be used to teach children lessons in geometry, algorithms, problem-solving, and coding — important STEM principles.
While UVU students worked with children in classrooms, School of Education faculty Krista Ruggles, Mike Patch, Joey Foote, and Dean Vessela Ilieva worked with district staff to see how schools could integrate robotics into teachers’ lesson plans.
“This effort is beneficial for both sides,” said Shannon Dewsnup, San Juan School District assessment director. “I think it‘s beneficial for the students to … get that hands-on experience to go into the classroom and work with these students. Our district is so unique; you’ll never find another across the whole United States.”
In just five days, UVU students experienced a kind of engaged learning no college class could ever teach.
“This trip is a hands-on learning experience of how I can be more flexible in my teaching, and it‘s giving me that practice,” elementary education student Madison Pond said. “This has inspired me to make my lessons more engaging, more hands-on, where we can learn together.” ▀
16
students on the trip received global/intercultural distinctions on their transcripts.
Image 1: A group of UVU School of Education students and faculty members pose in front of
rock formations in Monument Valley in Utah.
Image 2: A UVU School of Education student sits on the floor with two young girls from a Navajo
Nation elementary school as they work with a robotic mouse.
Image 3: A UVU School of Education student sits on the floor with two young girls from a Navajo
Nation elementary school as they work with a robotic mouse.
Launched in 2022 UVU’s Innovation Academy provides programs aimed at giving students the hands-on experience they need to supplement their classroom learning.
“We want to give students a sense for what life will be like after graduation and alleviate fear that there won’t be jobs waiting for them,” said Tammy Clark, associate provost for Academic Innovation and head of the Innovation Academy. “We want to fill students with hope that this investment in themselves — attending college — will pay off.”
The Innovation Academy offers cutting-edge programs, including Excelerate, the Excellence and Innovation Initiative (e2i), research and creative works, service learning, internships, and more.
In the e2i program, teams of students work on projects with help from student project managers and professional mentors. This year, a group of nine computer science students partnered with UVU alumnus Steve Lockhart to build a web-based platform called Skillco, which helps students identify classes that will be most beneficial to them. To use the platform, students simply upload their transcripts and portfolios. The platform will go live this fall.
Jackson Lohman, lead project developer and junior majoring in integrated studies with a focus on computer science and information systems, said the project has built up his confidence by giving him experience outside the classroom. “It’s huge getting the hands-on experience,” Lohman said.
Campaigning for a Healthier Campus
UVU communications students partnered with UTA to launch the “Give the Gift of Clean Air” campaign, an initiative encouraging students, faculty, and staff to use public transportation, carpool, or bike to reduce air pollution.
A team of six UVU engineering students teamed up to create almost 150 concepts for a robot ping pong player before settling on one to prototype. After dedicating hundreds of hours outside of class to working on the robot, they demonstrated the finished project on campus in spring 2023.
“I think it was really good at teaching us how diverse mechanical engineering is, because this is a mechanical engineering project. But we had to learn electrical engineering and robotics, coding, and all of that. So it helps us be pretty elastic in our thinking,” said Joshua Sachs, a student who participated.
“It was completely different than just sitting in a classroom learning the material where everything works out perfectly on paper,” said Elisa Mawby, another participating student. “But building the physical system, it does not work out like just math equations on a piece of paper. There are so many real-world factors that you don't think about. And that was definitely a really valuable lesson.”
Lia Rabellino, an integrated studies major with minors in biology and environmental studies, wanted a capstone project that gave her research experience. Working with the Great Salt Lake Audubon, she explored the impact of light pollution at the Gillmor Sanctuary, a bird habitat along the Great Salt Lake’s southern shore.
Just miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport, the new state prison, and the proposed inland port site, the sanctuary faces increasing artificial light. Through her research, Rabellino hopes to provide insight into how it impacts local birds.
Rabellino, who graduated in 2023, will present her project at a national conference this fall.
A delegation of 48 students from UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences attended the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City in March 2023. There, the students presented research, toured the general assembly, and met high-level U.N. officials. Students also presented original research and a 1,600-page publication of 78 peer-reviewed scholarly articles.
“Once again, UVU’s voice reaches far and wide and empowers our students to deliver their research as they advocate for women everywhere at the 67th session of the Commission on the Status of Women,” said Baldomero Lago, UVU’s chief international officer.
This past year,
3,175
UVU students completed internships, a 13% increase since 2018.
UVU Career and Internship Center
At UVU, we’re driven by the mission of empowering our students with engaged teaching, services, and scholarship. In short, everything we do is powered by the goal of helping students succeed in their professional careers and personal lives, so they can better contribute to their families, employers, and communities. We take immense pride in providing our Wolverines with the knowledge, skills, and resources that help them thrive — and we know these achievements are just the beginning.
At commencement, the Class of 2023 was encouraged to enjoy the journey and embrace stages of transition.
are students of color
are from Utah
are female
are first-generation students
Oldest graduate is 69 years old, the youngest is 16
From 2017 to 2023, the number of degrees and certificates awarded by UVU increased by 236%.
UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services
42% outcome measure for students completing any degree in 8 years*
*IPEDS, All Students Entering in 2014-15
9,629
total degrees and certificates were received by the graduates
UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services
| 90 | Certificate programs |
| 65 | Associate degrees |
| 105 | Bachelor's degrees |
| 18 | Master's degrees |
| 41 | Online programs |
UVU graphic design student Evan West created a 3D model of a red and white rocket ship careening through space, surrounded by meteors, planets, and stars. He created it with his wife, Ashley West, a student at Brigham Young University. The couple were announced winners of the Wonderbox Challenge, a national entrepreneurial competition, and their work was displayed on LG’s billboard in Times Square in New York City from mid-December 2022 through mid-January 2023.
In keeping with university tradition, UVU has once again flourished at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, in June 2023. UVU took home two national champion gold medals, two silver medals, and three bronze medals and podium finishes. Nearly 6,000 students from across the country competed in the conference. In 19 categories at the national conference, 18 of the 19 UVU competitors finished in the top 10, including three category participants who finished just off the podium in fourth place.
UVU culinary students Lindsay Peck and Sarrenity Dickson earned top honors in the American Culinary Federation (ACF) competition, winning gold medals and accolades for their culinary expertise and craftsmanship. The students‘ exceptional performance reflects UVU‘s commitment to providing a comprehensive culinary education and nurturing talent in the culinary arts.
Priscilla Villaseñor-Navarro, a first-generation Mexican-Dominican, first-generation student, and UVU integrated studies major, said her experience at UVU was remarkable because of her decision to get involved. During her time at the university, she was a Center for Social Impact fellow and a UVU Student Association employee. She was also a diversity and inclusion presidential intern through the Presidential Internship Program, which is made possible by funds raised at the annual UVU Presidential Scholarship Ball.
She also coordinated the Clothesline Project, an event that displays T-shirts from victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse. The event emphasized sexual abuse at the Mexico border and toward Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
“I was kind of nervous because I didn’t know how people would react by talking about those specifically,” Villaseñor-Navarro said. But she also felt that, because the issues were close to her heart, she should promote awareness in the UVU community. “I’m glad my advisors at the Center for Social Impact and the other fellows were supportive.”
Now graduated, Villaseñor-Navarro hopes to continue working in diversity, inclusion, and equity. “Looking back at being a fellow at the Center for Social Impact and being a presidential intern … that’s where I found that I’m most happy and fulfilled, doing that work and being in those spaces.”
UVU’s Aviation Program helps rank UVU as a top 50 public university system regarding return on investment. A bachelor’s degree in aviation at UVU provides an ROI of $450,980, with hundreds of students graduating from the program each year.
UVU’s Personal Financial Planning Program had an exceptional year, marked by a series of victories in prestigious competitions. In July 2022, they won the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) competition. In October 2022, a team of three students won the Financial Planning Association (FPA) Financial Planning Challenge. The program’s success continued in November 2022, when they took first place in the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) Knowledge Bowl. These wins are a testament to the training and commitment of students and faculty in the Personal Financial Planning Program, a top-10 nationally ranked program.
The Creative Learning Studio (CLS) — the innovation hub for UVU’s School of Education — gained national recognition for its work in STEM education. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and University Beacon Newsletter highlighted the studio in the equity category. The CLS supports UVU students in education programs, integrating technology and teaching techniques across content areas using robotics and computer science. Resources include a lending library where students, faculty, and K-12 teachers can check out robotics and STEM materials, as well as two engineering design summer camps for elementary school students.
The studio also aims to provide equitable access to STEM resources, offering resources, advice, and professional development opportunities to school districts across the state.
UVU junior Pedro Del Valle grew up in Florida before moving to Utah. He grew up with a single mother, and his family had few options to earn money. His brothers eventually became involved with crime, selling drugs and stolen designer items.
“They weren‘t shown many options, especially coming from uneducated immigrant parents,” Del Valle said. “One thing that was very present in my life growing up was that money was very needed to survive and to enjoy your life, basically. Education was shown as something that is an option, but I was never shown how to achieve it.”
After graduating from high school, Del Valle worked odd jobs in food service and at a moving company. “I was going through the motions with no determination and no end goal of what I wanted to do. It was just money,” he said.
When his wife convinced him to pursue higher education, Del Valle enrolled at UVU, and soon found a strikingly different environment compared to his education in Florida. “I was shown a very different aspect of education … [Teachers] were passionate about what they did and passionate about teaching students.”
As a child, Del Valle had always enjoyed math and science, and at UVU, pursuing his passions finally seemed possible. He became involved with Underrepresented Students in Science (U-SIS), a program that strives to increase retention and completion rates for those underrepresented in science and health.
In summer 2023, Del Valle attended the Blavatnik Institute at Harvard Medical School as a research student, along with three other UVU students. The students worked in the laboratory of Dr. Silvi Rouskin, principal investigator and assistant professor of microbiology at Harvard Medical School.
The UVU men's basketball team shattered records in 2022-23, finishing with a 28-9 record — the most wins in program history — and a trip to the Final Four of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).
Early in the season, the Wolverines surprised opponents by defeating Oregon from the Pac-12 on the road, then by claiming the Utah Valley crown with a second consecutive win over crosstown rivals Brigham Young University — the first time UVU has beaten BYU in back-to-back matchups.
28-9
most wins in program history and a trip to the Final Four of the National Invitation Tournament (NIT)
The Wolverines then rampaged through their WAC foes, claiming the regular-season title with a 15-3 record. After a narrow overtime loss in the WAC Tournament semifinals, UVU accepted a bid to play in the NIT for the second time in program history, where they defeated New Mexico and Colorado on the road before hosting Cincinnati in the first-ever UVU home game to be broadcast on ESPN. The Wolverines defeated the Bearcats, earning a spot in the NIT semifinals in Las Vegas, where they lost an overtime heartbreaker to the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
UVU earned numerous WAC honors in recognition of its superb season. Sophomore center Aziz Bandaogo was named WAC Defensive Player of the Year. Bandaogo, along with Le’Tre Darthard and Trey Woodbury, also earned First Team All-WAC honors. Head coach Mark Madsen, who departed UVU to become head coach at the University of California, was named WAC Head Coach of the Year.
Evan Bockman claimed third at the U23 Freestyle Team Trials, finishing the tournament 6-1 overall. Three other Wolverines — Yusief Lillie, Kase Mauger, and Isaiah Delgado — made the consolation rounds of eight.
Student-Athletes
Academic Wins
This academic year, 85.51% of student-athletes had cumulative GPAs between 3.0 and 4.0, with 14 student-athletes earning perfect 4.0 GPAs.
UVU’s student-athlete graduation success rate is 87%.
UVU Athletics
In November 2022, UVU’s women’s volleyball team defeated the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 3-0 inside UTRGV Fieldhouse. Utah Valley earned its third straight WAC Championship game appearance and eliminated the host school for the second consecutive year. In the 2022 WAC Volleyball Championship Match, Utah Valley came up just short of the win, closing out an excellent season.
In October 2022, Heather Stainbrook scored the game winner and broke the Utah Valley career points record in leading the Wolverines to a 2-0 win over Utah Tech in the team’s regular season finale at Clyde Field. The win secured the Wolverines the outright Western Athletic Conference regular season championship. Utah Valley finished the season with a 13-3-3 overall record.
Cheer Champions
UVU teams walked away as national champions after competing at the 2023 NCA & NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. UVU’s Spirit Squad placed first in the Division 1A Game Day category. The dance team placed first in the Division 1 Hip Hop category and second in the Division 1 Jazz category. The cheer team placed second in the Advanced All-Girl Division 1 category.
UVU is ranked among Utah’s top 10 best-in-state employers.
Forbes 2022
Senior golfer Brady McKinlay won four straight individual titles during the 2022-23 season and earned an at-large bid into the 2023 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship. His appearance in the Golfweek National Golf Invitational was the first-ever postseason team showing in team history.
In April 2023, the UVU Presidential and Board of Trustees Awards of Excellence recognized and honored 11 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 award recipients have exemplified exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results. Their dedication has played a pivotal role in nurturing student success and upholding the ideals that make UVU a place for all students.
Frederick White
Professor, Russian and Integrated Studies
Wendy Farnsworth
Academic Advisor, College of Health and Public Service
Laura Busby
Director, Business Intelligence and Research Services
Ibrahim Tashman
Director, Dining Services
John Hansen
Director, Facilities/Grounds
Ryan Law
Director, Money
Success Center
Jeremy Knee
Deputy General Counsel
Matthew Potts
Assistant Athletic Director, Development
Daniel Delgadillo
Director, Culture and Talent
Amanda Hyer
Lead Project Manager, University Marketing and Communications
Marissa King
Senior Director, Student Leadership and Involvement
Emilio Manuel Camu
Emilio Manuel Camu, director of UVU’s First-Generation Student Success Center and director of OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Utah, was named one of 22 recipients of Utah Business Magazine’s Living Color Awards.
Clark Collings
In April 2023, UVU’s general counsel, Clark Collings, was recognized as one of the top in-house legal attorneys in Utah with a Utah Business Magazine 2023 Corporate Counsel award at a banquet in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Tara Ivie
In May 2023, Tara Ivie, associate vice president of Inclusive Excellence at UVU, was featured in Utah Business Magazine’s 30 Women to Watch list. The list features “exceptional women in Utah businesses [who] empower others and confidently lead their companies.” LINDA MAKIN
Linda Makin
Linda Makin, vice president of Planning, Budget, and Finance, received the Utah System of Higher Education Women’s Leadership Exchange Elizabeth Hitch Mentorship Award. In May 2023, Makin retired after more than 40 years of service to UVU
Kara North
Kara North, UVU Board of Trustees member and Alumni Association Advisory Board president, was named one of Utah Valley Business Quarterly’s 40 Under 40 for her work as a managing partner of Moxie Law Group.
Kevin "Dok" Woods II
In June 2023, Kevin “DoK” Woods II, mental health specialist for UVU Athletics, was named one of Utah Valley Business Quarterly’s 40 Under 40. Woods was recognized for helping high-end performers achieve success by focusing on mental health.
Alumni Spotlight
Steven J. Sonnenberg is the CEO and co-founder of Awardco. He graduated from UVU in 2006 with a degree in computer science and played basketball for the men’s team from 1999 to 2000.
Sonnenberg started his first company, WholesaleMatch, while a junior in college. The venture quickly grew into a multimillion-dollar company. Mentors in UVU’s entrepreneurship program encouraged Sonnenberg to enter the Loyola Marymount University Entrepreneurship Contest, where he represented UVU. He took home second place among thousands of applicants in the West Coast Region.
In 2011, Sonnenberg started Awardco, a company that aimed to modernize employee recognition. Awardco has continued to grow in revenue each year, and Sonnenberg has won multiple awards for his work building Awardco, including recognitions such as top 25 fastest-growing companies in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine, fastest-growing company in Utah by MountainWest Capital, and 2022 Entrepreneur of the Year by BusinessQ Magazine. Sonnenberg was also recently inducted into the UV50 Hall of Fame.
In February 2023, UVU honored alumni and community members who have distinguished themselves through career success and for their efforts in supporting UVU and its students.
UVU Alumni Impact Award
Lychelle L. Day ‘03 and Aaron D. Day ‘04
UVU Honorary Alumni Award
James N. Clarke and Andrea M. Clarke
UVU Distinguished Alumni Award
Steven J. Sonnenberg ‘06
UVU Alumni Impact Award
Christopher S. Chileshe ‘12
University Partner Award
Chad W. Linebaugh ‘99
Wilson W. Sorensen
Lifetime Achievement Award
Linda J. Makin ‘02
At UVU, our staff encompass a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, but they all share one common trait: an unwavering dedication to student well-being. Regardless of their specific roles, every staff member demonstrates exceptional care by connecting students with valuable resources and furthering UVU’s mission. Our newly appointed staff prioritize students and ensure that every decision and action reflect their commitment to student success.
Robert D. Allen
Robert D. Allen was named dean of UVU’s Woodbury School of Business. He previously taught at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business.
Nathan Gerber
Nathan Gerber, former director of UVU Web and Mobile Solutions and former PACE president, was appointed associate vice president of Academic and Student Digital Services.
Michelle Kearns*
Michelle Kearns, former associate vice president of Enrollment Management at UVU, was appointed vice president of Student Affairs.
Bryant Larsen
Bryant Larsen was named associate vice president of strategic communications for the University Marketing and Communications department, coming from Intermountain Healthcare.
Jim Mortensen*
Jim Mortensen, previously a member of the Woodbury School of Business MBA Program, was named vice president of Finance.
Rasha Qudisat*
Rasha Qudisat was named chief inclusion and diversity officer (CIDO) for UVU’s Office of Inclusion.
Kyle Reyes*
Kyle Reyes, who has worked at UVU for nearly two decades, was appointed vice president of Institutional Advancement.
Todd Phillips
Todd Phillips, who previously served as associate head coach at UVU, was named the fourth head coach in UVU men’s basketball’s NCAA Division I history.
Matt Serrao
Matt Serrao was named associate vice president of marketing for the University Marketing and Communications department.
Laurie Sharp
Laurie Sharp was appointed associate provost for Academic Programs and Assessment, coming to UVU from Tarleton State University in Texas.
* The President’s Cabinet collaborates to positively impact the UVU community and advance the university’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education. This year, four new members were appointed.
UVU’s Board of Trustees is comprised of influential leaders who drive positive changes for students and employees. Their commitment to student success and inclusive learning helps promote the university’s culture of excellence.
Rick Nielsen
Chair of the board, superintendent of Nebo School District
Scott M. Smith
First vice chair, Qualtrics co-founder, philanthropist, educator
Jeanette Bennett
Second vice chair, founder and CEO of Bennett Communications
UVU Alumni are Utah's Workforce
77% of UVU alumni are living in Utah 10 years after graduation.*
83% of UVU alumni work in Utah one year after graduation.*
96% of graduates said their experiences at UVU were good or excellent.*
*UVU Business Intelligence and Research Services
UVU ranks in the top 20% of U.S. colleges for economic mobility.
Third Way
Paul Thompson
Former Weber State
University president
Andrea Clarke
Founder and co-chair of the Labor and Honor Foundation
Cydni Tetro
CEO of Brandless, Inc., co-founder of Utah’s Women Tech Council
Noel Vallejo
Founder and CEO of TestOut
Blake Modersitzki
Managing partner at Pelion Venture Partners, investment leaders
Zac Whitlock
UVU student body president, personal financial planning major
Kara North
Managing partner at Moxie Law Group, chair of the UVU Alumni Board and UVU Foundation Board member
Clark Collings
Secretary to the board, UVU general counsel
UVU serves as the setting for crucial dialogues that hold the power to shape the future of our community and the world at large. Within our vibrant campus environment, these conversations create ripples that extend far beyond our boundaries and provide students with unparalleled learning opportunities. UVU actively fosters an atmosphere that encourages these exchanges, supporting students and local businesses and making a lasting impact on communities.
Whitney Johnson spoke on learning, growth, and self-innovation in the spring 2023 Presidential Lecture at UVU.
On August 18, 2022, UVU celebrated the formal opening of the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy. The institute was built to be a voice for sound political thought, a facilitator of converging views, and an educator of the next generation of public policy leaders. Its mission is to “develop future policy leaders, gather the community, and build trust in civic institutions.”
Hundreds gathered at the Fugal Gateway Building for the dedication. Speakers included President Astrid S. Tuminez, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Utah Senator Mike Lee, Utah State Representative Brad Wilson, and former Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
Additionally, the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation announced a donation of $500,000 in support of the institute, and America First Credit Union provided the institute with an endowed gift of $500,000 in support of student internships in Washington, D.C.
The institute intends to invite policymakers at all levels of government to speak and interact with students, faculty, and staff. It hosted former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence as a forum speaker in September 2022 and previously hosted speakers including Timothy Shriver, board chairman for the Special Olympics and founder of UNITE.
The Herbert Institute for Public Policy also offers paid legislative and congressional internships, giving UVU students the chance to work with Utah legislators from all political parties during annual Utah Legislative Sessions.
In October 2022, UVU hosted “Why It Matters,” a United Nations-sponsored conference that brought nearly 1,000 attendees from around the world to UVU’s Orem Campus. Another 700+ people attended online, with sessions livestreamed in 80 languages.
“This has been amazing — the welcome, the coordination, the teams. We could not have dreamt of anything like this. The quality and the diversity, the inclusion, the components like the service project, the fashion show. The support from UVU has been a dream,” said Felipe Queipo, UN communications officer.
The three-day conference welcomed academic experts on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Conference organizer and UVU Chief Information Officer Baldomero Lago said the participation was “amazing.” “The quality of the panelists — it didn’t matter which panel I attended — it was just mind-blowing,” he said.
In October 2022, leaders in Utah Valley business, civics, and education gathered at UVU for the second annual Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit. The summit brought together dignitaries from across a wide range of sectors to address the priorities and concerns of Utah Valley citizens. The summit commenced with a welcome from Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.
In June 2023, UVU held its 11th annual Uplifting Celebration for Autism on the Orem Campus, inviting individuals with autism, their friends and families, and the entire community to the free event. Co-sponsored by the Autism Resources of Utah County and UVU’s Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism, the event included sensory-enriched, carnival-type activities focused on children 3-10 years old, as well as activities for adults with autism.
The event aimed to create and establish a community of belonging and friendship that counteracts the social isolation, bullying, depression and anxiety, and sometimes suicide that can follow people with autism. The Nellesen Center also held its 12th annual Autism Conference in February 2023, specifically focusing on autism and sexuality, with keynote speeches from service providers and mental health professionals.
In June 2023, UVU was the setting for an important conversation about the future of technology during the inaugural Silicon Slopes Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit. The summit featured speakers including Benlabs chief technology officer and AI expert Tyler Folkman, Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes, Pattern CEO Dave Wright, and UVU associate professor Rachel Bi.
On the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, UVU’s Center for Constitutional Studies hosted Russian journalist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Dmitry Muratov in a question-answer forum with President Astrid S. Tuminez.
In his remarks, Muratov, with the aid of a translator, spoke on Novaya Gazeta, a pro-democracy newspaper he co-founded; the murder of Russian journalists; the values of a free press; propaganda, dictatorship and corruption; and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts is known to the community as a place everyone can gather to broaden their horizons by appreciating beautiful art, striking performances, and important conversations. This past season, The Noorda featured internationally renowned performers in music, dance, and theatre, including the Utah Symphony; Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning Broadway star Patti LuPone; legendary Black American dance troupe Ailey II; and internet sensation Postmodern Jukebox.
Photo: Mariachi Los Camperos performs at UVU in December 2022.
In summer 2022, UVU’s School of the Arts collaborated with the Sundance Institute to present a unique production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella.” The show, performed in the Sundance Mountain Resort’s outdoor amphitheater, showcased the talent and creativity of UVU students while highlighting the beauty of Utah’s natural landscape as a backdrop. The collaboration provided a unique engaged learning opportunity for arts students, who participated in stage management and costume, set, and prop construction management.
Photo: UVU Repertory Ensemble in "Hansel and Gretel” in February 2023.
Scrollable Timeline:
Center for Constitutional Studies Constitution Day Conference
Legal scholars and researchers from around the world gathered for the UVU Center for Constitutional Studies Constitution Day Conference, held in observance of Constitution Day on Sept. 17. Speakers presented on the Reconstruction Amendments.
September 2022
October 2022
6th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference
UVU hosted the sixth annual Suicide Prevention Conference to bring attention to mental health, educate the public on suicide prevention resources, and remember those lost to suicide.
Nobel Prize Recipient Speaks in College of Science Panel
Nobel Prize recipient and Howard Hughes Medical Institute president Dr. Tom Cech addressed students during the “Finding A Place for You in STEM” panel discussion luncheon hosted by UVU’s College of Science and Underrepresented Students in STEM (U-SIS).
November 2022
November 2022
Presidential Lecture Series: Elazer Edelman
Renowned medical doctor, engineer, scientist, and professor Elazer Edelman emphasi-zed the need for community in scientific innovation as he gave the fall 2022 Presidenti-al Lecture titled “Engineering, Science, and Medicine: Partners in Translation.”
Presidential Lecture Series: Whitney Johnson
Renowned business thinker, world-class lecturer, and bestselling author Whitney Johnson spoke on learning, growth, and self-innovation as she delivered the spring 2023 Presidential Lecture.
February 2023
March 2023
Annual Conference on Addiction
UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences held its annual Conference on Addiction, featuring speakers Tom Arnold and Dr. Lipi Roy. The conference addressed Utah‘s ever-increasing addiction problem, including sessions, services, and booths on addiction-related topics, including support.
Annual Conference on Domestic Violence
In April 2023, UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences held its 2023 Conference on Domestic Violence featuring keynote spea-ker Dr. Ludy Green, an international expert on domestic violence and founder of Second Chance Employment Services.
April 20223
April 2023
UVU Sustainability Summit
Experts in engineering, technology, policy, social entrepreneurship, and sustainability gathered in April 2023 in the Scott C. and Karen Keller Building for the second annual UVU Sustainability Summit to discuss challenges and solutions in the fields of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
End
As an open-admissions public teaching university, UVU’s mission is focused on student success. Our faculty are attracted to UVU because of that mission, as well as our focus on engaged learning, small class sizes, and student mentoring. UVU’s exceptional faculty work hard through research and scholarly and creative works to stay current in their fields of expertise, ensuring students receive the most relevant, high-quality education.
UVU associate professor Daren Nelson taught UVU students how to use scientific instruments to measure water flow at Utah Lake. Read about UVU faculty members‘ research at Utah Lake here.
Almost a dozen UVU professors are conducting research at Utah Lake, which sits in the university’s own backyard.
While much attention in recent years has been focused on the future of the Great Salt Lake (and rightfully so), Utah’s second-biggest lake plays an important role in the state’s hydrology ecosystem. Utah Lake has become a subject of extensive research for many UVU College of Science faculty members and their students.
According to UVU professor Hilary Hungerford, who was appointed by Governor Cox to the Utah Lake Authority Board, the lake’s diverse ecosystem and its proximity to UVU provide an excellent laboratory.
“There’s a lot of energy around Utah Lake right now,” Hungerford said. “There is renewed interest in making the lake a greater community resource and creating a thriving ecosystem.”
Hungerford’s research has focused on lake governance and the impact of public policy on Utah Lake. Meanwhile, other College of Science faculty are conducting research on various aspects of the lake’s vitality:
“Throughout the year, I had the privilege of providing intensive guidance and support to a diverse group of nine students, each with unique backgrounds, including being first-generation college students, nontraditional students, females in STEM, and Asian American students,” Professor Wang said.
“Together, we expanded our knowledge and made significant strides in understanding the complex dynamics of the Utah Lake ecosystem,” Wang added. “We were hoping that the knowledge and insights gained from our research can help inform Utah Lake management practices and provide information to effectively safeguard Utah Lake water quality in the face of rapid economic and population growth within Utah County.”
Hungerford said that this collective research by UVU, in addition to being a powerful learning opportunity, is making a positive impact on Utah Lake.
Ronald Miller, a professor in the Strategic Management and Operations department of UVU’s Woodbury School of Business, was named one of six of Instructure’s 2022 Educators of the Year.
Maureen Andrade, an organizational leadership professor at UVU, was selected by the United States Embassy in Qatar to be an accreditation specialist in the Fulbright International Educational Exchange Program and spent six weeks in Doha, Qatar, last fall.
Hilary Hungerford, associate professor of geography, received the prestigious Fulbright Scholar Award in spring 2023. Hungerford will teach graduate seminars in sustainability and geography at the National University of Mongolia in Ulaanbaatar.
John Westover, UVU professor and chair of organizational leadership at the Woodbury School of Business, received the Silver Signal Award in the Best Commuter Podcast Shows category for his podcast Human Capital Innovations (HCI).
In November 2022, faculty from UVU’s Woodbury School of Business and the Smith College of Engineering and Technology mentored business and computer science students in creating UVU-themed non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The students partnered with local fintech company Ocavu, with proceeds helping to fund UVU’s Presidential Scholarships. For more information, visit uvu.edu/nft/.
One rainy season 17 years ago, Abdus Samad, UVU professor of economics and finance, stood in a downpour in the Bangladesh farming village where he was born and raised. He watched as a group of schoolgirls struggled through the mud in flip-flops to a bus stop, where they were turned away because they had no money. They walked three miles to attend Ranbagha High School, mud flipping up onto their legs and clothing with each step, soaked to the skin and clinging to their wet schoolbooks.
“It was really horrible. I was almost in tears. At that moment, I decided that I would build up a high school in this village,” Samad said. “Giving education is like giving eyesight to the blind. It is education and education alone that can help remove poverty, hunger, and social stratification. Education can provide self-confidence and dignity to them.”
Samad began his dream school in 2005 by using his own money to buy the land. He received donations from friends and colleagues at UVU and supplemented that funding by teaching summer courses at the high school. Currently, there are 425 students studying in the school, where tuition is always free, and 75% of students are female.
Francine Jensen, associate professor and UVU Nursing Program coordinator, has long known the value of mentoring students. So when the decision was made to expand enrollment in the nursing program, Jensen advocated for starting a formal mentoring program for students.
Last fall, 81 incoming nursing students were each assigned a faculty mentor who connects with the students regularly. Through these mentorships, students have been connected with various university resources to help them succeed, as well as find support through stressful moments in their coursework.
“We feel strongly that the faculty-student mentor program demonstrates the exceptional care UVU is passionate about providing to students, and mentoring aligns closely with the values within the profession of nursing,” Jensen said.
One of the nursing students said this of the mentoring program: “My mentor encouraged me a lot and comforted me when I was frustrated.” Another added, “It was nice to be ‘seen’ by a specific faculty mentor.”
Exercise science professor Nicolas Barcellos Dias Clark is passionate about helping students apply what they learn in the classroom. In his exercise testing and prescription class, students have the chance to put theory into practice.
Through a partnership with UVU’s Department of People and Culture, Clark created a personalized fitness assessment program for UVU employees, where each participant receives a tailored exercise prescription.
After a pilot program in fall 2022, Clark and his students signed up 20 employees to participate in spring 2023. Each participant met with a student whom Clark mentored. Over three sessions, students worked with employees to identify health risks and establish fitness goals, run various tests in UVU’s exercise science lab, and develop a tailored exercise prescription. The student also offered notes to help participants remember how to do each exercise properly, ensuring continued success.
Clark said his students are excited to have this hands-on experience, and the participating employees have appreciated the opportunity to learn more about their health.
Jenny Mackenzie, assistant professor of digital cinema production at UVU and Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker, has directed a new documentary film titled “The Right to Read,” which premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival SXSW-EDU.
“The Right to Read” examines low literacy rates among children in the U.S., the issues leading to the low rates, and what is being done to remedy the issues. The documentary follows Kareem Weaver, an NAACP activist and educator; Sabrina Causey, an elementary educator in Oakland, California; and two families with young children fighting curricular changes to improve child literacy.
Of the film, producer LeVar Burton said, “Literacy is at the heart of our democracy. And if you can’t read, you can’t access anything and function in a democracy.”
UVU is committed to offering flexible, relevant academic options tailored to the unique needs and academic aspirations of our diverse student body. We help equip our students with the tools necessary for success in a rapidly evolving world. As part of this transformative approach to higher education, we’ve added new and innovative educational options for students.
With a new agreement between UVU and the University of Utah, qualified UVU graduates with any bachelor’s degree are now eligible for fast-track admissions and annual scholarships to the U’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) Program.
Thanks to a new agreement between UVU and Mountainland Technical College, licensed practical nursing graduates from MTECH can easily transfer their credits into UVU’s Nursing Program. Incoming graduates can transfer into one of 24 newly added seats in UVU’s Associate of Science Nursing Program.
Beginning in fall 2023, UVU’s Master of Public Service degree (MPS) will be formally called a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. This name change was made to better represent the public administration program, helping students graduate with a degree recognized within the national public sector.
Snow College students in good academic standing who complete an associate degree, or 60 credits toward third-year status, will be accepted into UVU’s Integrated Studies Program, thanks to a new agreement between the two schools.
Responding to accelerating job growth in the rapidly expanding area of conferences, trade shows, and meetings, UVU has announced a new bachelor’s degree in event management. The new major, UVU’s 92nd bachelor’s program, will be offered through the Woodbury School of Business and is the first degree of its kind in Utah.
Throughout the previous year, UVU faculty members have conducted groundbreaking research, which has been published in esteemed peer-reviewed journals and publications. To recognize these remarkable accomplishments, we have curated a collection of faculty publications that highlight the depth and breadth of their intellectual contributions, from economics to genetics.
UVU extends its appreciation to the state legislature, donors, alumni, and community partners whose generous support has been instrumental to our continued growth and success. With every donation, our capacity to provide transformative educational experiences is amplified. Together, we are making a profound impact on the lives of students, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that resonates far beyond our campus walls.
The 2022 UVU President‘s Scholarship Ball raised funds to empower student success and shared an exciting announcement about EverGREEN, UVU‘s inaugural comprehensive campaign. Read more here.
UVU hosted its 32nd annual President’s Scholarship Ball on October 22, 2022. This year’s ball focused on student success, which drives UVU’s overall mission. During the event, UVU raised $455,500 for presidential scholarships, which will help students achieve their academic ambitions and graduate with work-ready skills.
The ball was also the platform for an exciting announcement introducing the university’s inaugural comprehensive campaign, EverGREEN.
This year’s Women’s Success Center Scholarship Luncheon raised a total of $477,172, which will fund student scholarships that enable women to complete their degrees and better their lives. These scholarships profoundly impact students’ educational journeys, with Women’s Success Center scholarship recipients showing a 17% higher persistence rate than other students.
1,488
students received private scholarship awards (2022-23)
$2,558,039
was distributed for scholarship awards (2022-23)
UVU Institutional Advancement Data and Analytics
At last year’s UVU President’s Scholarship Ball, Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) announced a gift of $28.5 million, with $20 million directed to the development of a new soccer stadium for the university. The state-of-the-art facility will provide increased seating and national broadcast-ready equipment, along with a video screen and scoreboard.
“An investment in UVU is an investment in the future,” said UCCU CEO Bret VanAusdal. “It provides tremendous benefits for our children, families, and the entire state, especially since 80% of UVU students are from Utah, and the vast majority settle here after graduation, contributing to our local workforce, industries, and communities.”
Below: Artistic rendering of the 22,000-square-foot UCCU Stadium, which will serve both
women’s and men’s soccer programs.
Instant photo: UCCU President and CEO Bret VanAusdal and UVU President Astrid Tuminez.
Melanie Bastian, a former member of the UVU Board of Trustees, left a legacy of “making her home open to others.” Upon her death in 2016, her four sons, Rick, Darren, Jeff, and Robbie, committed to keeping their mother’s promise to share their “beautiful home” by gifting it to UVU for what has now become the UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount. The new museum celebrated its opening to the public on May 13, 2023, with an inspiring exhibit titled, “The Art of Belonging.”
Courtney Davis, dean of UVU’s School of the Arts, shared, “Melanie opened the doors oftentimes to the community,” she said. “Now UVU is keeping her wish to expand the arts to all.”
For more information about the museum and upcoming exhibitions, visit uvu.edu/museum.
During the 2023 Utah General Legislative Session, UVU secured the funding necessary for the university’s growth and expansion, as well as compensation funding to offset the burden of inflation on employees and their families.
$1,506,700 one-time funding and $503,500 ongoing for the Native American Excellence Opportunity
$4 million one-time funding for the UVU Lehi Campus health professionals renovations
$9 million ongoing for targeted workforce development in computer science and healthcare
Alumni Spotlight
Kayson Christensen of Payson, Utah, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering in spring 2023. During his time at UVU, he maintained a 4.0 GPA in the UVU Mechanical Engineering Program, worked closely with professors on research, and was valedictorian of the College of Engineering and Technology. His education equipped him well for his new role as a process engineer in the 309th Missile Maintenance Group at Hill Air Force Base in Northern Utah.
Christensen said his experience at UVU prepared him for his career, especially the aspect of working with other students in his classes. “Entering this job, all I have done is work with team members on individual and group projects,” Christensen said. “My mentor has often asked for input on his individual project, as collaboration is extremely beneficial in the workplace.”
UVU student Nolan Hicken has been named the top graduate in Marine Officer Candidate School (OCS). Hicken's outstanding performance and leadership abilities during the rigorous training program led to this esteemed recognition.
UVU emerged as the winner in the 2022 PEG Development Competition, thanks to the winning team that included students Mitchell Jones, Camden Cooper, and Grant McColm. The team secured the top spot at the commercial real estate competition by presenting an innovative and sustainable solution for developing affordable housing in Utah.
UVU's Ethics Bowl team showcased its intellectual prowess and critical thinking skills by advancing to the 2023 Ethics Bowl quarterfinals. Competing against top universities, the team made up of 11 UVU students demonstrated their ethical reasoning and ability to tackle complex moral dilemmas.
Student Spotlight
Nicole Robbins, a nontraditional student studying aviation and mother to three boys, never considered that she could become a professional pilot. But when her father took her to see an airplane he purchased in 2015, she said the experience “flipped a switch.”
“I could see myself doing this,” Robbins said. “I love flying.”
During her time in UVU’s Professional Pilot Program, Robbins has worked with dedicated professors and counselors. “Those higher up in the department want the very best for their students and are doing everything they can to help them succeed in aviation,” she said.
As aviation has traditionally been a male-dominated field, Robbins has treasured the mutual support among women in the program. “Women just want to help each other,” she said. “Being a part of this small group of women has been amazing.”
During her academic career, Robbins completed an internship at Snow Peak Ventures, her father’s company. There, she implemented programs, procedures, and training curricula for new pilots and had the chance to fly right-seat in a Cessna Citation business jet and the King Air E90.
Once her kids get a bit older, Robbins aims to become an airline pilot, and encourages women interested in aviation to do the same. “If you’re a good pilot, your flying will speak for itself. If you’re a good person, your actions will speak for themselves.”
Photo Credit: Chloe Martin
EverGREEN is the campaign for UVU, supporting its Vision 2030 plan, which aims to meet the educational and workforce needs of our community, state, country, and world. The campaign impacts every area of campus, from academics and athletics to student life and engaged learning.
“UVU has offered thousands of students the opportunity to change their life trajectories, develop their full potential, and impact the world,” said Kyle Reyes, vice president of Institutional Advancement and CEO of the UVU Foundation. “The EverGREEN campaign will increase UVU’s ability to provide high-quality, accessible, affordable, engaging, personalized, and relevant education that will transform the life of a student and the world as we know it.”
UVU has set an ambitious comprehensive fundraising goal of $350 million. To date, the university has achieved nearly 52% of its campaign goal and aims to complete it by fall 2026.
Fundraising includes all areas of campus, and will be achieved through student support, capital projects, programmatic growth, special initiatives, and increased university endowment. EverGREEN will be a pivotal unification point for UVU, creating a sense of inclusion for donors, regardless of how much they give or the areas they support.
UVU launched EverGREEN with a special kick-off celebration for all faculty and staff, followed by a public announcement at the President’s Scholarship Ball.
“As a 2007 graduate and active UVU alumni member since 2015, I thought I knew it all about campus happenings. But I was mistaken. UVU has undergone remarkable growth and change. Visit campus again and experience the excitement firsthand. Attend artistic or athletic events, mentor students, or join the EverGREEN campaign as an ambassador. The time is right to get involved now!”
— Kara North ’07
Alumni Association Advisory Board president UVU business management
“Every day I wake up and am thankful for donors. They made it possible for me to receive an education. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to continue making a significant difference in the lives of my fellow students and beyond.”
— Lauren James
UVU marketing major and scholarship recipient
Reflecting on the past year, Utah Valley University remains steadfast in its commitment to making our university a place for innovators, a place for creators, a place for dreamers — a place for everyone.
As we stride forward, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results for students of all backgrounds and aspirations while meeting Utah’s evolving higher education and workforce needs.
