About Us

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What is ESS?

At Utah Valley University, Educational Support Services is a place for you, a place to build confidence, strengthen your skills, and succeed on your terms. Whether you’re working through a challenging math problem, refining a paper, preparing for an exam, developing better study habits, or seeking new study friends, ESS has the resources to help you.

We bring together Academic Tutoring, the Math Lab, the Writing Center, Testing Services, and Academic Coaching as a unified team dedicated to supporting you every step of the way. Our departments work closely together, so no matter which resource you start with, any one of us can connect you to the others. With free, student-centered services, flexible in-person and online options, and a welcoming environment, ESS is your home base for academic success throughout your college career.

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ESS Leadership

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Certifications and Awards

Gallup certified strengths coach badge

JST coaching & training badge

ICF associate certified coach badge

Academic Coaching & Educational Standards

  • 2026 Staff Champion of UVU: Lisa Williamson
  • 2025 Specialty Advisor of the Year: Gioey Alisa
  • 2025 PACE Distinguished Employee: Kristen Nuesmeyer
  • 2022 Best of Region NACADA Presentation

CRLA

Academic Tutoring

  • CRLA Level III Master Certification
  • 2024 UWHEN Emerging Professionals Award: Kristen Hornberger
  • 2022 University College Award of Excellence: Kristen Hornberger
  • 2021 University College Award of Excellence: Nate James

CRLA

Math Lab

  • CRLA Level III Master Certification

CRLA

Writing Center

  • CRLA Level III Master Certification
  • 2025 CRLA Outstanding Article of the Year: Lisa Bell, Joni Hayward Marcum, Kelsey Hixson-Bowles, Maren Nield, Asmaa Alsharif
  • 2022 Foundations of Inclusion Award: Lisa Bell
  • 2021 UVULEAD+ Certification: Lisa Bell
  • 2019 International Writing Centers Association Dissertation Award
  • 2005, UVU School of General Academics (University College) Staff Excellence Award 2005
  • 2003 Provost Award of Excellence: Lisa Bell

OTL Certifications

  • Evidence-Based Teaching Practices
  • Livestream Teaching Academy
  • Mentoring Undergraduate Research Academy
  • Online Teaching Academy
  • Service-Learning
  • Teaching First Year Students
  • American Culture
  • AI Academy
  • Team-Based Learning
  • Writing Enriched