In the Media

By Reagan Campbell, Deseret News

The Campus Cup is back — and UVU and BYU are already battling for it

September 26, 2026 — Utah Valley University and BYU are competing in the statewide Campus Cup, which encourages college students to register to vote and participate in civic life.

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By Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

Nearly $10K later, here's what a Latter-day Saint writer learned after year of online sports betting

September 25, 2026 — The Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins spoke at Utah Valley University about lessons learned during his year-long investigation into the online sports betting industry.

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Daily Herald

‘You can’t tell’: UVU study examines the effectiveness of deepfake videos

June 19, 2026 — A UVU study examines deepfake videos and how effectively people can identify AI-generated political content.

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By Roger Goldman, KPCW

Hebert Public Policy Institute says Utah mail-in voting system safe

June 19, 2026 — Herbert Institute Executive Director Justin Jones discusses Utah’s mail-in voting system, voter security measures, and the Institute’s research for the Utah Legislature.

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By Joseph Jorgensen, TechBuzz News

Utah Invites the World to Build Its New Digital Identity System — A Hackathon Preview

June 1, 2026 — Utah leaders discuss the state-endorsed digital identity system and a UVU hackathon focused on digital identity, healthcare, security, and applied AI.

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UC Utah Valley Chamber, KSL.com

Utah County Commissioner debate: Watch the videos and meet the candidates

May 22, 2026 — The Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce and Herbert Institute for Public Policy hosted public debates for Utah County Commission candidates focused on growth, taxes, and infrastructure.

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By Brigham Tomco, Deseret News

At the site of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, senators look for ways to end political violence

November 12, 2025 — Two months after the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, Utah Sen. John Curtis and Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly sat down on the other side of campus to confront the nation’s epidemic of political violence and to chart a course toward potential solutions.

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By Tad Walch, Deseret News

What Dr. Ben Carson said to Utah Valley University students about prayer, resiliency — and Charlie Kirk’s legacy

November 5, 2025 — Renowned brain surgeon, author and former Republican presidential candidate visits healing Orem campus to champion civil discourse.

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By Tad Walch, Deseret News

Astrid Tuminez is grieving. What UVU's president can teach us after her husband's death, Charlie Kirk's murder

October 5, 2025 — In February, Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez’s husband collapsed and died on a South American peak. Her anguish was felt by many of the school’s 46,000 students.

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By Brigham Tomco, Deseret News

Inside the Conflict Over Utah Candidate Debates

August 2, 2025 — Utah lawmakers shifted the future of state election debates away from an independent commission this year, but candidate debates will remain nonpartisan, fair and accessible, according to the two men tasked with leading the transformation.

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By Utah Policy

New Constitutional Federalism Director appointed at UVU

July 2 2025 — Utah Valley University’s (UVU) Center for Constitutional Studies (CCS) announced today the appointment of Troy Smith, Ph.D., professor of Constitutional Federalism at UVU, as the first director of the Constitutional Federalism Initiative (CFI). Sheri Smederovac will serve as program manager.

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By Mark Tullis, Tech Buzz News

Utah Redefines Digital Privacy with Bold Public Data Agenda

May 30, 2025 — Utah’s inaugural Data Privacy and Governance Summit revealed a bold state-led vision for citizen-controlled digital identity, ethical AI, and public data accountability—positioning Utah as a national leader in digital rights infrastructure.

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By Brigham Tomco, Deseret News

Did Utah's vote-by-mail reform really make elections safer?

Mar. 18, 2025 — Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz said Tuesday the state's new vote-by-mail process is "a huge step" toward better election security despite the major changes made from the original proposal he supported.

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By Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

'One side of the story': GOP lawmakers defend bill stripping public unions of bargaining power

Mar. 18, 2025 — With efforts to undo it underway, Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz defended a controversial bill banning public sector unions from collectively bargaining, saying it is "trying to balance" public employees' interests with those of the taxpayers .

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By Brigham Tomco, Deseret News

5 ways Utah lawmakers will spend taxpayer dollars next year

March 7, 2025 — Herbert The Legislature prioritized funding for nuclear power and students learning English.

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By Emily Anderson Stern, The Salt Lake Tribune

Utah's pre-election debates are run by an independent commission. Some elected officials want to take over.

February 27, 2025 — That question is being raised by GOP lawmakers after multiple public tiffs with the nonproft Utah Debate Commission.

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By Sydney Jezik, StateScoop

Utah Valley University may be tasked with running state, local election debates

Feb. 27, 2025 — A new bill moving through the Utah State Legislature could create a university-run, student-supported election debate committee.

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By Caitlin Keith, Deseret News

The Legislature is enlisting two UVU organizations to help with federalism education

Feb. 21, 2025 — HB488 would enlist UVU's Center for Constitutional Studies and Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy for specific activities surrounding federalism education in the state of Utah.

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By Collin Leonard, KSL.com

Former national security adviser John Bolton makes predictions for Trump's second term

November 8, 2024 — The Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy hosts former U.S. ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton at Utah Valley Growth & Prosperity Summit.

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By Emma Pitts, Deseret News

Can democracy survive the AI disinformation surge?

October 28, 2024 — Herbert Institute co-hosts event where student researchers and industry experts warn of dangers posed by AI-genersted deepfakes spreading chaos and undermining voter confidence in the 2024 election cycle.

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By Hannah Murdock, Deseret News

U.S. Census Bureau director tells UVU students what he learned from 9/11

September 11, 2024 — Robert Santos tells students that accurate data may be an unsung protector of democracy at Herbert Institute event .

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By Sophia Fox-Sowell, StateScoop

Elections Project’ will fight political misinformation with digital identity verification

July 10, 2024 — A new project out of Utah Valley University aims to undermine politically motivated deepfakes and the misinformation they spread.

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By Payton Davis, Deseret News

Will Utah lead the way in combating election deepfakes?

July 9, 2024 — A new pilot program helps candidates authenticate digital identities amid rise of AI.

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By Derek Monson, Sutherland Institute

Commentary: This primary election season, recognize that secure elections require public trust

June 3, 2024 — The power of average voters to choose their leaders through secure elections that evoke public confidence is what gives legitimacy to our self-governing republic.

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By Peter Johnson, KSL Utah's Morning News

How does Utah ensure election security ahead of election season?

May 10, 2024 — Utah leaders say the state’s election security system is strong leading into this year’s election.

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By Katie McKellar, Utah News Dispatch

Republicans are losing trust in elections, even in Utah. What should be done?

May 9, 2024 — Election officials, state and national experts explore solutions. They encourage those with concerns to learn about process intricacies, visit county clerks offices, volunteer as poll workers.

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By The Deseret News Editorial Board

Opinion: Here’s why you should trust in our elections

May 8, 2024 — A group of Republican officials from various states are banding together to spread the word that is desperately needed this year — American elections are sound and reliable.

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By Brigham Tomco, Deseret News

Conservatives have lost trust in elections. Here’s how Utah leaders are trying to help

May 7, 2024 — Utah’s top election officials are part of a national push to promote ‘a conservative agenda for democracy.'

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By Kristen McPeek, KUTV

Gov. Spencer Cox, Rep. Phil Lyman headed into GOP gubernatorial primary showdown

Apr. 29, 2024 — Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert talks with KUTV on the recent state GOP Convention, sharing his own experience and urging Utahns to vote in upcoming elections .

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By Defending Ideas, Sutherland Institute

What you need to know about election integrity

Apr. 10, 2024 — Nic Dunn sits down with Justin Jones, Executive Director of the Herbert Institute, and Sutherland’s Derek Monson to discuss the fault lines in the debate over voting and election policy.

Listen to Source

By Daniel Woodruff, KSL TV 5

Utah Senate rejects effort to end ranked choice voting early

Feb. 29, 2024 — Utah’s experiment with ranked choice voting will continue after a bill that would have ended the pilot program two years early failed to pass. A report from the Herbert Institute for Public Policy is linked.

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By Dan Evans, Fox 13 News

Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert reflects on his legacy

Feb. 28, 2024 — Former Utah Governor Gary Herbert sat down with FOX 13 News at The Herbert Institute for Public Policy at Utah Valley University to talk about his legacy in Utah and politics.

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Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson

Ambassador Nikki Haley Visits Utah, Sits Down With Boyd and Speaks at UVU

Feb. 28, 2024 — Boyd covers Ambassador Nikki Haley's trip to UVU, recapping his conversation with her and her speech. Hear Herbert Interns discuss how she was received and how she’s resonating with the locals.

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By McKenzie Romero, News From The States

In Utah rally, Nikki Haley calls to stop shift in Republican party

Feb. 28, 2024 — Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley spoke at a campaign event hosted by the Herbert Institute for Public Policy at Utah Valley University in Orem.

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By Matthew Drachman, UVU Review

PM Liz Truss and Senator Mike Lee forum on constitutions interrupted by lone protester

Feb. 22, 2024 — The Herbert Institute hosted an event where Senator Mike Lee and Former U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss discussed constitutional differences and similarities between their two nations.

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By Bridger Beal-Cvetko, KSL.com

Nikki Haley to visit Utah next week ahead of Super Tuesday presidential caucus votes

Feb. 20, 2024 — Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley will visit Utah next week, ahead of the state's GOP presidential preference poll during caucus meetings on Super Tuesday. The event will be hosted by Utah Valley University’s Herbert Institute for Public Policy.

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By Hanna Seariac, Deseret News

Sen. Mike Lee and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss on why the bureaucracies have got to go

Feb. 20, 2024 — Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Liz Truss, former U.K. prime minister, spoke as part of the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy’s forum series.

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By Eva Terry, KSL

After escaping North Korea, human rights activist Yeonmi Park says she found freedom, God

Feb. 8, 2024 — Ms. Park spoke at Utah Valley University, hosted by the Herbert Institute and the UVU Chapter of YAF, where she explained why she warns her friends about socialism.

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By Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

Report says confidence in ranked choice voting could be improved through better data

Jan. 31, 2024 — A report published by the Herbert Institute for Public Policy says voter confidence in ranked choice elections could be improved through better reporting of the results.

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By Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

Report: How secure are Utah's elections?

Jan. 29, 2024 — The Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy at Utah Valley University held a panel discussion with political and voting experts who presented three reports on Utah's election integrity.

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By Zachary Dart, UVU Review

Utah Valley University’s Herbert Institute

Oct. 9, 2023 — Former Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert founded a public policy institute and continues to help students gain experience in public service.

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By Matthew Drachman, UVU Review

“We can fix our problems,” Former Speaker Paul Ryan shares a message of fiscal responsibility

Oct. 6, 2023 — Paul Ryan, Former Speaker of The House, spoke to a crowd of students and faculty regarding issues that are facing America. Speaking to fiscal issues, Ryan also discussed the recent ousting of Kevin McCarthy, calling it “despicable.”

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By UVU News

Former House Speaker Warns UVU Audience About The Danger Of Hyperpolarization

Oct. 5, 2023 — Paul Ryan, former speaker of the United States House of Representatives, addressed Utah Valley University students, faculty, staff, and guests on the dangers of hyperpolarization.

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By Gary Herbert, Deseret News

We the people have a problem — and a tremendous responsibility

Oct. 4, 2023 — Former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert weighs in on the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and what should happen next.

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By Lehi Free Press

Hutchings Museum Institute launches post-secondary school career training

May 13, 2023 — The Hutchings Museum Institute and former Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert launched career training courses for adults during an event at Hutchings Museum Institute in Lehi.

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By Suzanne Bates, Deseret News

Former Vice President Mike Pence tells Salt Lake audience ‘God’s grace’ helped him during the ‘tragedy’ of Jan. 6

Apr. 28, 2023 — The day after he testified for 7 hours in front of a grand jury, Pence came to Utah and said Republicans should focus on ‘the future’ in an event hosted by the Herbert Institute for Public Policy.

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By Matthew Drachman, UVU Review

Money in politics: how off-campus groups influence UVUSA elections

Feb. 21, 2023 — An investigation conducted by The Review has revealed how off-campus organizations have allegedly influenced UVUSA student elections by supporting candidates since 2016. Michael Erickson, Student Director of the Herbert Institute, is interviewed.

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By Margaret Chamberlain, UVU News

Valley Visioning’ on Display at Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit

Oct. 28, 2022 — Leaders in Utah Valley business, civics, and education gathered at Utah Valley University on Thursday, October 27, 2022, for the second annual Utah Valley Growth and Prosperity Summit.

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By Matthew Drachman, UVU Review

Senate candidates clash at UVU hosted debate as election tightens

Oct. 20, 2022 — Senate candidates Mike Lee and Evan McMullin faced off against one another for the first and only time during a televised debate hosted by the Herbert Institute for Public Policy at UVU.

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By Barb Smith, UVU News

Talk With Tuminez: September 21, 2022

Sep. 21, 2022 — President Astrid S. Tuminez hosted the first “Talk with Tuminez” of the academic year. She highlighted the opening of the Herbert Institute for Public Policy as one of UVU’s great achievements.

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By Jacob Scholl, Salt Lake Tribune

‘I’ll keep you posted’: Mike Pence leaves door open for presidential run during Utah Valley University speech

Sep. 20, 2022 — Speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University, former Vice President Mike Pence was asked by a student if he would run for president in 2024.

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By Chris Arnold, Fox 13 News Salt Lake City

Pence met with cheers, student-run protest during speech at Utah Valley University

Sep. 20, 2022 — Former Vice President Mike Pence faced cheers and criticism as he spoke at a forum hosted by the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy.

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By Kim Bojórquez, Axios Salt Lake City

Mike Pence keeps mum about 2024 presidential run during Utah visit

Sep. 20, 2022 — After a speech hosted by the Herbert Institute at Utah Valley University, a student asked Pence during a Q&A if he was running in the next presidential election.

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By Nick Gledhill, UVU News

UVU Dedicates Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy

Aug. 18, 2022 — Hundreds gathered at the UVU Gateway Building on Aug. 18 to celebrate the formal opening of the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy.

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By Emily Ashcraft, KSL.com

UVU opens Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy, announces Pence visit

Aug. 18, 2022 — President Astrid Tuminez said the school's new public policy institute started as an idea and a dream near the beginning of her time at UVU, but former Utah Gov. Gary Herbert helped make it a reality that she expects will continue to grow.

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By UVU News

Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy Announces Former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence Will Visit UVU

Aug. 18, 2022 — As part of its unveiling on Aug. 18, the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy announced that former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence will speak at Utah Valley University on Sept. 20, 2022.

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By Daedan Olander, Salt Lake Tribune

With Rep. Burgess Owens a no-show, 4th Congressional District candidate forum stays civil

Jun. 15, 2022 — Republican Jake Hunsaker joined United Utah Party candidate January Walker and Democrat Darlene McDonald in a “candidate forum” at UVU. The event was hosted by Mormon Women for Ethical Government and the Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy.

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By UVU News

The Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy Receives Official Board of Trustees’ Approval to Become Part of Utah Valley University

Apr. 19, 2022 — The Gary R. Herbert Institute for Public Policy received official approval from the Utah Valley University Board of Trustees to become an academic center at UVU.

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By Gephardt Daily

UVU approves Gary R. Herbert Institute of Public Policy

Apr. 6, 2022 — The Gary R. Herbert Institute of Public Policy received approval from the Utah Valley University Board of Trustees to become an academic center at UVU.

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By Colliers

Utah Valley University announced Thursday the opening of the new Gateway Building

Dec. 3, 2021 — Utah Valley University announced the opening of the new Gateway Building, which will be funded by a $5 million donation from prominent business leader and UVU alum Brandon Fugal.

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By UVU Communications, UVU News

Brandon Fugal Donates $5 Million to UVU for New Building That Will Welcome All to Campus

Dec. 2, 2021 — Leaders in business, education, and government celebrated the opening of the Fugal Gateway Building, home to the newly established Herbert Institute. The building was made possible because of a generous $5 million donation from prominent Utah business leader and UVU alum Brandon D. Fugal.

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By Mark Koelbel, KUTV

Gov. Gary R. Herbert reflects on his terms as head of state in Utah

Dec. 23, 2020 — After more than 11 years in the Governor's Mansion, Gary R. Herbert, Utah's 17th governor, reflects on his life in public service.

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By Gretel Kauffman, Deseret News

UVU policy center named for Gov. Herbert will emphasize ‘important role of states’ in government

Nov. 1, 2019 — A public policy center at Utah Valley University named for Gov. Gary Herbert will emphasize the “important role of states” in today’s government, according to the governor.

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