About Us

Portrait of Elizabeth Nield

Empowering Latino Scholars, Enriching Our Campus Community.

We are thrilled to welcome you to explore the Latino Initiative, where we foster an environment of growth, empowerment, and cultural celebration for the Latino community.

We offer a range of programs and services designed to support your academic, personal, and cultural journey. From mentorship programs that connect you with experienced peers to workshops and events that celebrate the richness of Latino culture, we are committed to nurturing your holistic development. We aim to empower you to embrace your heritage while equipping you with the tools to achieve your academic and life aspirations.

Whether you are a current student, prospective student, staff member, or community partner, we are excited to collaborate on this journey. Together, we can create a more inclusive, empowered, and united UVU community that reflects the spirit of inclusive excellence.

Bienvenidos y adelante,

Elizabeth Nield, Latino Initiative Director

Our Purpose

Through dedicated efforts and strategic initiatives, we aim to achieve the following key objectives:

Empowerment and Inclusion

We are committed to providing a transformative educational experience that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their academic and personal lives.

Our commitment to education extends beyond traditional classroom learning. We strive to promote a love for lifelong learning while also ensuring equitable access to quality education.

We believe that by fostering a strong sense of curiosity we prepare students for success in an ever-evolving global society.

Academic Excellence

Our initiative promotes academic excellence among Latino students. We provide resources and support to help them excel in their studies, attain their educational goals, and realize their full potential.

Cultural Competence

We are dedicated to fostering cultural competence among Latino students and throughout the entire UVU community. By sharing cultural insights and best practices, we promote diversity, equity, and understanding among all students and staff.

Barriers Removal

We actively identify and address the barriers Latino students may face in pursuing higher education. Whether financial, logistical, or social, our initiative works to eliminate these obstacles and create pathways to success.

Personal and Professional Development

The Latino Initiative offers personal and professional growth opportunities, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success within and beyond their academic journeys.

Community Engagement

Community Engagement

Advocacy and Support

We advocate for Latino students’ unique needs and challenges, striving to create policies and practices that ensure their success and well-being.

Our Vision

Our vision encompasses the following core aspirations:

Inclusive Excellence

We aspire to create an academic ecosystem that exemplifies inclusive excellence, where Latino students are integral to the vibrant tapestry of our campus. This vision acknowledges that diversity is an asset and believes that the success of one enriches the success of all.

Holistic Empowerment

Our vision extends beyond academic achievement to encompass the holistic empowerment of Latino students. We envision a campus community that fosters personal growth, leadership development, and the nurturing of well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in a global society.

Cultural Enrichment

We envision a UVU community that fully embraces and appreciates the rich cultural tapestry of Latino heritage. By sharing cultural insights and best practices, we seek to enhance cultural competences, promote dialogue, and develop an environment of respect and understanding.

Barrier-Free Education

The Latino Initiative envisions a campus where barriers to education are removed and replaced with bridges to success. We strive for a future where financial, logistical, and social obstacles are transformed into opportunities for empowerment and achievement.

Academic Excellence

Our vision is grounded in the belief that academic excellence is attainable for all. We aim to see every Latino student excelling in their studies, realizing their educational aspirations, and contributing to a thriving academic community.

Community and Networking

We envision a tight-knit community of Latino students actively engaged in campus life, connected with mentors, peers, and resources that foster personal and academic growth, and equipped with the tools to build a lasting network for future success.

Advocacy for Equity

Our vision includes a commitment to advocating for equity in policies and practices, ensuring that the unique needs and challenges of Latino students are recognized, addressed, and dismantled in a supportive and inclusive environment.

 

Our Impact

13.7% increase in 8-year graduation rate over 4 years

6% increase in retention over 4 years

3% increase in 6-year graduation rate over 4 years
3,620 Hispanic Students in Fall 2022 cohort

Our Staff

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Decorative

Latino Initiative

Monday-Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

LA

Liberal Arts Building

800 West University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058

Make an Impact (UVU Giving)

Find the most updated information about upcoming events and engage with the Latino community at UVU by following us on Instagram and Facebook.