Utah Valley University today welcomed Jon Anderson, Ph.D., as its next president following the completion of the Utah Board of Higher Education selection process.
Utah Valley University (UVU) today welcomed Jon Anderson, Ph.D., as its next president following the completion of the Utah Board of Higher Education selection process. A nationally recognized educator, Anderson will assume the role on August 10, 2026, becoming the university’s eighth president.
“I am incredibly honored to lead Utah Valley University, an institution whose embrace of students from every walk of life aligns with my own belief that access to higher education should be available to anyone who is committed to learning,” said Anderson. “UVU is an extraordinary place, offering the rigor of a major university alongside the hands-on, career-ready training of a community college, giving our students — whether first-generation, mid-career, or recent high school graduates — myriad pathways to complete a certification, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and beyond. I am drawn to UVU because an open door means a wider path for more people. I look forward to meeting UVU’s students and working with its talented faculty and staff to ensure the university remains a powerful engine of opportunity for students and for the communities we serve. Go, Wolverines!”
As president, Anderson will lead Utah’s largest public university at a time of unprecedented growth and opportunity. This year saw UVU’s largest graduating class of more than 13,400 students. UVU’s dual-mission model combines the technical training and open enrollment of a community college with rigorous bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. This unique model is a key driver in Utah’s renowned upward economic mobility and offers one of the lowest tuition rates among Utah’s four-year institutions.
Forty-one percent of UVU students are the first in their families to pursue higher education. Seventy-nine percent of students work while going to school. Ten years after graduation, 74% of alumni stay in Utah. UVU produces the most local entrepreneurs, and 73% of alumni graduate with degrees leading to 4- and 5-star jobs.
“I’m excited to work alongside our new university president,” said Herby Fullmer, UVU student body president. “This is a really important time for UVU students that will bring many opportunities to think creatively and continue strengthening our values while finding new, innovative ways to enhance the student experience. I’m looking forward to collaborating closely together to make UVU an even better place for every single student.”
“We are committed to working with President Anderson to foster a strong partnership grounded in shared governance, academic excellence, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Evelyn Porter, Faculty Senate president.
“We are pleased to welcome Jon Anderson to UVU and are grateful to have been part of the search committee process,” said Derek Kent, Professional Association of Campus Employees (PACE) president. “We look forward to partnering closely with President Anderson to strengthen our shared commitment to advocating for and ensuring that UVU’s community of students, staff, and faculty thrives.”
Jon Anderson, Ph.D., most recently served as president of Pennsylvania Western University. A dedicated educator at heart, his classroom experience includes more than a decade at the University of West Georgia (UWG), teaching undergraduate and graduate business courses. While at UWG, he also served in key leadership roles, including deputy provost, associate vice president, associate dean, accreditation liaison, and MBA director. Additionally, he previously served as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at both Southern Utah University and Middle Georgia State University.
A Utah native, Anderson is an avid skier and mountain biker who will be right at home in Utah County. He attended Bingham High School and Utah State University. He holds a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Kentucky, an M.Ed. in business education from the University of West Georgia, a B.S. in sociology from Utah State University, and an associate degree from Ricks College (now Brigham Young University–Idaho). In recognition of his leadership and impact, he was named one of Pennsylvania’s most influential leaders in City & State’s 2024 PA Fifty Over 50.
For supplemental information, please visit ushe.edu.
