UVU healthcare administration students win first place at BYU’s Wasatch Cup, showcasing leadership and program excellence.
In a victory highlighting the growing strength of Utah Valley University’s healthcare administration program, a team of undergraduates captured first place last week at the Wasatch Cup, an annual healthcare leadership case competition hosted by Brigham Young University.
The win stands out not only because UVU’s undergraduate team beat out competitors from across the state, but because most of those teams were comprised of graduate students with advanced training. For UVU, the win signals a rapid rise in both reputation and results.
Organized by BYU’s Healthcare Leadership Association, the Wasatch Cup challenges students to solve real-world problems facing hospitals and health systems. Teams present their strategies to panels of industry executives who judge solutions on feasibility, creativity, and impact. The event draws participants from major Utah institutions, including BYU and the University of Utah, and offers students valuable exposure to decision-makers in the healthcare sector.
The achievement was deeply personal for the UVU team. “This win means so much, but not just for me — we did this for the university,” said Harry Nemelka, one of the team members. “After all we have gone through this semester, we did this for UVU.”
His teammate Colby Clark called the experience transformative: “This win means everything to me! It helped not just my résumé but my confidence. I learned how to be successful in a team as well as further my public speaking.”
Other team members emphasized the significance of the win for the school and the unique knowledge they obtained. “UVU has faced some challenges recently, so it feels great to bring home something positive for the university,” said Sam Johnston, who credited the project with sharpening his problem-solving skills. “Helping a hospital work through so many complex challenges in a creative way is a rare experience.”
Gracie King considers the win a career milestone: “It gave me the confidence I need to go further in my education and my career. UVU is an amazing school, and I am happy to see it finally getting the recognition it deserves.”
The competition spotlighted the critical role of healthcare leadership. “These people are making the decisions that change the lives of those that are sick or in need of care,” Nemelka said. King added, “Strong leaders strengthen community outreach, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare outcomes.”
As UVU celebrates its victory, the achievement sends a clear message: the university’s healthcare administration program is not just keeping pace — it’s setting a new standard.
Heather Thiesset, director of UVU's Healthcare Administration program, with this year's
team.
Team members Harry Nemelka, Gracie King, Sam Johnston, and Colby Clark at the 2025 Wasatch Cup.
