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UVU's Presidential Internship Program is a distinguished internship housed in the Office of the President. It provides students from all backgrounds with the chance to learn from and engage with UVU's executive leadership team. Each intern will work closely with a UVU cabinet member to develop and complete projects. By working with the cabinet, students will better understand UVU's purpose and values and gain an inside view of higher education. Students will also develop skills to enhance their education, careers, and personal lives.
Have questions? Check out our FAQ page.
Grace Miller is a senior in UVU’s Financial Planning and Wealth Management program and a member of the 2025 Presidential Internship cohort. She is known for her people-centered leadership and commitment to building inclusive, collaborative environments. As lead intern for the Chief of Staff, Kara Schneck, she coordinates projects, advances executive initiatives, and strengthens teamwork among her peers.
Grace’s leadership began early. As a high school senior in 2018, she directed a Sub4Santa program in her hometown that raised over $200,000 to provide Christmas for families and individuals in need. At UVU, she served in the presidency of the Utah Valley Institute’s Student Council, where she organized campus-wide events and expanded student engagement. She also recently led 38 youth in Malaysia through Humanitarian Experience for Youth, guiding service projects for communities with individuals who are deaf, blind, or have special needs. These experiences affirm her belief in UVU’s motto, “A Place for You,” and deepen her dedication to building culture and belonging.
Looking ahead, Grace is preparing to pursue an MBA and apply her background in financial planning to a career at the intersection of business, leadership, and service. She aims to lead initiatives that drive inclusive growth and create meaningful impact for individuals and communities.
Santiago Polo is a junior at Utah Valley University, pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish, where his love for Spanish literature has shaped much of his academic journey. As a first-generation college student, Santiago credits UVU with providing both the tools and the belief that he can achieve great things. He currently serves as the Presidential Intern to President Astrid S. Tuminez.
Before joining UVU, Santiago worked for over three years as an immigration paralegal, supporting vulnerable families and helping them improve their quality of life while maintaining dignity in the United States. This experience sparked his passion for immigration law and inspired his goal of attending law school to continue serving immigrant communities.
Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Santiago loves soccer and played competitively for many years. He also enjoys following baseball, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his family. Santiago volunteers with Make-A-Wish Utah as a wish granter, helping children envision and achieve their dreams. Through his academic, professional, and volunteer experiences, Santiago hopes to make a meaningful impact by advocating for immigrants and making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Kohler Wilcox is an enthusiastic storyteller who loves to help people find connection and belonging through words. He is currently pursuing a degree in Applied Communication with a minor in Creative Writing, and now works under Kara Schneck for Marketing and Communications. In his current role he has contributed to UVU’s social media pages, and assisted with the university’s PR efforts.
Kohler has lived in Utah for the majority of his life with his mother and sister. His mother has worked as an educator for over a decade and taught him from a young age the importance of learning and hard work. Prior to his attendance at UVU, Kohler served a religious mission in Dallas, Texas, where he gained an understanding of the true influence our words and actions can have. He has held several other leadership roles on campus including as a UVU Ambassador Manager, where he lead the greatest team of all time and got the chance to tell his UVU story on campus tours.
Outside of the office, Kohler enjoys spending time with friends and family, camping in the mountains, listening to music at an excessive volume, and rewatching Star Wars for what is likely the thousandth time.
Cristina A. Lyon is a certified professional in Product Management and Digital Marketing. She is pursuing a degree in Digital Marketing with double minors in Leadership Studies and Public Relations & Strategic Communication, and is expected to graduate in December 2026. Cristina also speaks four languages and worked in real estate for five years while living in Brazil.
As a Presidential Intern in the Office of the Provost, she builds connections between UVU leadership and students through strategic content creation. Her projects highlight the university’s academic mission and promote awareness of campus resources. Areas of focus include social media strategy, visual storytelling, and student engagement campaigns. She also contributes to the Journal of Student Leadership’s PR and Marketing team and supports the UNESCO Chair at UVU with global engagement initiatives.
In 2017, Cristina founded a fundraising project in Brazil that has since reached more than 25,000 children and families on Children’s Day and Christmas Eve. These efforts have also helped rebuild homes and provide food for communities in need.
Beyond academics and leadership, her interests include photography, line dance, concerts, and outdoor activities. She is passionate about cultural exchange and philanthropy, with a long-term goal of leading initiatives that expand access to food and education for children worldwide.
Joseph Robertson is a senior at Utah Valley University, majoring in Business & Analytics with minors in Finance and Human Resources Management. He enjoys developing skills in data analytics and creating visualizations that lead to actionable insights. Upon graduating in Spring 2026, he hopes to continue his education by pursuing a Master’s program in Human Resources.
His involvement at UVU includes serving as a presidency member of the SHRM Club (Society for Human Resource Management), where he and his team earned first place in the Utah SHRM Case Study Competition. Joseph began working at UVU as an Internal Audit Intern, where he gained experience in university policies and procedures. He enjoyed conducting fieldwork, analyzing financial and operational documents, and writing reports for the Audit Committee and University President.
Currently, Joseph is interning with Marilyn Meyer in the People & Culture department. He is excited to deepen his understanding of the various roles within the department and contribute to meaningful initiatives that support UVU’s mission and community. He believes that work should be a positive and fulfilling experience, and he hopes to provide tools that foster a safe and enjoyable workplace for all.
Outside of his studies, Joseph enjoys playing soccer, hiking, climbing, camping, and spending time with his wife and family.
Bailey “Sinq” Sinquefield Zito is a senior studying Event Management and Leadership Studies in Nonprofit Organizations. Sinq is an advocate for all things charity, non profit, humanitarian, and philanthropy. Due to her passion, she plans on focusing her career on fundraising for important causes. She hopes to one day start a non profit dedicated to bringing menstrual education and resources to women in the global south.
Having grown up in Vegas, Sinq was always a performer, participating in her high schools dance team, a youth valley audition chorus, community theatre, and performing on the Strip. She came to UVU as a theatre major, then changed to Geology with the intention of becoming a Paleontologist. After pausing her education for two years to do religious and humanitarian work, she decided to change her major upon her return to reflect her true passion and calling: service.
Previous to her position as Presidential Intern to Kyle Reyes, VP Institutional Advancement and CEO of the UVU Foundation, Sinq was a Wolverine Ambassador and Ambassador Manager. Since Spring of ‘24, she’s served as Founder and President of Wolverine Wishes, a service club on campus which partners with Make-A-Wish Utah to raise money to grant wishes for Wish Kids in her community.
In her free time, she enjoys painting with watercolor, embroidery, dancing, reading, hosting, and has recently picked up the lap harp. She’s happily married to her best friend and loves to be a wolverine.
Olivia Blackwell is thrilled to serve as a Presidential Intern for Utah Valley University, a role she has dreamed of since her freshman year. She is in her final year at UVU, completing a degree in Public Health with a minor in Nutrition. She has embraced multiple leadership roles across campus, including her current service as a manager for The Zone leadership group and as President of the Women for UVU club.
Passionate about social advocacy, Olivia is the cofounder of Every Body, a nonprofit organization dedicated to eating disorder prevention among girls and women in Utah. For more than three years, she has advanced this mission by presenting at panels, conferences, and participating in artistic demonstrations throughout the state. She continues to seek innovative ways to educate, advocate, and inspire individuals, and plans to change the world a little at a time.
Her faith is central to her life, and Olivia openly credits her love for God as the foundation of her service. She strives to live by her values, both personally and professionally. Outside her academic and professional commitments, Olivia values time with family, friends, and her incredibly supportive husband. She enjoys acrylic painting, vocal performance, roller skating, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Abigail Brown is currently serving as the Presidential Intern for Deputy Provost Kat Brown at Utah Valley University. A junior majoring in Integrated Studies with an emphasis in Anthropology and Environmental Studies, Abigail is passionate about higher education and is driven to help make it accessible for all who seek it. She is also a Fellow at UVU's Center for Social Impact, where she engages in projects that connect student learning with community impact.
In her role as a Presidential Intern, Abigail represents the student voice in academic policy, serves on the Academic Calendaring Committee, and sits on the Ira A. and Mary Lou Fulton Library Advancement Board. Her responsibilities include creating the faculty newsletter, addressing faculty–student concerns, and supporting special projects for the Office of Academic Affairs.
Before beginning her internship, Abigail worked as an Orientation Coordinator with UVU's First-Year Experience Office, where she supported incoming students and fostered community engagement. Looking ahead, she plans to graduate in May 2027 and pursue service through the Peace Corps, continuing her commitment to learning and global impact.
Abigail is proud to be a Wolverine and is excited for the year ahead at UVU.
Peipei Li is a senior at Utah Valley University, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Information Systems Technology. He moved to Utah from China in 2018 in pursuit of new opportunities for educational and personal growth, bringing with him a global perspective and a strong work ethic.
He currently serves as a presidential intern for Christina Baum, VP of Digital Transformation. In this capacity, Peipei works directly with the Cybersecurity and IT Risk Management Team, where he is gaining invaluable, real-world experience in protecting digital assets. He is passionate about using technology to directly support his fellow students and improve their experience with the university's digital tools.
Peipei’s dedication to the campus community is also reflected in his diverse work history. He has held positions with the Academic Tutoring Lab, Math Lab, Facilities Services, with each role strengthening his communication and problem-solving abilities. As a senior member of the International Student Council, he draws upon his own experiences to mentor a group of over 80 international students, helping them navigate their transition to university life in the United States. His exceptional dedication was formally recognized when he was named UVU’s Facilities Services Student Employee of the Month in June 2021.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Peipei enjoys cooking, watching movies, and playing video games. His innate curiosity and hands-on approach to technology are evident even in his hobbies; he once successfully troubleshooted and replaced his cellphone battery using just a hairdryer and a small screwdriver. Looking ahead, Peipei is determined to build a career in the cybersecurity field, where he aims to apply his technical skills and passion for problem-solving to create a safer digital world.
Mohamed Maiga is a senior in Cybersecurity at Utah Valley University. Originally from Mali, he moved to the U.S. at 17 in pursuit of growth, education, and opportunity. Since then, UVU has truly become his place; a community where he has served as a Wolverine Ambassador, Student Alumni Ambassador, Club Ambassador, President of the International Student Council, and now a Presidential Intern for the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Through these roles, Mohamed has built a track record of leadership, service, and impact. He managed initiatives for 500+ international students, gave tours to prospective students, represented UVU in alumni and club leadership, and supported campus-wide projects.
Mohamed is fluent in French, Bambara, and English, and his diverse work experience reflects his adaptability and drive. His journey at UVU spans roles as an Intramurals Referee, Custodian, Innovation Academy Frontend Developer, International Student Services Office Assistant, French Tutor, and now a Presidential Intern.
Alongside his passion for technology, Mohamed is deeply interested in health and fitness. He aspires to one day build something in the fitness industry, inspired by his curiosity about neurology, the human body, and the mind-body connection.
Outside of work and academics, he enjoys running, weightlifting, and exploring new experiences that push him outside his comfort zone.
Robert Pyles, a senior at UVU, currently serves as the Presidential Intern for Clark Collings, General Counsel. He is studying financial planning and wealth management and brings a focus on strategy, preparation, and communication to his work. Robert is passionate about financial planning as a way to help individuals and families achieve clarity and confidence in reaching their goals. A strong believer in lifelong learning, he is considering postgraduate studies to further broaden his expertise and ultimately aspires to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives through the practice of financial planning. In addition to his internship, Robert is an Associate with the Wolverine Fund, UVU’s student-led venture capital fund, and is actively engaged in the Personal Financial Planning Student Association and student competitions.
Madison Karford is a senior at Utah Valley University, majoring in Business Analysis with a minor in Applied Economics. As a presidential intern to Dr. Rasha Qudisat in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Engagement, Madison is eager to explore how data can be used to strengthen institutional strategy and enhance student and staff engagement across campus.
Madison is also an active member of the Honors Program, where she serves as an ambassador and enjoys connecting with peers through leadership opportunities. She is passionate about continuous learning and hopes to use her internship experience to make a lasting impact at UVU.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Madison enjoys road trips, rewatching her favorite shows, and playing any instrument she can get her hands on. She hopes to explore opportunities in analytics, consulting, or higher education where she can continue learning and contribute to meaningful work.
Arawyn Walter is a senior at Utah Valley University, majoring in Marketing and minoring in Business Management. She currently serves as the Presidential Intern to Val Peterson, Vice President of Administration and Strategic Relations, where she focuses on strengthening communication systems for students and gaining hands-on experience with university and local policy.
On campus, Arawyn is actively involved as Vice President of the Women for UVU Club, a member of the Women’s Climbing Club, and a former associate at the Center for Social Impact, where she worked for two years on initiatives that empowered students to engage in meaningful community change. She is also an entrepreneur, having built and run her own business for over five years, which has fueled her passion for creativity, leadership, and innovation.
Outside of her academic and professional roles, Arawyn enjoys hiking, crocheting, and experimenting with mixed media art, as well as engaging in conversations about philosophy and the arts. These interests keep her grounded while inspiring her creativity and vision.
Looking ahead, Arawyn hopes to continue managing and growing her own business, with a focus on fostering creativity, amplifying diverse voices, and developing innovative solutions that inspire positive change.
