Maddalena Willis hails from Midway, Utah. Maddalena attended UVU on a four-year visual arts Sterling scholarship. She has enjoyed tremendous academic success, including membership in the UVU Honors Program, an internship at the UVU Gallery on 6th, and becoming a Regent’s Scholar. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree and work towards an MFA in Painting. She enjoys skiing, hiking, ballet, singing, and competing in pageants.
Ross Hagen is an Associate Professor of Music Studies at Utah Valley University, focusing on musicology and ethnomusicology including the European notated tradition, popular music, and world music. He has been at UVU since 2010 and received his Ph.D. and M.M. in Musicology at the University of Colorado at Boulder and his B.A. in Music at Davidson College. Dr. Hagen's published research has involved underground and avant-garde music, Nordic music, medievalism, and weird fiction.
Jes Booth is a Utah-based artist whose paper-based sculptures reflect a deep connection to the natural world, transforming ephemeral elements into enduring structures. She earned a BFA in Sculpture with a minor in Art History from Utah Valley University in 2020 and an MFA in Sculpture Intermedia Design from the University of Utah in 2024. Since Spring 2023, she has been teaching Fiber Arts and 3D Design at UVU, inspiring students through her creative practice.
Joseph Solomon: With 30 years in arts and entertainment, I've had the privilege of working with the Disneyland Resort, House of Blues, and numerous theaters and event production teams. My time at the UVU School of the Arts has been an incredible journey, collaborating with talented individuals! I am honored to receive this recognition from my peers. I will continue striving to deliver the highest production value and ensuring exceptional results for every event or production.
Travis Lunt grew up on a dairy farm in Duncan, Arizona. As a UVU student, he is working toward becoming a choir teacher. His musical activities include conducting, singing, composing, piano, and harp. When not working on music, he enjoys cooking, gardening, and classic film. He has valued gaining insight into various facets of the performing arts while studying and working at the School of the Arts.
Kaylie Walker Short is from Riverton, Utah. While at UVU, Kaylie participated in student teaching intermediate theatre classes at Union Middle School. It was rewarding to see young students build confidence through performing. Her favorite part of UVU is that it is truly a place for everyone, regardless of background, religion, or socioeconomic status. Kaylie says, “I’m grateful for the endless support from my husband Stephen, my mom and dad, and my inspiring classmates and professors.”
Alison Wilkinson is from Herriman, Utah. “I’ve learned a lot while being here at UVU,” she said. “I’ve learned to push myself, work harder, and gain new insight into the art and marketing world. I’m excited to see what careers will come my way with the knowledge that I’ve gained.” After graduation, she plans to continue her education, working toward her bachelor’s degree, and work in advertising. She loves to write music, paint, and read.
Mary Jones chose to attend UVU for its inclusive environment and to pursue a career in Art Education. She has had her work featured in multiple publications, including Touchstones and Essais. Of her time at UVU, Mary said it has been “exceptional.” Upon graduating, she hopes to find a job in Art Education and apply for a master’s program.
Chelsea Clinger, a senior Art History major at UVU, discovered her passion for art through painting and college studies. As head editor of Artemisia, UVU’s student art history journal, she enjoys shaping its vision and has published her own research. She is also interning at the UVU Museum, gaining curatorial experience. These experiences have deepened her love for art history and solidified her plans to pursue a graduate degree after graduation.
Sky Norton is graduating in graphic design with a passion for storytelling and footwear design. Currently interning at Kizik, Sky dreams of becoming a footwear designer for a major brand. Believing shoes are an extension of our best selves, Sky's designs reflect that philosophy. Driven by a love for new experiences, Sky lives by the motto: "The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience eagerly and without fear.”
Shaun Kyle is an illustrator with 17 years of experience as a professional tattoo artist in San Diego before pursuing a BFA in Illustration. His work merges the iconography, design, and boldness of tattoo art with the creativity and relatability of illustration, resulting in a unique visual style accessible to all. At 45, Shaun draws on his rich life experiences and a deep passion for storytelling to create art while he is constantly learning.
Jennifer Farley
Keri Kemp is a dedicated photographer and BFA candidate. Her journey through photography has taken her from wedding reception floors to editorial branding portraits in her kitchen; she loves it all. With over eight years of experience, she balances personal client work with academic projects, pushing her creativity in every setting. Passionate about dreamy and colorful imagery, she continuously refines her craft, blending technical skill with creative problem-solving to produce striking and immersive work.
Kylie Beutler is a recent graduate from Utah Valley University with a passion for stone carving. Her organic sculptures explore a zeal for life and all of its twists and turns. Her work has been displayed in the Springville Museum of Art, Salt Lake Community College, and in several art shows at UVU. Born and raised in Mapleton, Utah, she loves spending time outdoors, making things with her hands, and being the best aunt ever.
Jason May is an American Artist and Designer who creates functional 3D pieces that aim to blur the line between design and contemporary art. Using modern methods of construction and craftsmanship, Jason creates original compositions informed by extensive research and specific artistic movements. Inspired by architecture, sculpture, and urban design, he aims to bring art to the public and private spaces we occupy.
Heather Morley is from Highland, Utah, and is receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Modern/Contemporary Dance. Heather has worked with dance companies both in and out of the state of Utah. “The Contemporary Dance Ensemble has provided many engaged learning experiences that are core memories for me,” Heather said. She hopes to dance professionally with a modern/contemporary company after she graduates.
Laurie Wilson is honored to be graduating with this Award of Merit! She has worked hard to earn her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet while also pursuing the pre-requisite courses for medical school. College has proven to be a challenge for Laurie from bouncing between ballet, biology, and chemistry classes, squeezing in company rehearsals during the day, and attending chemistry labs late into the night. Laurie is excited to continue working hard and see what the future holds!
Baylee Taylor is classically trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary/Modern, and especially Ballroom. Baylee has been dancing since she was a very small child. She has danced in all styles for over 19 years. Most of her dance education was at Utah Dance Artist (UDA). Her ultimate goal would be to open a ballroom dance studio, offering an opportunity for younger students to learn and enjoy the process of learning and growing in dance movement. Baylee plans to continue dancing until she can no longer do so. Baylee is currently studying Ballroom education.
Abbie Simpson is a Dance Education Major and in her second year with Synergy Dance Company. Trained in ballet, ballroom, modern, jazz, hip hop, and musical theater, she is passionate about teaching, choreography, and somatic dance education. Abbie values student-centered learning, life skills, and mentorship. She looks forward to growing her career in dance education after graduation. Abbie is an avid reader, loves her dog, and just finished her Senior Capstone Dance Show.
McKayla Browning, a Senior at UVU, is pursuing a BFA in Modern Dance with a Minor in Nutrition. She has received four Performance Scholarships, dancing with UVU’s Synergy Dance Company in 2019 and 2022, and with CDE for two years. Recently, she performed works by artists Brian Gerke, Kellie St. Pierre, Melissa Younker, and Nichele Woods. With a deep love for movement, McKayla values dance as a way to express gratitude for her body and experiences.
Vanessa Melena is from Orem, Utah. Among her many accomplishments, Vanessa has sung in many ensembles, performed the lead role in UVU’s opera production of Hansel and Gretel, and became the assistant conductor for the UVU chamber choir during the fall 2024 semester. After graduating, Vanessa plans to finish her bachelor’s degree in music education and become a choir teacher. She loves her fiancée Tyler, music, nature, and Oreos.
Hans Hansen is a commercial music student from a tiny border town near Idaho. In school he focuses on performance in multiple instruments, production, composition, songwriting, and live sound. He has participated in school ensembles since 2022 and has run sound for the last two Mixtape Live performances. Outside of school, he performs with several local artists and leads his own electronic noise rock band called UltraVatic with 5 released songs and more to come.
Katrina McNiven is graduating with a degree in Music Education. A lifelong lover of choral music, she has dreamed of being a choir teacher for as long as she can remember. After raising eight children, she returned to school to pursue her passion for music education, proving that it’s never too late to follow a dream. During her student teaching she has loved getting to know the students and fostering their love for music. She looks forward to continuing to share the power of choral music with future generations.
Caryl Klemann is a student at Utah Valley University from Keller, Texas, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in both Music Education and Flute Performance. She is principal flute of the UVU Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra and enjoys participating in local ensembles. She is currently completing her student teaching at Cedar Valley High School and will be graduating Summa Cum Laude in the spring.
Annalicia Loveridge Powley is graduating with her Violin Performance degree this spring. A passionate chamber musician, she performed at Carnegie Hall with her piano trio after winning the American Protégé International Competition. She made her solo debut with the Vidin Sinfonia in Bulgaria and helped establish UVU’s Music Student Association. Annalicia has been active in student leadership, cross-department collaborations, recording projects, and graduate school auditions—all while balancing motherhood! She performs with the Artiva String Quartet and loves teaching in her private studio.
Kaitlin Michelle LeBeau has received a meritorious award from the Kennedy Center for her work on Romeo and Juliet and has acted in, designed, and directed several productions here at UVU. This summer, Kaitlin will be the assistant director in the production The Wizard of Oz at Sundance. She hopes to apply to graduate schools and work in university or regional theatre. Kaitlin is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and expresses her gratitude to the professors who helped her improve her craft.
Brynne Lamb is in the homestretch of her student teaching experience at Skyridge High School and looks forward to graduating in May! She hopes to find a career in the theatre industry, whether that be in the education field or in areas like dramaturgy or performance. Brynne offers her sincerest thanks to the educators in her life, especially to her amazing parents. Without them, she wouldn’t have a love for teaching or for the arts.
Grace Fillmore is a senior in UVU’s Acting BFA program and has loved her time here. You may have seen her recently as Alcyone in Metamorphoses, Amy in Gin Mummy, Margot in The Diary of Anne Frank, or #2 in The Wolves. After graduating, Grace plans to pursue her dreams in acting and writing. She would like to thank all her professors and family for their support.
Ele Purser grew up entrenched in the performing arts. Stage Management entered Ele’s world in early college and became her passion. Attending here only solidified theater as one thing they can't live without. While here Ele worked on projects including Into the Woods, Ozma of Oz, and most recently the Curtains Up Cabaret: A Night of Gershwin. If you'd like to see more of Ele's work come to The Wizard of Oz at Sundance this summer!
K.C. Johnson is a Senior in the Musical Theatre BFA and is graduating this semester. He has loved studying at UVU and performing in shows at the Noorda Center including The Diary of Anne Frank (Otto Frank), Into the Woods (The Baker), Romeo and Juliet (Tybalt), and Lucky Stiff (Harry Witherspoon). K.C.'s most recent productions have been at the Covey Center, Sundance, and The Ruth. He looks forward to continuing his career in acting after graduation.
Genesie Smith has always had a passion for the performing arts and has enjoyed her time expanding her skills here at UVU. She looks forward to graduation this December.
Andrea Calaway has been at UVU since 2012 and has served as the Director of Academic Advising in the School of the Arts since April 2021. She loves coming to campus every day to meet with amazing SOA students and to feel the vibrant energy of a community that comes together to learn. Andrea finds great satisfaction in helping students achieve their goals and dreams!
