Dr. Belkis Torres-Capeles has been appointed as associate provost of Community Outreach and Economic Development (COED) at UVU, effective February 1, 2021.

Before joining UVU, Dr. Torres-Capeles served as the dean of Continuing Education at Triton College, a community college and Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) in River Grove, Illinois. In her role as dean, she oversaw credit and non-credit programs that increased Triton's enrollment and supported regional workforce needs through corporate and community education. 

Prior to Triton College, she served as the executive director of Continuing Education at Georgia Southern University, and director of conferences and programs at Valmark Financial Group in Akron, Ohio. She earned her Ph.D. in cultural foundations of education, leadership, and administration and her M.A. in liberal studies, counseling, and conflict management at Kent State University. 

“Dr. Torres-Capeles brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and sound judgment to this very vital facet of UVU's campus, online, and community growth goal,” says Dr. Wayne Vaught, senior provost of Academic Affairs.

Dr. Torres-Capeles approaches her new position with optimism based on her belief in the strength of UVU and its mission. She foresees that the university, with its talented faculty and staff, is “poised to play an even greater role in community education and economic development in these changing times." To support UVU’s dual mission and the region it serves, Dr. Torres-Capeles plans to lead outreach efforts for an expanded movement toward workforce readiness through executive education, K-16 collaborations, career and technical education, and services to the business sector. She is driven by her passion for bridging social gaps, building equity, empowering future leaders, and equipping professionals from all walks of life with the tools they need to enhance their current skill set or pursue new career paths.

As she steps into her new role, Dr. Torres-Capeles wishes to acknowledge the valuable contributions of Trish Baker, senior director of Extended Education, who served as interim associate provost. Additionally, Dr. Torres-Capeles thanks Donna Milakovic, senior director of Community Outreach, for shouldering an increased workload during the transition period.