Utah Valley University is saddened to mark the passing of Dr. Joseph Marvin Higbee, the third president of UVU. He died on August 18, 2022, at the age of 89.

President Higbee led the institution, then known as Utah Technical College, from 1982 to 1987 and oversaw its transition into a community college, expanding offerings in liberal arts and more academic fields in addition to trade and technical degrees.

“President Higbee’s leadership and vision were critical in helping Utah Valley University become what it is today,” said current UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. “Through all the changes he oversaw, he always understood that this institution exists to serve the needs of the Utah Valley community, and he put all of his efforts into that goal. We are all grateful for his service and his life.”

Higbee grew up in Orem, and his father, an engineer at Geneva Steel, was an alumnus of Central Utah Vocational School, the institution his son would lead one day. Higbee briefly attended Brigham Young University before joining the United States Navy. He married Ethelynn Goodrich in Hawaii during his service. In 1955, Higbee returned to BYU, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He then received a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Southern California.

Prior to his appointment at UVU, Higbee served as president of Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, from 1974 to 1982. Before that, he also worked for the University of Texas and was instrumental in helping that institution establish a new satellite campus for juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

In 1987, after years of lobbying from Higbee and other leaders, the Utah State Legislature passed a bill to make Utah Technical College a community college. Higbee was present as Utah Governor Norm Bangerter signed the bill to make the change official.

Under Higbee’s leadership, UVU added a physical education building and an administration building, remodeled and expanded several other buildings, and laid the groundwork for constructing a community-focused events center. He was also a driving force in expanding UVU’s athletics programs, including hiring longtime Athletic Director Mike Jacobsen. Campus organizations such as the Professional Association of Campus Employees (PACE) and the Alumni Association were also founded during Higbee’s tenure.

Higbee lived with his wife, Ethelynn, in Saratoga Springs, Utah. They had eight children and numerous grandchildren.