Today, Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez hosted the first Talk With Tuminez of the academic year. President Tuminez celebrated her fourth anniversary as UVU president on Sunday, September 18, 2022. As part of her reflection, she noted, “Last year we celebrated 80 years of Utah Valley University. The amazing thing about this university is that all of us continue to write this story.”

President Tuminez said she was attracted to UVU because it is a model of inclusion, high ambition, accountability, and exceptional results. She began by acknowledging the success achieved by students, with increases in the number of graduates and a record-breaking turnout at Freshman Convocation. She also highlighted UVU’s big win at the SkillsUSA competition, the UVU women’s volleyball team’s recent victory against her alma mater Harvard, wins at the Blackpool Dance Festival, Student of the Year awards at the American Culinary Federation competition, prestigious fellowships, and international scholarship awards.

Students and faculty mentors from UVU’s Personal Financial Planning program spoke about their experiences and why they were awarded first, second, and third place in the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC®) National Financial Plan Competition in Ohio. They spent more than 50 hours working on their presentation. One of those students, Sarah Chamberlain, said it didn’t feel like work because they enjoyed it. She said it is an example of how her educational experience at UVU has been different overall.

“Come as you are. There is a place for you. That has been my experience to a T,” Chamberlain said. “I don’t learn in the traditional way that a student does, and therefore I never have felt like I succeeded in school, but being able to participate in extracurricular activities has given me a platform for success.”

Chamberlain said she appreciates that UVU does not look at each student as a number, but instead sees each as a person.

President Tuminez thanked the university's dedicated faculty and staff for their work to create student success, citing examples of their efforts to elevate the institution. She specifically highlighted the China Challenge Summit, the opening of the Herbert Institute for Public Policy, the Constitution Day Conference, the upcoming Why It Matters United Nations conference, and the new philanthropic campaign that will positively impact students, faculty, and staff.

President Tuminez also answered candid questions regarding employee benefits, remote work agreements, integrated studies changes, how students’ ratings of professors impact tenure, parking issues and sustainability on campus, and the need for everyone to take ownership of creating a clean and inviting campus environment. “We own this,” President Tuminez said.

In closing, President Tuminez said, “I hope that, like me as I begin my fifth year, you feel joy and warmth and a fire in your heart that you are part of UVU — that we are part of this great institution. Please be proud of the work you are doing. Be proud of your team and take joy in the work that we do every day.”

Watch Talk With Tuminez in its entirety to learn more.