Vice President of Planning, Budget, and Finance/CFO Linda Makin announced her plans to retire this spring after more than 40 years of service to Utah Valley University (UVU).

She began her journey with UVU as a first-generation student in 1978, trusting her hopes and aspirations to what was then Utah Technical College in Provo, Utah.

“Utah Valley University has grown in ways that I could never have imagined,” Makin said. “I’ve been richly blessed with personal growth and a rewarding career. Each leader I have had the privilege to work for has provided opportunities that my much younger self would never have dreamed of.”

Little did Makin know that, as the institution's programs and offerings evolved, she would complete two associate degrees and a bachelor's degree in accounting, graduating summa cum laude.

Makin worked at UVU throughout her education, beginning as an academic data technician in 1979. By 1996, she was the director of budget for UVSC. She earned a Master of Public Administration from Brigham Young University in 2007, opening the door to new opportunities to serve UVU as vice president of planning, budget, and human resources and her current role as vice president of planning, budget, and finance/CFO.

Her influence on the campus community is well beyond her job responsibilities. She has participated with and led numerous teams. Currently, she serves as the University Planning Advisory Committee (UPAC) executive sponsor, UVU’s ElevateHer liaison, a Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) peer evaluator, a Utah Women in Higher Education Network (UWHEN) UVU Chapter executive liaison, and a UVU’s Women’s Council member. Makin also represents UVU on the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) Business Affairs Council.

Makin is engaged in and presents at professional association conferences, such as those held by the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), the Association for Institutional Research (AIR), the Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO), and the Association of College and University Policy Administrators (ACUPA). She also serves as a mentor for the USHE Women’s Leadership Exchange.

“Linda has been a pillar of leadership at UVU for decades,” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez. “Her commitment to UVU, work ethic, strategic thinking, and attention to detail have contributed greatly to UVU's success. I am deeply grateful for her long service. Linda leaves behind a powerful legacy."

Makin will remain at UVU through May 2023. A national search will soon begin for her replacement.

“During my last few months at UVU, I will remain fully engaged in advancing UVU’s mission, supporting our legislative agenda, guiding resource allocations, assuring our financial health and sustainability, and supporting the search for and onboarding of my replacement,” Makin said.

Makin will continue sharing her knowledge with UVU in a consulting capacity, and as a true Wolverine, she will always cheer for Utah Valley University, its students, faculty, and staff.

“Even as I contemplate my future, I remain fully committed to advancing UVU’s mission of providing educational opportunities and success for all,” Makin said. “Truly, UVU has enriched my life, my husband’s life, and our children’s lives. I shudder to think what our lives would be like had we not experienced the transformative impact of higher education at UVU.”

UVU would be a very different place if Makin did not begin her educational journey decades ago.

“Thank you for your leadership, mentoring, example, and friendship,” said Marilyn Meyer, vice president of People and Culture. “There is only one Linda Makin. We are forever grateful for our association with you. You will be sorely missed.”

A retirement party will be held in May. Details are forthcoming.