Utah Valley University’s Tara Ivie, associate vice president of Inclusive Excellence, was featured in Utah Business magazine’s “30 Women to Watch” list in May 2023.

The list honors “the exceptional women in Utah’s businesses,” according to the article website. “These recipients empower others and confidently lead their companies while adeptly navigating the challenges that come with womanhood, and their essential work does not go unnoticed.”

Ivie oversees several student-focused resources at UVU, including the Office of Accessibility Services, First-Generation Student Success Center, International Student Services, Multicultural Students Center, Veteran Success Center, and Women's Success Center.

"Tara Ivie is a mentor, leader, and advocate for all,” said Dr. Michelle Kearns, vice president of Student Affairs at UVU. “Her passion is evident in everything she does. We have seen phenomenal growth in our programs and support for our students that is directly tied to her efforts. We are excited to see what she will accomplish in the upcoming months and years to help our students succeed.”

Ivie said the most rewarding thing about her job is seeing students transform their lives through education.

"Education empowers them to become the very best versions of themselves,” she said. “It also changes generations. We see it impact [students’] lives and the lives of their children. […] We even have parents and children who graduate college together. One of my favorite parts of the year is just seeing the joy on everyone’s faces when they walk across that stage, get that degree, and then launch into their new life."

Ivie told Utah Business that she is most inspired by “the folks who question norms, challenge assumptions, and create pathways where none existed. They are brave, risk-taking, and incredibly hard-working.”

Video of the “30 Women to Watch” luncheon and award ceremony can be viewed below or on the Utah Business website: https://www.utahbusiness.com/utah-business-30-women-to-watch-2023/