Governor Spencer Cox recognized Utah Valley University (UVU) this week as one of the 100 Utah-based businesses championing women. UVU was the only university to receive the designation by the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity.

“These individuals and businesses represent the very best Utah has to offer,” said Gov. Cox in a press release. “They work tirelessly and continually step up to meet new challenges, and the results make our state a thriving place for women to do business.”

The award is part of the Inspire In Utah initiative, which recognizes companies offering family-friendly policies and practices and women-specific initiatives that impact recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing female employees, managers, and leaders.

Rachel Lund, senior director of UVU’s Women’s Success Center, said she was not surprised by the recognition of Utah Valley University.

“I think it is really well-deserved that we are among the organizations recognized as one of the 100 companies championing women because I see that not only in our policies and our hiring practices but really in the day-to-day behavior on our campus,” Lund said.

She recognized the culture of caring during her first day on campus when she attended UVU’s Women’s Council.

“This is a group of people from administrators to students, to student success, to academics, who are all coming together to coordinate our efforts towards women. So, in all of these places, we are working to champion women.”

Utah Valley University’s dedication to championing women includes many initiatives, programs, and events providing a path and the necessary support to ensure women achieve their full potential.

Inspire In Utah is designed to support the state’s women entrepreneurs and women in the workplace at every level with the resources to succeed in business. The website has key resources for networking, training, funding, and employment as part of the initiative.