Meili Willey is a hairstylist, foodie, lama lover, Beta Alpha Psi president, ,  accounting senior at UVU, and part of the Woodbury School of Business. 

Willey has a well-articulated and tangible appreciation for what her peers and professors have helped her to become as a person. 

Two years ago Willey transferred to Utah Valley University (UVU) in hopes to find a more involved and connected college experience, however, she was nervous about how to get involved and add value to the network and relationships in her life. Professor Van Wagner introduced Willey to Beta Alpha Psi, or BAP, a National Honor Society with the goal of strengthening individuals, communities, and businesses. Instantly, Willey felt hooked. Her love for meeting new people, serving, and growing decupled as Willey learned how to be more involved with her community and be a better team builder.

Willey says “the students at UVU are also incredible. They are motivated, driven, accepting, and intelligent.” Willey’s love for the students attending UVU is evident by her enthusiasm to be on campus interacting with new people. She often feels they strengthen and encourage her to be better.

Along with the students, professors and staff add a special value to Willey’s college experience. Willey feels they care about her understanding of concepts, teach to her needs, and stretch her outside of her comfort zone. It is this contagious positive and happy energy Willey credits for her well-roundedness and continual improvement. 

Using her hairdressing skills to pay for college, she does not regret transferring to UVU. Willey enjoys reading, going on long drives, paddleboarding, and trying new restaurants. Her family owns two lamas and Indian food is her weakness.  Willey chose accounting because it feels like a puzzle that makes complete sense to her. She hopes to one day be a tax accountant. Willey is Woodbury.