Making a positive difference

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Student Body President Richard Portwood is probably someone that you’d recognize, even if you don’t actually know him. The man seems to constantly be on campus organizing activities, attending many meetings and events, and still he somehow finds time to make it to classes. Being student body president can’t be an easy job, but Richard takes it in stride and does it all with a smile. He initially ran for president to make a positive difference and improve the image of UVU, and many can agree that he’s doing a great job.

Name: Richard Thomas Portwood
Year: Junior
Major: International Relations
Minor: Economics

Where are you from?
Born in Chicago, IL, and grew up in Park City, UT.

What made you choose to come to UVU?
Initially to transfer to a different school, but even when I got accepted to transfer I decided to stay because of the unparalleled opportunities UVU provided for me.

What are your post-UVU plans?
Graduate school and a career that gives me personal satisfaction, while also providing for my future family.

What has been your favorite UVU class?
English 2010, [because I] learned the basics of how to write research papers.

How about your favorite UVU professor?
Financial Accounting Professor Steve Teeter

What do you do when you’re not a student?  Do you have a job or any unusual or interesting hobbies?
I love to run and [do] anything outdoors – especially skiing.

Why do you get up in the morning, or what motivates you to do the things you do?
[I want to] learn something new. See what the day will bring. Do more, be better – keep working to accomplish the goals and aspirations I have in life.

What current popular phenomenon is something that you just won’t ever understand or like?
Longboarding.

If you won a million dollars tomorrow, what would you do with it?
Invest it and then start a scholarship fund at the school.

In your opinion, what is the most beautiful place on earth and why?
Park City, because I grew up there. I feel it combines a physical beauty with the scenery with a familial beauty.

Zombies or vampires?
Vampires …?

What was the best part of 2010 for you?
Winning the election as student body president and visiting Moscow as one of 15 student body presidents from the U.S. in November.

If you could share one piece of advice with your fellow UVU students, what would it be?
Bloom where you are planted at UVU.