If someone stopped you on campus today and asked, “How is Utah Valley University doing?” what would you say? Would you tell them about a new building? A winning soccer team? A campus so big you can get your steps in just trying to make it to class?
Those are all part of our story. But as your student body president, I believe the most important measure of this university is something more personal: whether students have the opportunity to succeed, the confidence to speak up, and a place where they belong.
So today, I can say this: The state of our university is strong. And its future depends on what we build together.
These aren’t just empty words; we have many great reasons to be proud of UVU.
This August, we welcomed Dr. Jon Anderson as our university’s eighth president, beginning a new chapter in institutional leadership. President Anderson has 5 core values: Strategic Clarity, Operational Efficiency, A Healthy Culture, Speed of Decisions, and Single Point of Coordination.
In January, the Scott M. Smith Engineering Building opened its doors, creating new spaces for hands-on learning, research, and innovation. And campus expansion continues.
Last fall, UVU reached a record enrollment of 48,669 students. This fall’s enrollment continues to make it Utah’s largest public university. That number tells us something important: people from many different backgrounds continue to see a bright future for themselves here.
And just this past week, our women’s soccer team made history. In their first season in the Big West, the Women’s Soccer team clinched a share of the regular-season conference championship. Our Men’s team is on the brink of clinching their share too. To our student-athletes: congratulations. You’ve given every Wolverine something to celebrate.
But growth, new facilities, and championships aren’t the whole story. The real question is this: What does that progress mean for the student hurrying from work to class, the parent studying after putting the kids to bed, or the first-year student still trying to find their place?
That’s where the campus community comes in.
We began the semester with Weeks of Welcome. UVUSA joined The Den for a soccer tailgate and hosted Speed Friending and the Green Out Dance. Club Rush introduced students to organizations built around academics, interests, and creative passions. And every week, Wolverine Wednesdays give us a simple tradition: wear your green, show your Wolverine pride, and, yes, take advantage of a few campus perks.
None of these things have to be life-changing on its own. But one conversation can lead to a friendship. One club meeting can lead to a leadership opportunity. One event can turn a campus that feels overwhelming into a place that feels familiar.
When I ran for student body president, I talked about making UVUSA more approachable. I wanted students to know not just that they have representatives, but how to reach them. I talked about helping students find the resources they already pay for, building school spirit, and making campus a place worth staying after class. These are the goals that have guided me not just through my campaign, but as I serve as your Student Body President Goal 1:
I want more students to talk to leadership on campus.
Goal 2:
I want campus to be more connected. UVU has 100s of amazing programs and initiatives, but most people I talk to don’t know about their student benefits.
Goal 3:
I want to see more involvement and campus pride.
Goal 4:
I want visibility into student fees.
Goal 5:
I want UVU to be a fun place.
These commitments still guide me. And I owe you more than a reminder of what I promised. I owe you honest communication about what we’re doing, what needs more work, and where we need your input.
Because there is work to do.
Because UVU is a place for you, students want to feel safe here. They need emergency alerts that are timely, clear, and useful. They need confidence navigating busy parking lots, roads, and pedestrian crossings. This is why we are happy to welcome Colonel Michael Rapich as our First Chief Safety Officer. As UVU develops and grows, we are working on making our campus better each day and making improvements to make everyone feel welcomed and invited.
The Student Government cannot independently change general safety or direct emergency operations. Those responsibilities require partnership and collaboration with university administrators, campus safety professionals, and each other. UVUSA can listen, bring student concerns to the people who can act, and follow up rather than allowing a concern to disappear after one conversation.
Each of us also has a role to play. Make sure your phone number is current in myUVU so you can receive emergency text notifications. Pay attention to official campus messages. Look out for one another.
There is another challenge that does not always show up in a report: feeling disconnected. I remember my first week of college. I moved to a new town by myself and didn’t know a single person in the entire city.
You’re stepping into a new environment, meeting new people, and figuring out where you fit in. Just know that you’re not alone; every student here has been exactly where you are.
My advice is simple: get involved. Join a club, attend an event, introduce yourself to someone new, and don’t be afraid to try something outside your comfort zone. Some of the best opportunities and friendships you’ll find at UVU will come from taking that first step.
UVU serves commuters, working students, parents, returning learners, and people whose schedules barely leave room for lunch. I know that “just come to more events” is not a complete answer for somebody who has to pick up a child or clock in for a shift. Connection has to be easier to find, and student leadership has to reach students where they are.
For the rest of this semester, I want us to focus on a few clear priorities.
First, more genuine conversations not only surveys or social media posts, but chances to ask questions and be heard face-to-face. Every other week, you can find me in the hall during my event, On Air With Herby; it’s a podcast-themed event when I sit down and talk to students one-on-one about campus culture, classes, and life. We move venues, so watch out on the UVUSA Show to see where I’ll be next.
My Second Proirity, better communication about programs, services, and student benefits, so that opportunities don’t remain hidden from the people who need them. This coming week on Nov 10th, come hang out with your college senators at Center Stage. Meet campus advisors, learn more about internships, how to plan your graduation track.
My Third Priority: greater transparency about student fees. You deserve to understand what you contribute and how those dollars support your experience. Every Thursday at 12:00, get involved in the University’s policy process in the Student Council Chambers room SL114. It’s an open public meeting where we review changes coming to campus, Student fees, upcoming events, and UVUSA initiatives. Come ask us questions.
And Fourth, a stronger culture of participation. Show up for our athletes. Explore a club. Attend a forum or a UVUSA event. Friendsgiving is coming, and I hope you see it as more than a meal. Take a Chance at our Casino Night to find new friends and make this large university feel a little smaller.
You do not need to run for office to make a difference. Ask a question. Share a concern. Join student media like the UVU Review or UVUSA volunteer groups. Introduce yourself to someone sitting alone. If you’re already involved, invite somebody who isn’t.
I want to end with a thought that has stayed with me since my campaign. My campaign slogan was “It’s not Me vs. U, it’s U V U.” The biggest competition we face is not me against you. It is each of us deciding whether we will take the next step toward the person we hope to become.
Maybe your next step is applying for an internship you don’t think you’ll get. Maybe it’s asking for help, trying something unfamiliar, or walking into a club meeting where you know nobody. Growth takes courage. And a great university makes that courage easier by ensuring no one has to take every step alone.
We are not defined only by how many students enroll, how many buildings we open, or how many games we win. We are defined by what becomes possible for the people who study, teach, work, and grow here.
College is more than earning a degree. It’s a chance to grow, discover who you are, and create experiences that will stay with you long after graduation.
At the start, I said the state of our university is strong. I believe that. But strength is not something we inherit and simply admire. It is something we practice—in how we listen, how we show up, and how we care for one another.
This is your university. Your voice matters. Your presence matters. And the next chapter of Utah Valley University is ours to write.
I’m excited to have you here, and I can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish.
Go Wolverines.
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