Garret Stirland | Senior Staff Writer
UVU has announced the appointment of three individuals to new positions among the faculty and administration of the university: Jacob Atkin as the associate vice president for finance, Justin Jones as chief of staff and Darrel Hammon as associate vice president of academic outreach and economic development.
Atkin has previously served as the director of internal audit at UVU. Atkin joined UVU in 2004 working as an accountant for the UCCU events center, in addition to serving as the manager of departmental accounting. “I’m excited to expand my career at the university,” said Atkin. “Because of the unique energy and feeling of purpose, I enjoy from working with UVU’s students, faculty , and staff.”
Jones, a Salt Lake City Chamber of Commerce member, has been vice president of public policy and communication and executive director of two statewide programs. In addition, Jones spent 11 years in prominent roles working with the Utah Transit Authority and Rio Tinto Kennecott Mine on various projects.
“I am, perhaps, most excited about Justin’s passion for UVU’s Mission and Core Themes,” said Matthew Holland, president of UVU. “This past year, he was selected to participate in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program that brings together creative thinkers from various industries to address major issues facing the U.S.”
Kyle Reyes, special assistant to the president for inclusion, served as interim chief of staff and chair of this recent search and played a vital role in locating Jones for the position.
Throughout his career, Jones has advocated for more educational and transportation opportunities for underrepresented communities all over the state. As chief of staff, Jones will continue to support the staff and students of the university to achieve UVU’s mission statements.
Lastly, Hammon is currently serving as associate vice president of economic development in university relations at UVU, though his new role will be merged with his current title and responsibilities. Hammon has previously served as the president of two community colleges and has experience leading outreach initiatives in areas near UVU. In his new position, Hammon will oversee outreach projects around the community and work with the university and community members to provide economic support between the two groups.
“Our service area is going to double and even triple in size in the coming years,”said Jeffery Olsen, senior vice president of academic affairs. “[These] changes will help improve the effectiveness of government and other community services, which are under stresses to expand in support of our growing region, through the engagement of our students and faculty in meaningful and constructive ways.”
