Courtesy Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez spoke on COVID-19, the history of UVU, the university’s year in review, and the school’s future, during UVU’s annual State of the University Address Wednesday.

“UVU started with a dream and a need,” Tuminez said. “There was a need to educate people who dreamt of doing something more with their lives, and the need was to meet the workforce and necessities of the time.”

Tuminez reflected on the celebrations that took place in 2021 as UVU marked its 80th year as an institution, and acknowledged those who have helped to advance the university during that time.

“Let’s remember that we wouldn’t be where we are today without the faith, commitment, and efforts of so many people,” Tuminez said. “Because of all of that, UVU has become a truly dynamic, very impactful and super promising institution.”

Tuminez said she feels UVU has become stronger and more resilient as an institution due to the unpredictable nature of the last 22 months amid COVID-19. She also urged members of the UVU community to get vaccinated and utilize other tools for stopping the spread of the virus.

Courtesy Utah Valley University

“Remember that as we care for one another, we will continue to navigate this challenge, this virus, successfully,” Tuminez said.

During the fall semester of 2021, 41,262 students attended UVU. Of this population, 37% were first-generation students, 30% were 25 or older, and 81% worked while in school. Remarkably, Tuminez told the crowd, fall enrollment numbers increased at UVU as they fell nationwide.

“To put this in context, enrollment in college from Fall 2019 to Fall 2021 in the United States went down by 6.6%. We have 1.2 million fewer students today just in the two years from 2019 to 2021,” Tuminez said.

In May 2021, UVU also celebrated its largest graduating class yet with 8,729 graduates — 35% of whom were first-generation college graduates.

Tuminez singled out accomplishments made by students, faculty, and staff made in 2021 including the Dec. 1 men’s basketball game where UVU beat Brigham Young University, and the success of Professor Greg Jackson’s podcast “History That Doesn’t Suck.”

Courtesy Utah Valley University

When looking to the future for UVU, according to Tuminez, the university’s goals and plans are highlighted in the UVU Vision 2030.

This vision consists of three main goals. To enhance student success and accelerate the time in which they complete credentials; improve accessibility, flexibility and affordability for all current and future students; and strengthen partnerships for community, workforce and economic development.

The address took place at 2 p.m. in the Noel and Carrie Vallejo Auditorium, which sits on the first floor of the recently-opened Scott C. Keller Business Building.

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