Courtesy Daniel Pugmire

For the past month or so, the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions has been moving into its new home, formerly the Novell tower in South Provo’s East Bay business park.

Aside from the new eight-story building, the university has a new president as Dr. Richard Nielsen, co-founder and first president of the university, announced he was stepping down last year.

President Cameron Martin was named the second president of RMU in December and started presidential duties on Jan. 1. Before becoming president, Martin worked as vice president of operations and chief of staff at RMU.

Prior to joining the school, Martin was the vice president of University Relations at Utah Valley University. He oversaw and assisted with university efforts in government affairs, community relations, public relations, marketing, campus events, economic development and diplomatic hosting.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in public administration and a Ph.D. in educational leadership, all from Brigham Young University. His doctoral research focus was on the role and organizational value of interim university presidents.

Courtesy Daniel Pugmire

“This is a perfect fit for Cameron because he is a people person,” said Julie Kerr Martin, Cameron’s wife.

With a new president at the helm, 2023 is a monumental year for RMU. It will be 25 years, in June, the school first opened its doors.

Founded in June 1998, RMU is institutionally accredited under the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. RMU’s academic programs receive additional specialized accreditations by several other national governing boards.

RMU also houses the first optometry program in the intermountain west and offers the Eye Institute Clinic for members of the community.

Martin said one of his first goals is to “elevate the profile and standing of the school.”

Courtesy Daniel Pugmire

“We are dedicated to a mission, not a portfolio,” he said.

There are a total of 1,473 students with 457 living locally and 1,016 students fully online. About 88% graduate with a 96% job placement rate and a 0% loan default rate. They also have given $5.86 million and 19,500 volunteer hours since 2014.

“This is a place born to meet needs, to train the mind and hands, to enlarge the heart,” Martin said. “This is a place of light and learning.”

Martin also noted the need for love and uplifting the community as students enter the medical field in a host of different professions throughout the country. Integrity and authenticity to their mission is key.

RMU is offering a number of free clinics to the public at their campus and provides outreach through mobile clinics in the valley.

Courtesy Daniel Pugmire

Empowered by a commitment to service and a mission to effect healthcare change, on RMU partnered with United Way to host a health fair for individuals and families in Utah County last September.

The health fair took place at the South Franklin Community Center, which serves a diverse population of families. Many of these families often lack resources, insurance or other means to receive critical healthcare services.

RMU boasts itself as an exclusive graduate healthcare education institution with a reputation for high-quality, evidence-based and outcomes-oriented healthcare programs. Currently, 18 masters and doctoral degree programs are offered in different healthcare specialties, alongside other certificate programs.

Above all the goals, acclaim and recognitions, Martin said the way people treat each other is the most important thing.

“Relationships matter most. Loving, hearing and .lifting people in need, that’s what we’re about,” he siad.

Martin also hopes that RMU will shine like its newly-installed sign, and be a beacon to the community. The university is here, growing, relevant and it’s paying back and paying forward through its medical training and its charitable students and faculty.

The school’s five colleges are the College of Medical and Professional Sciences, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Nursing, College of Optometry and College of Health Sciences and Lifelong Learning.

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