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Cameron Martin, president of Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, receives a medal from former President Richard Nelson, right, and co-founder Michael Skurdja Jr., second from left, during Martin's inaugration ceremony Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. At far left is Martin's wife, Julie.

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Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions President Cameron Martin in full inaugural regalia.

Courtesy Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

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Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions President Cameron Martin speaks during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the university's headquarters in Provo on Monday, June 5, 2023.

Harrison Epstein, Daily Herald file photo

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This undated photo shows Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo.

Courtesy Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions

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Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals is celebrating its 25th year and part of the festivities included Friday’s inauguration of Cameron Martin as its second president.

A flurry of words were used by speakers to describe Martin’s character, including innovative, knowledgeable, a leader, wise, committed, kind, concerned about individuals, a taker of chances and, as Congressman John Curtis said, “Cam’s DNA is all about loving and lifting.”

In speaking about the university, Martin said, “From the beginning, RMU has stood firmly on four foundational constructs: service, quality, agility and culture. Within each of these are guiding principles that continue to direct the course and aim of this institution in fulfilling its vision to improve the human condition. As president, I am committed to building upon these constructs to further the great work and influence for good by RMU and its faculty, staff, students and alumni — locally, nationally and globally.”

In thinking about the founding of the university, Dr. Michael Skurja Jr., chair of the board of trustees and co-founder of RMU, noted that his business partner and fellow co-founder, Dr. Richard P. Nielsen, was the institution’s first and founding president — a post he held for 24 years.

“Dr. Nielsen and Dr. Larry Hall, also a co-founder, and I formally established the university in 1998. It was not easy and there were many challenges and obstacles to face in that effort before the university was on a firm foundation. We had a dream. Some would say an impossible dream.”

“Has the impossible dream become a reality? Has the world become a better place because of the dream?” Nielsen asked.”I would answer by saying our graduates are providing quality health care throughout the world. Our graduates are teaching in many colleges and universities. Our graduates are conducting and publishing worthy research. And our graduates are serving mankind. It has been our quest to turn that dream into a reality.”

Dr. Rolfe Kerr, former Utah commissioner of higher education, General Authority emeritus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Martin’s father-in-law, shared his insight to an inauguration.

“An inauguration is a grand celebration — the celebration of an individual and the celebration of an institution. Today, we celebrate Dr. Cameron Keith Martin, who, at a relatively young age, has been appointed to serve as your university president. We also celebrate Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, which has, also at a relatively young age, established itself as a respected provider of highly trained healthcare professionals.

“It is exciting to witness the union of this outstanding and promising individual with this outstanding and promising institution. President Martin and Rocky Mountain University are already coming together in a dynamic model of synergy — that amazing process where ‘the whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts.'”

In handing over the presidency to Martin, Nielsen had much to say about the choice of Martin as the person to succeed him.

“He’s making some great changes — some things that I wish I would have done, some things that I knew I should have done, and some things that I had never even thought of doing. Cam’s doing that all for the good and betterment of the institution, and only Cam Martin could have done that.”

Prior to joining the RMU staff, Martin served as a vice president of university relations at Utah Valley University with Elder Matthew S. Holland, General Authority Seventy for the Church of Jesus Christ, the previous president of UVU.

“I think Cam is the ideal president to take the institution to the next level. Cam is a builder and he’s someone who has vision.” Holland said. “He’s not going to be that caretaker president. You know something’s going to happen. It’s just now (we) sit back, get the popcorn, and watch and see what Mr. Martin has in store for us.”

Other university president gave their “amen” to what Holland said through a video presentation.

“I think he’s the man for the season,” said new Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese. “He is going to be a phenomenal leader at Rocky Mountain and he has my full support as he starts this role.”

“I think the Cameron Martin presidency at RMU means growth in student success in the health professions. Go, Cam! Go, RMU!” said UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez:

Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine President Dr. Norman Wright said, “President Martin, I’m absolutely delighted that you’ve taken on this role. You’re a good man who has what it takes to lead Rocky Mountain University up to greater levels, to help this community grow, and we’re delighted at Noorda-COM to partner with you in that.”

Dallyn Vail Byles performed musical renditions of “The Impossible Dream” and “Bring Him Home,” two of Martin’s favorite songs.

RMU may not have a football or basketball team, but it does have 10 doctoral programs, 14 masters programs and 20 certificate programs. And Martin; his wife, Julie; and their three daughters, Mekenna, Malynn and Maryn will proudly wear the blue and white of RMU and be an energetic cheer squad for the RMU team of medical student professionals for years to come.

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