1 / 3

Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi and part of her family at Brigham Young University homecoming.

Courtesy Provo City

2 / 3

Michelle Kaufusi, left, is pictured during her days as a Brigham Young University Cougarette.

Courtesy Provo City

3 / 3

Michelle Kaufusi, top row second on right, is pictured during her days as a Brigham Young University Cougarette.

Courtesy Provo City

❮ ❯

Once a performing Cougarette, Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi was honored during last Saturday’s Brigham Young University homecoming football game with an Alumni Achievement Award.

She received the award on the same playing field at LaVell Edwards Stadium that she used to perform on, where her husband, Steve, played football and was defensive line coach, and where her sons Bronson, Corbin and Devin played.

BYU President Shane Reese characterized recipients of the Alumni Achievement Awards as some of the finest alumni who have exemplified BYU’s values but who have also blazed a trail for current students to follow.

“As a trailblazer who is serving as the first female mayor of Provo, Mayor Kaufusi has shown tremendous leadership,” said Isaac Paxman, Provo City deputy mayor. “Her emphasis on exceptional service has resulted in significant achievements that will make Provo a better community for generations to come.”

Paxman highlighted completed projects such as the Provo Airport and Public Safety Headquarters and City Hall, as well as projects under construction including the regional sports park and wastewater treatment plant.

According to Curtis Blair, president and CEO of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce, Kaufusi’s successful track record makes her an ideal recipient. “It’s really great to have a good idea, but it’s even better to have great execution, and I think Mayor Kaufusi has exhibited that — she can deliver on her vision,” Blair said.

Kaufusi was born and raised in Provo and has long been actively involved in community service before making history as Provo’s first female mayor. Honored as Utah’s 2019 Informed Decision Maker of the Year and the 2022 Utah Valley Chamber Champion, she continues her regional leadership in many appointed positions, according to Nicole Martin, Provo communications director.

While raising her children, Kaufusi volunteered wherever she could to be near them. In time, she found she was leading PTAs and chairing the Provo Board of Education, as well as serving on a committee with regional or statewide reach.

“Mayor Kaufusi’s visionary leadership style creates community vibrancy and continues to earn national recognition for Provo City — most notably being honored by the distinguished Milken Institute as the nation’s Best-Performing City for an unprecedented three consecutive years from 2021-23,” said Keith Morey, Provo City economic development director.

All award recipients were asked to present their “recipe for success,” with Kaufusi highlighting teamwork as a “career and life superpower.”

“I’m quick to say that I’m nothing special but I bring passion for our community and a willingness to do the hard work our citizens elected me to do,” she said. “My ‘secret sauce’ for success is surrounding myself with a talented team willing to roll their sleeves up with me to get the job done. I attribute much of my success to learning from those willing to teach — and I’m humbled to be able to share my experiences to help others on their journey to personal and career success.”

Other recipients during this year’s homecoming include:

• Christopher Clason: Bachelor of Science, international relations, 1990; Master of Business Administration, ’92.
• Daniel Crosby: B.S., psychology, ’03; Ph.D., counseling psychology, ’08.
• Karl Fails: B.S., chemical engineering and math, ’99.
• Ben Hoppe: Bachelor of Arts, theater and media arts, ’98.
• Barry S. Olsen: B.A., Spanish translation, ’95.
• Steve Bennett: B.A., accounting, ’87; Juris Doctor, ’90.
• Earlene Durrant: B.A., physical education and health minor, ’62; Master of Science, physical education and health and safety education minor, ’63; Doctor of Education, physical education, ’75.
• Shannon Francis-Clegg: associate degree, nursing, ’83; B.S., nursing, ’87; MBA, ’90.
• Tom Chidsey: B.S., geology, ’74; M.S., geology, ’77.
• Marc Chenn: B.A., international studies, ’01; MBA, finance, ’07.

Newsletter