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2023 UVU Awards of Excellence

Celebrating the efforts of full-time faculty and staff who dedicate their time and talents to students, scholarship, and the advancement of higher education.

By UVU Photo

April 13^th, 2023

Annual Award Banquet

On April 13, 2023, the Utah Valley University (UVU) Board of Trustees and Presidential Awards of Excellence program honored full-time faculty and staff who dedicate their time and talents to students, scholarship, and the advancement of higher education. This year, UVU’s Board of Trustees elected to honor five awardees for their contributions to the university’s mission of student success. An additional six outstanding faculty and staff members were recognized as this year’s Presidential Awards of Excellence recipients for their efforts related to UVU’s values of exceptional care, exceptional accountability, and exceptional results.

Recipients are awarded in each of the following areas:

· Exceptional Care for demonstrating exceptional care in teaching, engagement, and/or service.

· Exceptional Accountability for commitment to inclusion, efficiency, and/or leadership.

· Exceptional Results for dedication to student success, scholarship, and/or innovation.

· Excellence in Mission for demonstrated excellence in service to the university's mission and commitment to inclusion, engagement, and achievement.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS

A MESSAGE TO THE 2023 BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS FROM UVU CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, JAMES CLARKE:

Congratulations to our 2023 Awards of Excellence winners! I’m so pleased to join President Tuminez in honoring you for your exceptional efforts!

You are key leaders in creating this “first-choice” university for so many Utah students. Because of your work, UVU is expanding, achieving new heights, and creating a world-class campus experience — all with the singular goal of supporting our students as they work toward fulfilling their dreams.

The Board of Trustees sees and values your hard work. We are grateful that you’ve dedicated your time and talents to UVU and its mission.

You provide an example of engagement, service, leadership, innovation, and purpose for our entire community. For this, we are honored to recognize you today.

I hope that you will enjoy this celebration with your loved ones and your peers. On behalf of the entire Board of Trustees, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for all that you do.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

FREDERICK H. WHITE – Professor, Russian and Integrated Studies

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Frederick White has been teaching at UVU since 2010, where he also serves as the program director for integrated studies. He holds a Ph.D.in Slavic languages and literature from the University of Southern California and has published eight books and 50 academic articles on Russian literature, culture, and film. White says the best thing about working at UVU is the ability to innovate new courses and programs and work outside of disciplinary boundaries. He and his wife, Jaclyn, have two daughters, Ruby and Hadley.

Professor White was nominated by his colleague, Professor Bryan Eldredge. “Fred exemplifies exceptional results in his scholarly output. It’s really hard at a teaching institution such as this to give exceptional care to all of your individual students with heavy teaching loads, and then still be able to maintain your focus on your scholarship, and to do that at a really high level. Fred does that.”

“I am extremely honored to receive this award. I do want to recognize, though, that you don’t win one of these awards in isolation. I’m able to win this award because I have incredible support.” – Professor Frederick White

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL CARE

WENDY FARNSWORTH – Academic Advisor, College of Health and Public Service

Wendy Farnsworth hails from Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, and has served UVU for more than 15 years in academic advising roles. She holds a bachelor’s degree in retail management from Brigham Young University. Farnsworth’s favorite part of working at UVU has been creating true friendships among colleagues who share the goal of students gaining knowledge, skills, and self-confidence while earning their degrees to thrive in the world. She has been married to Reed Farnsworth for more than 35 years, and they have seven children and 19 grandchildren. She enjoys reading around 10 books per week, collecting gemstones, and spending time with family.

Wendy was nominated by her colleague, Jennyfer Gaede. “Simply put, Wendy’s amazing. She goes above and beyond. Wendy really cares about her students. She makes time to listen to them and to help them through their difficulties. She has a way of getting to the heart of the matter and helping her students to find what’s important, find their ‘why’, and then own that.”

“I’m grateful to be an advisor. I think about the many places I’ve been on campus. In each place, I have fallen in love with my students and with my colleagues. It takes a village to raise a child, but I believe very strongly that it takes a good campus, and in our case a university, to educate each student.” – Wendy Farnsworth

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

LAURA BUSBY – Director, Business Intelligence and Research Services

Laura Busby is from Orem, Utah, and has held various positions at UVU since 2003, including director of academic IT and analytics and academic information systems manager. She is a UVU alumna, receiving an associate degree in business management in 1999 and a bachelor’s degree in information technology in 2009. Busby won Awards of Excellence in 2005 and again in 2010. She says the best thing about working for UVU is knowing that her time and effort can make a difference in the lives of people she may never meet. Busby enjoys spending time with family and friends, including her nieces and nephews, their children, and her own “four-legged children.”

Laura was nominated by her colleague, Nathan Gerber. “I nominated Laura for this award because she has been such a stalwart, a champion of all things for UVU. She works on student success, she always has the best interest of students and UVU as an institution in mind, and she works great across teams. I could go on for a long time about all the reasons Laura deserves this award.”

“This has been a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the people that have impacted me because this isn’t only about me.” – Laura Busby

BOARD OF TRUSTEES AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - EXCELLENCE IN MISSION

IBRAHIM TASHMAN – Director, UVU Dining Services

Ibrahim Tashman is from Orem, Utah, and has been the director of UVU’s Dining Services for six years. During that time, he has overseen brand restaurants with an average annual budget of $4 million, directed the development of 16 new restaurants, and led restaurant remodeling in the Sorensen Student Center from 2019 to 2021. Tashman is a UVU alumnus, holding a bachelor’s degree in business management. He has been married to his spouse, Shaylene, for 12 years, and they have two daughters, Nyah and Paige. Tashman enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending time with family.

Ibrahim was nominated by his former colleague, Jacob Atkin. “I nominated Ibrahim because of the exceptional extra effort that he’s put in over the past three years as we’ve remodeled the student center. Not only did he help with the planning and architectural stages, but also gracefully navigated the impacts of a pandemic and secured new vendors to create a welcoming food court that could support future growth. Ibrahim is one of the kindest and most helpful individuals that I’ve ever worked with.”

“It’s very humbling to be here. My wife and I are UVU graduates, and we loved the quality of education we received. To turn around and be able to provide this experience to students now is an honor for us. Go, Wolverines!” – Ibrahim Tashman

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

JOHN HANSEN – Director, Facilities/Grounds

Hailing from Simi Valley, California, John Hansen has been with UVU since 2019. He is a UVU alumnus, receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2014 and an MBA in 2015. Before joining UVU, Hansen worked as a maintenance control analyst/manager for Utah Transit Authority. His achievements at UVU include creating a new organizational structure for grounds employees and reducing campus irrigation water usage by 30 million gallons annually. Hansen and his wife, Lindsey, have three children: Olivia, Camden, and Jordi. He enjoys golfing, coaching and playing soccer, and all things music.

John was nominated by his colleague, Frank Young. “John gets things done. In a short time, he’s been able to change the culture in our grounds department. He’s taught his crews how to set measurable goals and has motivated them to achieve those goals. Thanks to John and his team, whenever you come to campus, you’ll be greeted by an environment that’s welcoming, clean, and peaceful.”

“I’m very honored to receive this award. I take pride in UVU and the wonderful things that happen every day here.” – John Hansen

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS

A MESSAGE TO THE 2023 PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE RECIPIENTS FROM UVU PRESIDENT, ASTRID S. TUMINEZ:

Today’s event is a favorite of mine. It’s a chance to honor and celebrate the outstanding work done by our 2023 Awards of Excellence winners. You represent the very best of UVU!

We say to our students, “Come as you are.” I think one of UVU’s greatest strengths is that you all come as you are. Our faculty and staff are made up of a diverse group of people who bring a richness to our workplace in all our different jobs and fields. You are creative, passionate, skilled, and dedicated. You inspire not only our students but also your colleagues — and me. Together, you help create a special atmosphere where students are encouraged to pursue their dreams. That includes everything from the beauty of our grounds and the cleanliness of buildings to the dynamic conversations that take place in our classrooms and labs. Because of you, our students learn and grow so that they can thrive, both personally and professionally.

Thank you for believing in our students and the mission of UVU. You have my sincere appreciation and admiration.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

RYAN H. LAW – Professional In Residence, Finance and Economics

Ryan H. Law, from Spanish Fork, Utah, is a professional in residence for Finance and Economics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in family finance from Utah State University and a master’s degree in personal financial planning from Texas Tech University. Before joining UVU in 2015, Law was the director of financial success and a member of the Personal Financial Planning Department at the University of Missouri. Law earned the AFCPE Distinguished Fellow Award in 2021 and the CFP Board Excellence in Pro Bono Award in 2020. Through his business Ryan Law Consulting, he offers keynote speaking, consulting, and financial education. He and his wife, Traci, have five children.

Professor Law was nominated by his colleague, Professor Luke Dean. “It was easy to nominate Ryan Law because he’s outstanding in everything he does—teaching, service, mentoring our students. What sets Ryan apart is that you can often find someone who is a good writer, or a good teacher, or good with students, but to find someone exceptional at all three is rare.”

“In the Money Success Center, our mission is to help students stay in school, graduate with minimal debt, and learn sound financial skills for the future. The work that we do matters, and I’d like to thank my team for that. Thank you for this incredible honor.” – Ryan Law

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

MATTHEW POTTS – Assistant Athletic Director Of Development, Institutional Advancement

Matthew Potts grew up in Sacramento, California, and serves as the assistant athletic director of development for Institutional Advancement. Potts earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations from UVU and a master’s degree in sports and athletic administration from Gonzaga University. Potts started in the athletic department at UVU as a student in 2012. Upon graduating in 2016, Potts worked as the director of sales and marketing for the Orem Owlz before returning to UVU. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, working on cars, and riding motorcycles. He has one child and another on the way.

Matthew was nominated by his colleague, Dan Dimond. “The legacy that Matt’s going to leave behind is ensuring that our student-athletes are taken care of, as well as making sure that our donors have a really positive experience when it comes to their engagement with the student-athletes, UVU’s programs, and that they’re all achieving success together. Matt exemplifies exceptional results through his hard work, determination, and the amount of success he’s been able to achieve in his time here.”

“I’m honored to receive this award. UVU is a special place to me. I’m a product of this institution. I came here as a lost 18-year-old boy from California. UVU provided me experience and education that helped me build a life that I love.” – Matthew Potts

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

AMANDA HYER – Lead Project Manager, University Marketing and Communications

Amanda Hyer, from Pleasant Grove, Utah, is the lead project manager for University Marketing and Communications. Hyer holds a bachelor’s degree in English with a technical writing emphasis from Utah State University. She worked at USU’s copy center and interned as a book layout designer. After graduation, Hyer worked for the digital marketing agency Foxtail Marketing as a copywriter and director of content. Before her current position, she was a marketing and communications manager for UVU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She enjoys cooking, singing along to Broadway musicals, and playing with her nieces and nephews.

Amanda was nominated by her colleague, Jody Birch. “I nominated Amanda because she is the epitome of exceptional accountability. There is no wall too high for her to jump or scale. There is no process too hard for her to find more efficient ways to do things. Amanda’s impact on UVU is seen far and wide. From marketing to project management to operations, there’s a little bit of Amanda Hyer in just about everything you see on campus.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jody, who nominated me, and most of all, to the Marketing and Communications team, and everybody else we work with across campus. Really, my role couldn’t exist without all of the amazing creatives that we work with.” – Amanda Hyer

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCELLENCE IN MISSION

JEREMY KNEE – Deputy General Counsel, Office of General Counsel

Originally from Oakland, Oregon, Jeremy Knee is the deputy general counsel for UVU’s Office of General Counsel. Knee holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University, an M.A. in environmental studies/economics from Brown University, and a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University. Before coming to UVU in 2017, Knee worked as counsel for several state offices in Missouri and served as an attorney for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Knee’s wife, Sarah, is a teacher and post-bac student at UVU. Together, they have two children.

Jeremy was nominated by his colleague, Clark Collings. “I think Jeremy has changed the culture at UVU. There are few attorneys that I know who are as intelligent and proficient in the law as he is and well-liked by all his clients. Jeremy personifies exceptional care. He’s kind and respectful to everyone he works with. Jeremy also personifies exceptional accountability. He’s dependable, he gets things done. He’s a master of his craft. He also personifies exceptional results year after year.”

“This place is filled with quirky, loveable, and talented people and I feel really honored to work alongside all of you. Thank you.” – Jeremy Knee

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL CARE

DANIEL DELGADILLO – Director Of Culture and Talent, People and Culture

Daniel Delgadillo is the People and Culture Department’s director of Culture and Talent and PACE Executive Board president. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from UVU and a master’s degree in personal financial planning from Kansas State University. Born and raised in Mexico, Delgadillo moved to Utah at age 11. As a sophomore, he worked as a UVU Testing Center proctor. From there, he joined the Distance Education Department, and in 2015, he became the manager of learning and development in Human Resources. Delgadillo and his wife, Zarahemla, have one child.

Daniel was nominated by his colleague, Justine Gamble. “I nominated Daniel because he is one of the humblest people I’ve ever met, but also one of the most competent and talented. He is a developer. He develops everybody he encounters. Every single interaction I’ve had with him is exceptional care.”

“UVU told me, ‘You’re welcome to come, we’ll take you just as you are. We don’t care about your legal status. We just want to build you.” – Daniel Delgadillo

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE – EXCEPTIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

MARISSA KING – Senior Director, Student Leadership and Involvement

Marissa King grew up in Taylorsville, Utah, and is the senior director of student leadership and involvement. King holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UVU and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy with an emphasis in student affairs from the University of Utah. King has worked at UVU since 2009. She received the Student Affairs Divisional Award of Excellence in 2015 and the Outstanding Mid-Level Professional Award from NASPA in 2018. King and her husband, Matt, have two children. She coaches Junior Jazz and enjoys board games and embroidery.

Marissa was nominated by her colleague, Alexis Palmer. “Marissa’s overall impact at UVU starts when she was a student. Everything from the impact she had as a student leader to today as a professional and over 15 years. Her impact is raising the level of seriousness within student leadership and involvement. She’s the go-to when they’re trying to put together a proposal or they’re trying to solve an issue. They go to Marissa because of her ability to take the work, take it very seriously, and turn in a flawless product.”