UVU Black Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Dianne McAdams-Jones receives inaugural honor during Black History Month

By UVU Photo

February 28^th, 2022

The inaugural Utah Valley University Black Academic Excellence Award was presented to Dr. Dianne McAdams-Jones on Monday, February 28, in conjunction with UVU’s celebration of Black History Month.

The event included remarks from UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Wayne Vaught, representatives from the UVU College of Health and Public Service and the Provo City Police Department, and Dr. LaShawn Williams, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Utah Center for Connection.

“Dianne is receiving this award because, in part, she is the first Black full professor at UVU, but also because of the excellent work she’s done in so many areas,” said Wayne Vaught, UVU Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Vaught highlighted McAdams-Jones’ work with the Provo City Police Department to improve race relations, her participation in the nursing community, and her contributions in bringing cutting-edge education to UVU’s students.

The Black Academic Excellence Award recognizes contributions to academic excellence by faculty, staff, and students at UVU and is presented each year during Black History Month. Recipients must demonstrate academic excellence through scholarship, service, or leadership that has a significant impact on the university.