A Place For You

You don’t have to be an artist to find something for you at the UVU Museum of Art. It’s a place to explore, create, learn, and experience something outside your everyday routine. President Jon Anderson joins School of the Arts Dean Courtney Davis and Museum Director Emily Johnsen for a behind-the-scenes look at the museum, from student and faculty exhibitions and professional artists to UVU’s permanent collection and the work that goes into bringing an exhibition to life. Free and open to the public, the museum invites students, faculty, staff, and visitors to experience art, explore a beautiful historic home, and participate in activities for all ages.

How UVU Students Are Learning Fintech, Finance & Real-World Skills What skills will set students apart in the age of AI? President Jon Anderson sits down with Dr. Rachel Bi, chair of UVU’s Department of Finance and Economics and founder and director of the FinTech Center, to explore fintech, financial planning, and career preparation. See how UVU students are gaining hands-on experience, developing industry connections, and building the skills and confidence they need for life after graduation.

As UVU students head into fall break, discover a different way to spend your time off. In this episode of A Place for You, President Anderson sits down with Yissella Bringhurst, a public health student whose journey from the Dominican Republic to UVU led her to the Center for Social Impact and the Alternative Breaks program. Learn how service, leadership, and community engagement are helping students make a difference, build meaningful connections, and gain experiences that last far beyond the classroom.

Every game begins long before athletes step onto the field. Join President Jon Anderson as he talks with Tod Balser, UVU's sports field grounds supervisor, about the science, strategy, and teamwork behind maintaining Utah Valley University's athletic fields. From championship tournaments to daily practices, Tod and his team work year-round to create safe, high-quality playing surfaces that support student-athlete success and exceptional experiences for fans. Discover why the work happening beneath every cleat, sprint, and slide is more important than most people realize.

No one should feel like they have to navigate life's challenges alone. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month, President Jon Anderson sits down with Bill Erb, Senior Director of Student Health Services, to discuss mental health, resilience, and the importance of seeking support. Bill shares his personal path into psychology, stories from his clinical experience, and how UVU's unique integrated approach brings together counseling, medical services, psychiatric support, assessments, and crisis intervention to help students receive the care they need. Mental health resources are also available for UVU employees. UVU's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided through ComPsych, offers free, confidential short-term counseling and resources to help full-time employees and their eligible dependents navigate life's challenges, improve well-being, and maintain balance. Part-time employees can access free mental health and wellness support through TimelyCare, including virtual counseling, health coaching, on-demand support, and additional well-being resources. If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7, free and confidential.

A college class changed Tyler Standifird's life trajectory. Today, he leads cutting-edge biomechanics research at UVU and mentors students pursuing their own ambitions. In this episode of A Place for You, President Jon Anderson sits down with Standifird, UVU exercise science professor and biomechanics expert in the College of Science, for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation's premier golf biomechanics labs. Together, they explore the science behind athletic performance, the technology transforming sports research, and the hands-on opportunities students experience before graduation. From improving golf swings and preventing injuries to conducting research that reaches national conferences, this conversation highlights how curiosity, innovation, and mentorship are helping students combine their passions with careers.

Can a college student really launch a successful business before graduation? In this episode of A Place for You, President Jon Anderson visits the Chelsea and Casey Baugh Entrepreneurship Institute to talk with Seth Jenson and Alessandra Camargo about how UVU is helping students turn ideas into real companies. Learn how students from every college across campus are gaining hands-on experience, working alongside experienced entrepreneurs, generating real revenue, and building businesses while earning their degrees. From startup accelerators and mentorship opportunities to student-led ventures that have generated more than $2 million in revenue, discover why UVU is becoming a destination for innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning.

What does it take to build something that lasts? In this episode of A Place for You, President Jon Anderson sits down with Cathy Nixon, UVU Deputy Athletic Director, Senior Woman Administrator, Hall of Famer, and former women's basketball coach, to discuss her journey through more than three decades of service at Utah Valley University. From her days as an All-American player to leading UVU Women's Basketball for 24 seasons and helping guide the university's transition from junior college to NCAA Division I athletics, Nixon has been part of some of the most transformative moments in UVU athletics history. Join the conversation as Cathy shares lessons on leadership, mentorship, and building a culture where athletes can thrive. You'll hear behind-the-scenes stories from college athletics, her perspective on helping student-athletes reach their potential, and why the most meaningful victories happen far beyond the scoreboard.

What does it take to turn a passion into a profession? In this episode of A Place For You, President Jon Anderson sits down with Chef Todd from UVU's Culinary Arts program to explore how students transform their love of cooking into meaningful careers. Hear Chef Todd's inspiring advice for all students navigating their future, his belief that failure is an essential part of learning, and why success starts with doing what you love. From hands-on experiences at Restaurant Forte, UVU's student-run restaurant, to alumni success stories, including Vessel Kitchen co-founder Roe'e Levy, discover how Utah Valley University helps students turn passion into opportunity and prepares them to thrive in the real world.

Who represents your voice at UVU? Join President Jon Anderson for the debut episode of A Place for You and meet the student, faculty, and staff leaders helping shape the Wolverine experience. From expanding opportunities for student involvement to strengthening campus culture and collaboration, this conversation with UVUSA President Herby Fullmer, Faculty Senate President Evelyn Porter, and PACE President Derek Kent offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and partnerships guiding UVU's future. Whether you're a student, faculty member, or staff member, you'll discover how your voice matters and how shared governance helps create better outcomes for our entire university community.