{{Short description|Public university in Orem, Utah, US}} {{Use American English|date = September 2019}} {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2025}} {{Infobox university | name = Utah Valley University | former_names = Central Utah Vocational School (1941–1963)<br />Utah Trade Technical Institute (1963–1967)<br />Utah Technical College at Provo (1967–1987)<br />Utah Valley Community College (1987–1993)<br />Utah Valley State College (1993–2008) | image = Utah Valley University seal.svg | image_upright = 0.6 | image_alt = The seal of Utah Valley University, with a representation of the main campus and Mount Timpanogos behind it | caption = Seal of the University | motto = "A Place For You" | type = Public university | established = {{start date and age|1941}} | parent = Utah System of Higher Education | accreditation = NWCCU | president = Astrid S. Tuminez | endowment = $120.7 million (2025)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/nacubo1-nacubo-prd-dc8b/media/Nacubo/Documents/EndowmentFiles/2025-NCSE-Endowment-Market-Values-for-US-and-Canadian-Institutions-FINAL.xlsx |title=U.S. and Canadian 2025 NCSE Participating Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2025 Endowment Market Value |publisher=National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO) |access-date=February 14, 2026 |format=XLSX}}</ref> | students = 48,670 (fall 2025)<ref name="ushe_headcount_data">{{Cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=October 14, 2025 |title=Institutional Data Resources: Headcount - Utah System of Higher Education |url=https://ushe.edu/institutional-data-resources-headcount/ |access-date=October 14, 2025 |website=Utah System of Higher Education |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_2025">{{cite web |last1 = Keith |first1 = Caitlin |date = October 13, 2025 |title = Utah sees an overall increase in enrollment across its public universities |url = https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/10/13/utah-public-universities-record-enrollment/ |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20251014213316/https://www.deseret.com/utah/2025/10/13/utah-public-universities-record-enrollment/ |url-status = live |archive-date = October 14, 2025 |website = Deseret.com |publisher = Deseret News Publishing Company |access-date = October 14, 2025 }}</ref> | undergrad = 47,519 (fall 2025)<ref name="ushe_headcount_data" /> | postgrad = 1,151 (fall 2025)<ref name="ushe_headcount_data" /> | city = Orem, Utah | country = United States | coordinates = {{coord|40|16|40|N|111|42|50|W|type:edu_region:US-UT|display=inline,title}} | campus = Suburban | colors = Green and White<ref>{{cite web|title=University Style Guide: Logo & Graphic Standards – University Marketing & Communications|url=https://www.uvu.edu/marketing/branding/index.html|publisher=Utah Valley University|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=August 20, 2016|archive-date=January 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119144003/https://www.uvu.edu/marketing/branding/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><br />{{color box|#275D38}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}} | sporting_affiliations = NCAA Division I – WAC | nickname = Wolverines | mascot = Willy the Wolverine | website = {{official URL}} | logo = UVU-Institutional-Square-Mark-2016.svg | logo_size = 150px | logo_alt = UVU logo combining full name of school with monogram of school acronym }} thumb|View of the UVU Campus, October 2004
'''Utah Valley University''' ('''UVU''') is a public university in Orem, Utah, United States. UVU offers master's, bachelor's, associate degrees, and certificates.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.uvu.edu/catalog/current/departments/degrees-programs.html | title = Degrees and Programs | work = UVU Catalog | publisher = Utah Valley University | access-date = February 5, 2018}}</ref> Previously called '''Utah Valley State College''', the school attained university status in July 2008. With an enrollment of over 48,000 students as of fall 2025, UVU is the largest university by enrollment in Utah and one of the largest in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States.<ref name="ushe_headcount_data" /><ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_2025" />
==History== {{redirect|Utah Technical College|the university|Utah Tech University}} The school was founded in the fall of 1941, when the Utah State Vocational Office consolidated federal work program classes into one campus in Provo, just west of the campus of Brigham Young University. At this time, the school was known as '''Central Utah Vocational School'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uvu.edu/visitors/aboutuvu/history.html |title=UVU | History | About UVU | Home |access-date=February 20, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221011006/https://www.uvu.edu/visitors/aboutuvu/history.html |archive-date=February 21, 2017 }}</ref> Growth brought numerous changes to the school over the following decades, and it was renamed several times to reflect its changing role. In 1963, the name was changed to '''Utah Trade Technical Institute'''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uvu.edu/visitors/about/history.html |title=About UVU: Historical Development Summary |publisher=Utah Valley University |access-date=March 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111027225431/http://www.uvu.edu/visitors/about/history.html |archive-date=October 27, 2011 }}</ref>
In 1967, the school became '''Utah Technical College''' in Provo and was given the authority to confer associate degrees for the first time. In 1977, the institution began moving to its present location, at the junction of I-15 and University Parkway in Orem. In 1987, it became '''Utah Valley Community College'''. When it was a community college, the school had 8,000 students enrolled, and it was growing by approximately 3,000 students a year.<ref>{{cite web | last1=Enterprises | first1=Lee | title=UVU looking for funds to replace overloaded science building | work=Daily Herald | url=http://heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/article_846a476e-58d5-5db9-bb23-8754e14098e2.html | publisher=The Daily Herald | year=2010 | access-date=January 28, 2010 | archive-date=February 1, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201003854/http://heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/article_846a476e-58d5-5db9-bb23-8754e14098e2.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Michael Rigert |url=http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/education/college/article_5ffb95fb-b0d8-5cd2-b643-1b6e419e5600.html |title=UVU enrollment up 8 percent, funding still a concern |publisher=Heraldextra.com |date=October 6, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2013 |archive-date=April 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416112431/http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/education/college/article_5ffb95fb-b0d8-5cd2-b643-1b6e419e5600.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1993, the school was named '''Utah Valley State College''' and began awarding four-year degrees. The Utah legislature approved elevating UVSC to a university in February 2007 (effective July 1, 2008), allowing it to begin offering master's degrees, although the school continues to emphasize its two- and four-year degree programs.
On July 1, 2008, UVSC changed to UVU, officially changing to a university. UVU is the largest employer in Orem,<ref>[http://www.mountainland.org/Economic_Development/Business/Employers.pdf] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719120608/http://www.mountainland.org/Economic_Development/Business/Employers.pdf|date=July 19, 2011}}</ref> with over 1,900 full-time faculty and staff and over 3,300 part-time faculty and staff.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Institutional Research and Information (IRI) at Utah Valley University|title=Fact Book 2016 |url=https://www.uvu.edu/iri/documents/additional_resources/factbook16.pdf|url-status=live|publisher=Utah Valley University|access-date=October 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417034010/https://www.uvu.edu/iri/documents/additional_resources/factbook16.pdf|archive-date=April 17, 2017|location=Orem, Utah |language=en|date=April 14, 2017}}</ref> As of fall 2018, the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) reported<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://higheredutah.org/utahs-public-colleges-and-universities-enroll-nearly-4000-additional-students-for-the-2018-19-school-year/|title=Utah's public colleges and universities enroll nearly 4,000 additional students for the 2018-19 school year|date=October 4, 2018|website=Utah System of Higher Education|access-date=December 11, 2018}}</ref> UVU as the largest university in the state for the fourth year in a row with 39,931 students,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uvu.edu/news/newsarchive/october2018/enrollment_10042018.html|title=Student headcount numbers released, UVU remains largest public university in-state {{!}} News|website=www.uvu.edu|access-date=December 11, 2018}}</ref> surpassing the University of Utah.
Astrid S. Tuminez is the institution's seventh president and the university's first female president. Tuminez was selected by the Utah State Board of Regents in 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uvu.edu/news/newsarchive/april2018/newpresident.html|title=Utah State Board of Regents Selects Astrid S. Tuminez as Seventh President of Utah Valley University | News @ Utah Valley University|website=uvu.edu}}</ref> and was preceded by Matthew S. Holland.
===Assassination of Charlie Kirk===<!--DO NOT INCLUDE NAME OF PURPORTED KILLER UNTIL CONVICTED BY A COURT OF LAW, SEE WP:BLPCRIME-->
{{Main|Assassination of Charlie Kirk}} On September 10, 2025, Charlie Kirk, an American right-wing activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on campus during an event for the American Comeback Tour, a debate series he was hosting for his organization. According to the Associated Press, the shot came from the Losee Student Success Center, approximately {{convert|350|ft|m}} from where Kirk was speaking; Kirk was struck in the neck.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennemann |first=Annie |date=September 11, 2025 |title=Map shows where Charlie Kirk was speaking before being fatally shot at Utah Valley University |url=https://www.kcra.com/article/map-charlie-kirk-speaking-utah-valley-university/66044019 |access-date=September 11, 2025 |website=KCRA |language=en}}</ref> Kirk was immediately rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital and was pronounced dead later that afternoon. In the aftermath, Utah Valley University closed its campus, including their satellite locations, until September 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=UVU Updated Alert: Campus Closure Until Monday, September 15, 2025 |url=https://www.uvu.info/2025/09/uvu-updated-alert-campus-closure-until.html |access-date=September 11, 2025 |website=UVU Emergency Information |quote=As we grieve with our students, faculty, and staff who bore witness to this unspeakable tragedy, UVU campuses will be closed from September 11–15. |language=en}} </ref>
==Campuses== thumb|Computer Science Building thumb|Woodbury Building UVU's main campus is in Orem with satellite campuses in Heber City (Wasatch), Vineyard, Right Orem (Canyon Park), Provo Municipal Airport, Lehi, and the Capital Reef Field Station. UVU's main campus encompasses {{convert|228|acre|km2}} and includes 48 buildings.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025|reason=How was the campus size and building count determined?}}
Each building has been built using the same style of exposed reinforced concrete with masonry infill walls (before 2005), with all of the major buildings on campus connected by {{convert|30|ft|m|adj=mid|-wide}} concourses. UVU grounds include two reflecting ponds on the west side of campus, a stream running through the east part of campus, and a multi-dimensional fountain in the middle of campus.
UVU is home to the Utah Community Credit Union Center,<ref>{{cite web|author=Genelle Pugmire |url=http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_15adf972-b454-11df-9c00-001cc4c002e0.html/ |title=Utah Community Credit Union buys naming rights for UVU events center |publisher=Heraldextra.com |date=August 30, 2010 |access-date=October 31, 2013}}</ref> formerly the David O. McKay Events Center which was built in 1996 with a capacity to seat 8,500 people. The events center is governed by a board of representatives from UVU, Utah County, and Orem City. It not only holds campus activities and sporting events but also community events such as major concerts, trade shows and expos, high school sports tournaments, family shows, graduations, and banquets. It is also home to UVU's culinary arts program, including Restaurant Forte. On average, the Events Center hosts 150–170 events per year. As many as 360,000 people patronize the Events Center on an annual basis.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uvu.edu/blogs/newsroom/2010/01/19/mckay-name-moves-to-uvu-education-building/ |title=McKay Name Moves to UVU Education Building |publisher=Utah Valley University |date=January 19, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2012}}</ref>
===Digital Learning Center=== In September 2006, the school began construction of a new Digital Learning Center (DLC) to replace the {{convert|35000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} Losee Resource Center (library). The DLC is {{convert|180000|sqft|m2}} and is northeast of the Liberal Arts building. It opened on July 1, 2008. The $48 million project includes networked computers, computer labs, a computer reference area (Information Commons), a media center, 31 study rooms, and wireless internet throughout the building. In 2016, money was donated to the library by Ira A. Fulton and Mary Lou Fulton and it was renamed Fulton Library.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.utahvalley.com/listings/Utah-Valley-University-Library/885/|title=Utah Valley University Library – Provo, Utah |access-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref> The library won two 2008 awards from Intermountain Construction magazine for its energy efficiency.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.utahvalley.com/listings/Utah-Valley-University-Library/885/|title=Utah Valley University Library – Provo, Utah|website=www.utahvalley.com|access-date=June 3, 2016}}</ref>
===Science building=== The UVU Science Building opened in the summer of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Reichman|first=Matt|title=Gov. Herbert, UVU Celebrate New Chapter In Institution's History At Science Building's Grand Opening |url=http://blogs.uvu.edu/newsroom/2012/04/23/gov-herbert-uvu-celebrate-new-chapter-in-institutions-history-at-science-buildings-grand-opening/|publisher=University Marketing & Communications}}</ref> The building features study rooms to the west side that have glass whiteboards as well as windows spanning the entire height of the towers. The new Anatomy Lab has vents to decrease the concentration of Phenol in the air.{{cn|date=May 2024}}
===Young Living Alumni Center=== The Young Living Alumni Center opened in the fall of 2023. The construction was funded in part by Young Living, a multi-level marketing company based out of Utah, which donated $4.5 million toward its completion.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UVU Young Living Alumni Center nears completion, set to open in August |url=https://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/2023/jul/29/uvu-young-living-alumni-center-nears-completion-set-to-open-in-august/ |access-date=May 31, 2025 |website=heraldextra.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The two-story building has a large event space on the main floor used for fundraising events, conferences, alumni reunions, and meetings. With 25 offices and multiple conference rooms, most of the building's non-event spaces are used by university fundraising and alumni relations staffers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gledhill |first=Nick |title=UVU Opens Doors to New Alumni Building |url=https://www.uvu.edu/news/2023/08/2023_08_22_young_living_alumni_center.html |access-date=May 31, 2025 |website=www.uvu.edu |language=en}}</ref> The alumni building is situated on the north end of UVU's Orem Campus, along with the Melisa Nellesen Center for Autism and the McKay Education building.<ref>{{Cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=August 21, 2023 |title=UVU opens new alumni building |url=https://utahpolicy.com/news-release/68299-uvu-opens-new-alumni-building |access-date=May 31, 2025 |website=Utah Policy |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Organization== thumb|Campus at night UVU is part of the USHE, with the following primary colleges and schools: * College of Humanities and Social Sciences * College of Science * Smith College of Engineering and Technology<ref name="uvu_cet_2018">{{cite web|author1=Utah Valley University - University Marketing & Communications|title=UVU Board of Trustees Approves College Name Change |url=https://www.uvu.edu/news/newsarchive/jan2018/engineeringnamechange011918.html|url-status=live|publisher=Utah Valley University|access-date=January 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180123070246/https://www.uvu.edu/news/newsarchive/jan2018/engineeringnamechange011918.html|archive-date=January 23, 2018|location=Orem, Utah|language=en|date=January 19, 2018}}</ref> * College of Health and Public Service * School of the Arts * School of Education * Woodbury School of Business
Other academic support programs include the Office of Engaged Learning, the Office of Teaching and Learning, Extended Studies, Summer, Concurrent Enrollment, Professional and Continuing Education, Academic Service-Learning, and Honors.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.uvu.edu/collegesandschools/ |title=Academic Colleges and Schools |publisher=Utah Valley University |access-date=October 12, 2017}}</ref>
==Academics== {{Historical populations |title = Historical Fall Headcount |align = right |clear = right |direction = vertical |percentages = pagr |state = collapsed |type = none |shading = on |width = 15em |pop_name = {{abbr|HC|Headcount}} |year_name = |percent_name = |1945 |566<ref name="uvu_fact_book_2018">{{Cite report |title=Fact Book 2018 |last=Institutional Research and Information (IRI) at Utah Valley University |publisher=Utah Valley University |date=May 21, 2019 |url=https://www.uvu.edu/iri/documents/additional_resources/2018_factbook.pdf |page=Exhibits 10-11, pp. 7-8 |no-pp=yes |access-date=June 28, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717000102/https://www.uvu.edu/iri/documents/additional_resources/2018_factbook.pdf |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |language=en-US}}</ref> |1963 |4267<ref name="uvu_fact_book_2018" /> |1967 |4692<ref name="uvu_fact_book_2018" /> |1987 |6968<ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_1987">{{Cite report |title=Utah System of Higher Education Data Book 1989-90 |author=<!-- not stated --> |publisher=Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education |date=January 1989 |url=https://ushe.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/databook/databook_1989-1990.pdf |page=Tab B, p. B-33 |no-pp=yes |access-date=June 28, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> |1993 |10512<ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_1993">{{Cite report |title=Utah System of Higher Education Data Book 1995-96 |last=Utah State Board of Regents |publisher=Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education |date=January 1995 |url=https://ushe.edu/wp-content/uploads/pdf/databook/databook_1995-1996.pdf |page=Tab C, Table 46, p. 61 |no-pp=yes |access-date=June 28, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> |2008 |26696<ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_2008">{{Cite report |title=USHE Data Book 2009 |last=Utah State Board of Regents |publisher=Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education |date=January 2009 |url=https://ushe.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/rd_2009_databook.pdf |page=Tab C, Table 7, p. 10 |no-pp=yes |access-date=June 28, 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> |2013 |30564<ref name="uvu_fact_book_2018" /> |2018 |39931<ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_2018">{{Cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=October 4, 2018 |title=Utah's public colleges and universities enroll nearly 4,000 additional students for the 2018-19 school year |url=https://ushe.edu/utahs-public-colleges-and-universities-enroll-nearly-4000-additional-students-for-the-2018-19-school-year/ |access-date=June 28, 2025 |website=Utah System of Higher Education |language=en-US}}</ref> |2023 |44653<ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_2023">{{Cite web |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=October 17, 2023 |title=USHE enrollment grows at degree-granting colleges and universities |url=https://ushe.edu/ushe-enrollment-grows-at-degree-granting-colleges-and-universities/ |access-date=June 28, 2025 |website=Utah System of Higher Education |language=en-US}}</ref> |2025 |48670<ref name="ushe_headcount_data" /><ref name="ushe_enrollment_fall_2025" /> |footnote = Pre-UVU: years of name changes; UVU: every 5 years plus latest |source = see references above }}
UVU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Moore|first1=Marlene|title=NWCCU Reaffirmation Letter of January 24, 2018|url=https://www.uvu.edu/accreditation/docs/uvu_year7_reaffirmation.pdf|website=Utah Valley University Accreditation|access-date=April 25, 2018|ref=Reaffirmation Letter}}</ref> Individual programs, schools and colleges, and departments are accredited, certified, or recognized by 19 specialized accreditation agencies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Specialized Accreditation, Certification & Approvals|url=https://www.uvu.edu/accreditation/specialized.html|website=Utah Valley University Accreditation|access-date=April 25, 2018}}</ref> Vocational accreditation was granted in 1976 and renewed in 1990 and 1995 by the Utah State Office of Vocational Education. In December 2006, the UVU School of Business received initial accreditation from the AACSB, which was maintained in 2011.
About 88% of UVU students come from Utah but an increasing number of students come from other states and countries. In 2016, UVU students represented all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and 74 countries.<ref>{{cite web|author1=Institutional Research and Information (IRI) at Utah Valley University|title=Fact Book 2016 |url=https://www.uvu.edu/iri/documents/additional_resources/factbook16.pdf|url-status=live|publisher=Utah Valley University|access-date=October 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417034010/https://www.uvu.edu/iri/documents/additional_resources/factbook16.pdf|archive-date=April 17, 2017|location=Orem, Utah |language=en|date=April 14, 2017}}</ref>
As of 2021, UVU held a US ranking of #369 according to ''Forbes''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Forbes America's Top Colleges List 2021 |url=https://www.forbes.com/top-colleges/ |work=Forbes |access-date=October 19, 2021}}</ref> For 2022, ''U.S. News & World Report'' ranked UVU #94-#122 in "Regional Universities West" and #114 in Social Mobility for that region's universities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Utah Valley University's 2022 Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/utah-valley-4027 |website=usnews.com |publisher=U.S. News & World Report, L.P. |access-date=April 16, 2022}}</ref>
===Utah Fire and Rescue Academy=== The school is one of the few Utah universities that provides free training to Utah fire agencies. In August 2009, the university unveiled a Mobile Command Center, acquired by federal grants. The Utah Valley University Fire Academy Mobile Command Training Center cost an estimated $200,000 to $300,000 and provides both students and firefighters with realistic fire training.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael |last=Rigert |url=http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/central/orem/article_5111ceff-8b3a-5fd5-bc77-4ca4270ed677.html |title=UVU fire academy unveils new mobile training center |publisher=Daily Herald |date=August 14, 2009 |access-date=March 29, 2012}}</ref>
==Student life== {| class="wikitable floatright sortable collapsible"; text-align:right; font-size:80%;" |+ style="font-size:90%" |Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023<ref>{{cite web |title= College Scorecard: Utah Valley University|url=https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school?230737-Utah-Valley-University|website=College Scorecard |publisher=United States Department of Education |access-date=June 20, 2025 }}</ref> |- ! Race and ethnicity ! colspan="2" data-sort-type=number |Total |- | White |align=right| {{bartable|77|%|2||background:cyan}} |- | Hispanic |align=right| {{bartable|13|%|2||background:green}} |- | Two or more races |align=right| {{bartable|4|%|2||background:violet}} |- | Asian |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:orange}} |- | Black |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:purple}} |- | International student |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:#008080}} |- | Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:brown}} |- | Unknown |align=right| {{bartable|1|%|2||background:grey}} |- ! colspan="4" data-sort-type=number |Economic diversity |- | Low-income{{efn|The percentage of students who received an income-based federal Pell grant intended for low-income students.}} |align=right| {{bartable|37|%|2||background:red}} |- | Affluent{{efn|The percentage of students who are a part of the American middle class at the bare minimum.}} |align=right| {{bartable|63|%|2||background:black}} |}
===Performing arts=== UVU is home to one of the largest public collegiate ballroom dance programs in the United States. The company has over 130 members divided into four teams; one touring team, one reserve, and two backup teams. The backup teams provide the students with the training and performance skills necessary to meet the demands of the touring team. The UVU Ballroom Dance Company has received numerous awards, honors, and accolades as they have performed and competed throughout the United States and abroad, including winning the first ever College Dance Championship on ABC's TV series Dancing With The Stars in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Taylor |first=Chris |url=http://uvu.edu/blogs/newsroom/2010/05/26/uvu-ballroom-team-wins-dancing-with-the-stars-college-championship/ |title=UVU ballroom team wins Dancing with the Stars College Championship |publisher=Utah Valley University |date=May 25, 2010 |access-date=March 29, 2012}}</ref>
UVU has ten main musical groups. The four choir groups are Chamber Choir, Deep Green, Emerald Singers, and Concert Choir. The two orchestra groups are Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. Band-related groups include Wind Symphony, Jazz Band, Pep Band, University Band, and Percussion Ensemble.{{cn|date=January 2026}}
The UVU Theatre program produces five shows each year on its mainstage season. In addition, the president of the university selects a title each year as part of the freshman reading program that the department stages in the university's courtyard. The department partners with the Sundance Resort to produce Sundance Summer Theatre each year. The university creates a play that travels and performs in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of its annual Theatre Semester Abroad to London and Scotland. They also host the Rocky Mountain Summer Stock Theatre Auditions each year, where college students from across the region audition for professional summer stock theatres. UVU is the first university in the nation to win back to back national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.<ref>{{cite web|title = UVU sweeps national theater honors — again |url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865599380/UVU-sweeps-national-theater-honors-2-again.html?pg=all|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140326130556/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865599380/UVU-sweeps-national-theater-honors-2-again.html?pg=all|url-status = dead|archive-date = March 26, 2014|website = DeseretNews.com |publisher = Deseret News |access-date = October 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title = Staging success: UVU's 'young' theater department earns honors, awards despite challenges|url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865605970/Staging-success-UVUs-young-theater-department-earns-honors-awards-despite-challenges.html?pg=all|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140718110443/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865605970/Staging-success-UVUs-young-theater-department-earns-honors-awards-despite-challenges.html?pg=all|url-status = dead|archive-date = July 18, 2014|website = DeseretNews.com|access-date = October 13, 2015}}</ref> In 2013, they won Outstanding Production of a Play for 'Vincent in Brixton' written by Nicholas Wright and directed by Christopher Clark.<ref>{{cite web|title = UVU sweeps national theater award competition|url = http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576610/UVU-sweeps-national-theater-award-competition.html?pg=all|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131104053640/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865576610/UVU-sweeps-national-theater-award-competition.html?pg=all|url-status = dead|archive-date = November 4, 2013|website = DeseretNews.com|access-date = October 13, 2015}}</ref> In 2014, UVU won Outstanding Production of a Musical for the Pulitzer Prize winning 'Next to Normal' with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, music by Tom Kitt, directed by David Tinney, and music direction by Rob Moffat.<ref>{{cite web|title = UVU Next to Normal Named Outstanding Musical in Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival Awards; University of Mississippi's Laramie Project Also Honored|url = http://www.playbill.com/news/article/uvu-next-to-normal-named-outstanding-musical-in-kennedy-center-college-thea-329777|website = Playbill|access-date = October 13, 2015}}</ref> Other national KCACTF awards UVU repeated include Outstanding Director and Outstanding Performance by an Actress.<ref>{{cite web|title = National Awards – The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival|url = http://web.kennedy-center.org/education/kcactf/awards/NationalAwards#main_content |website = web.kennedy-center.org|access-date = October 13, 2015}}</ref>
===Media=== The school has an independent, student-run weekly newspaper called the ''UVU Review''. The newspaper began publishing under the name on June 30, 2009, the day before the university transition became official.<ref>[http://media.www.uvureview.com/media/storage/paper982/news/2008/04/14/News/Fond-Farewell.To.The.College.Times-3323554.shtml] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090803003752/http://media.www.uvureview.com/media/storage/paper982/news/2008/04/14/News/Fond-Farewell.To.The.College.Times-3323554.shtml|date=August 3, 2009}}</ref>
The school is also the subject of the documentary ''This Divided State.''
==Athletics== {{main|Utah Valley Wolverines}} thumb|The school mascot is the Wolverine. The school mascot is the Wolverine, and the colors are green and white.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wolverinegreen.com/genrel/logos.html |title=Utah Valley Athletics logos |publisher=Utah Valley Wolverines |access-date=March 29, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329073650/http://www.wolverinegreen.com/genrel/logos.html |archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}</ref> The Wolverines compete in the Western Athletic Conference.
The UVU student section was changed to "The Den" in the beginning of the 2017–18 school year. It was previously called Mighty Athletic Wolverine League, or "MAWL".
The Wolverines play their home basketball games in the 8,500-seat UCCU Center. The baseball team plays at UCCU Ballpark, a 5,000-seat facility that was also formerly home of the Orem Owlz, a minor-league affiliate of Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, that competed in the Pioneer Baseball League. Track and Field compete at the Hal Wing Track & Field. Softball at the Wolverine Field. And, Volleyball and Wrestling competed in Lockhart Arena.
==Notable alumni== {{Excessive examples|date=September 2025}}<!--do not add anything here without a citation to a reliable source, as it will be removed--> * Reyna I. Aburto – former second counselor to Jean B. Bingham in the General Relief Society Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints *Savannah Berry – marathon runner * Jared Bridegan – Microsoft senior design manager and homicide victim * Daniel Elliott – Indiana State Treasurer (2023–present)<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lange |first=Kaitlin |title=Here's who is running in the crowded race for the Republican state treasurer nomination |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2021/12/01/2022-elections-republican-indiana-state-treasurer-candidates-gop/6239606001/ |access-date=January 6, 2025 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> * Christopher Fogt – Olympic silver medalist in four-man Bobsleigh * Akwasi Frimpong – Ghana skeleton athlete, 2018 Olympian * Brandon Fugal – businessman and owner of Skinwalker Ranch. * Matt Gay – professional football player (two seasons at UVU before transfer to University of Utah) * Andreas Gustafsson (born 1981) – Swedish race walker * Gregg Hale – former guitarist for the band Spiritualized * Andrew Hales – YouTuber (did not graduate) * Travis Hansen – professional basketball player (transferred to Brigham Young University) * Chelsie Hightower – a professional dancer on TV series ''Dancing with the Stars'' and ''So You Think You Can Dance'' * Jef Holm – winner of ''The Bachelorette'' Season 8 * Thayne Jasperson – Broadway actor, singer, and choreographer, most notable for ''Hamilton (musical)'' * Mitch Jones – professional baseball player * Ricky Lundell – 3rd-degree black belt in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, high school wrestling coach * Michael McDonald – professional basketball player * Kam Mickolio – professional baseball player * Trevor Milton – founder, former chairman and CEO, Nikola Corporation * Ramsey Nijem – wrestler; professional mixed martial artist, The Ultimate Fighter 13 finalist, Lightweight fighter for the UFC<ref>{{cite web|title=Ramsey Nijem UFC Bio|url=https://www.ufc.com/athlete/ramsey-nijem|access-date=August 20, 2016}}</ref> * Noelle Pikus Pace – World Cup gold medalist and Olympic silver medalist in Skeleton * Matthew S. Petersen – Chairman of the Federal Election Commission, and former Republican chief counsel to the United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fec.gov/members/petersen/petersen_bio.shtml |title=Biographical Information of FEC Commissioner Matthew S. Petersen |publisher=Federal Election Commission |access-date=March 29, 2012}}</ref> * Ronnie Price – professional basketball player * Wesley Silcox – world champion bull rider * Matangi Tonga – professional football player
==See also== * ''Roots of Knowledge'', a stained glass display in the Fulton Library on campus
==Notes== {{noteslist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} * {{Official website}} * [https://gouvu.com/ Athletics website]
{{Utah Valley University}} {{navboxes |titlestyle = {{CollegePrimaryStyle|Utah Valley Wolverines|border=1|color= white }} |list = {{Utahcolleges}} {{Orem, Utah}} {{Western Athletic Conference navbox}} {{Big 12 Conference navbox}} <!-- Wrestling only --> }} {{Authority control}}
Category:Utah Valley University Category:Assassination sites Category:Mormon studies Category:Public universities and colleges in Utah Category:Universities and colleges established in 1941 Category:Universities and colleges accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities Category:Universities and colleges in Utah County, Utah Category:1941 establishments in Utah Category:Buildings and structures in Orem, Utah