Sequel - Fall 2007 - (Page 19) it serves. It helped transform a once blighted area into a thriving economic hub that today routinely attracts new hotels and businesses. While Utah County is far from blighted, NKU’s model illustrates the level of connectivity that UVU’s administration would like to have with its local community. engaged learnIng Is crItIcal to both the mIssIon and the future of thIs unIversIty. Whittaker thinks something similar can happen in Utah County as UVSC transitions into a regional state university and the Communities of Engaged Learners model is implemented. “As we move that forward, we’ll definitely see the same thing that I saw in Kentucky,” he said. “We’ll see more of a regional approach, rather than a Provo approach, an Orem approach, a Springville and American Fork approach and so forth.” Ultimately, most plans are only as good as the people in place to execute them. UVU’s plan will be no different. In May, the institution announced the creation of 90 new positions relating to university status. Another round of hires will come on board next spring and summer. Throughout the search process, a premium is being placed and will continue to be placed on individuals who embrace community involvement and engagement. One of several community members who will play a role in helping bring this to pass is Brad Whittaker, executive director of the Commission for Economic Development in Orem (CEDO), who likewise accompanied the UVSC delegation on the trip. One of the things that impressed Whittaker most was that nine northern Kentucky counties pulled together and tapped into the overall resources of the region and state to accomplish their goals – rather than competing for those resources – thus creating a greater impact on economic growth and Jack chrIstIanson, eXecutIve DIrector development. of communItIes of engageD learners “Everyone got on the same page,” Whittaker says. “And because of that, they’ve really seen some wonderful vision become reality. They put their pride away … and combined forces. They broke down the silos and the barriers between each other and said, ‘How can we best work together?’” “As we fill these positions, we will recruit individuals who are supportive of building communities of engaged learners,” Sederburg concludes. “We must be cognizant that what Utah Valley University will be tomorrow will be largely dependent on who we hire today.” Tomorrow - and the marriage - begin in earnest July 1, 2008. SEQUEL YOUR WAY FEEDBACK Send comments to the writer at chris.taylor@uvsc.edu utah valley state college alumni magazine FA L L 2 0 0 7 19
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