Sequel - Spring 2008 - (Page 26)

“I was thrilled,” Martin said. “Professionally, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.” The UTTF is organized by division. Almost every organization on campus has a representative on the task force and they meet twice a month. It was important to have as many people in attendance as possible due to what Martin refers to as “the rippling effect.” “For example, we are implementing the master’s degree in education,” he said. “How does that affect other areas on campus? We had to address new applications and processes, deadlines, additions to the catalog, etc. These decisions have an impact on various organizations across campus.” For Martin, his greatest challenge throughout the transition process has been one that has nothing to do with logistics. “Too many people still view UVU as what it was 10 to 15 years ago and have yet to fully understand and appreciate what UVU is and will be,” he said. “This is our greatest challenge, thus greatest opportunity, to close this gap of understanding and position UVU as one of the premier institutions in the world for student-centeredness, engaged learning and community engagement.” and their supporters have been fighting for: university status. What does UVU hold for the students it serves? One new opportunity will be for education students to earn a master’s degree. “We were probably chosen as the first master’s degree simply because we could fill the program overnight,” said Briant Farnsworth, dean for the school of education. “We already have a list of more than 100 people interested.” But Farnsworth and his staff are ready for the undertaking. They have been working on developing the master’s degree for the past three years, involving public school district officials, as well as campus faculty and administrators. The popularity of the new degree stems from the high demand for quality teachers in Utah Valley and throughout the state. “With a master’s degree, teachers can raise their skill levels, accept additional responsibilities and receive a raise in salary,” said Farnsworth. “It’s well worth the time and effort, and for many, UVU is the most convenient option for them because of its ideal location.” The same can be said for the next two master’s degrees on the planning docket: nursing and business. Both are areas where O ur story ends with the very thing our heroes the demand for further education is high. In addition to master’s degrees, UVU will open its new library in conjunction with university status July 1. This five-story, 190,000 square foot building will be one of a kind and present students with new opportunities for learning. “The new library will demonstrate the academic focus of UVU,” said Val Peterson, vice president for administration and legislative affairs. “It will provide a location for students to focus their learning experience in an individual, interactive or group environment. It also creates a basis for the institution to expand its role in the community by offering a broad range of degrees from associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees.” These items are merely the tip of the student opportunity iceberg. Predicting the future can be a risky business, but as for the future of UVU, President Sederburg envisions nothing but success. “Lately I’ve been focusing on what UVU will be in the year 2018,” he said. “And I see us remaining committed to our heritage, namely the Career and Technical Education programs, as well as developing the institution as a major economic force in the community.” Currently, there are plans being set in motion for everything from joining an NCAA athletic conference to purchasing land for eventual expansion. Of course, the institution still faces its share of challenges, but for the most part, it seems safe to say, “and they lived happily ever after.” SEQUEL YOUR WAY FEEDBACK Send comments to the Editor at megan.laurie@uvsc.edu 26 FA L L 2 0 0 7 utah valley state college alumni magazine

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Sequel - Spring 2008 Contents Campus News At Our Best Q & A A Storybook Tale Uvu.edu Alumni News Gearing Up for UVU Outstanding Educators of the Year Donations Scholarship Report

Sequel - Spring 2008

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