OREM — Utah Valley University will be led by Jon Anderson after the Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously voted to appoint him president of the Orem campus.
Anderson succeeds Astrid Tuminez, who stepped down from the role earlier this year after serving more than seven years at UVU. The change will affect the university’s administration, academic planning and outreach to local employers and community partners.
What Anderson brings to UVU
Anderson is a Utah native who attended Bingham High School and Utah State University. He currently serves as president of Pennsylvania Western University. His prior roles include provost and vice president for academic affairs at Southern Utah University and at Middle George State University, according to the Board of Higher Education announcement.
"As a product of Utah’s K-12 public school system and a graduate of the Utah System of Higher Education myself, I am grateful for the opportunities Utah gave me and continues to give students," Anderson said in a statement. "I am eager to listen to and learn from our students, faculty, alumni, and local partners. I look forward to working collaboratively to elevate UVU’s mission and ensure every student has the support they need to achieve their goals."
Immediate implications for students and the community
The board’s unanimous selection signals a smooth leadership transition, but students and local stakeholders will be watching for how Anderson addresses priorities such as degree completion, workforce alignment and campus growth. UVU is one of the state’s largest public universities, and its president plays a central role in coordinating with K-12 districts, employers and state officials.
- Administrative continuity: campus leaders will work with Anderson to finalize near-term plans.
- Academic priorities: faculty and provost’s office will collaborate with the new president on curriculum and program development.
- Community relations: Anderson emphasized listening to alumni, local partners and employers.
Career summary
The institutions in Anderson’s career highlight experience across academic leadership and university administration:
| Role | Institution |
|---|---|
| President | Pennsylvania Western University |
| Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs | Southern Utah University |
| Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs | Middle George State University |
Board officials said the search evaluated candidates' experience in higher education leadership and familiarity with public university systems. The announcement did not include details on Anderson’s start date or transitional arrangements; UVU and the Board of Higher Education will provide further information as it becomes available.
The selection concludes the board’s search to replace Tuminez and begins a new chapter for UVU as it prepares for upcoming academic years and ongoing partnerships across the Wasatch Front.
