STATE BOARD OF REGENTS
UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY, OREM, UTAH
SORENSON CENTER
APRIL 20, 2018
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MINUTES
Regents Present
Daniel W. Campbell, Chair
Harris H. Simmons, Vice Chair
Jesselie B. Anderson
Nina R. Barnes
Wilford W. Clyde
Marlin K. Jensen
Patricia Jones
Steven Lund
Robert S. Marquardt
Cristina Ortega
Robert W. Prince
Harris H. Simmons
Mark R. Stoddard
Alex Trujillo
Joyce P. Valdez
Thomas E. Wright
Regents Absent
Teresa Theurer
Office of the Commissioner
David L. Buhler, Commissioner of Higher Education
Chair Campbell called the meeting to order at 8:05 a.m.
It was moved by Regent Stoddard and seconded by Regent Barnes to meet in Executive Session for the sole purpose of discussing the character and professional competence of the applicants for the Utah Valley University Presidential Search. The motion carried.
Chair Campbell called the Board of Regents Committee of the Whole to order again at 6:12 p.m.
Acknowledgements
Chair Campbell recognized the Utah Valley University Trustees who are in attendance and who have been engaged in this process. “We have reached a pivotal moment for the Utah Valley University. Back in November, President Holland announced he was called to be an LDS mission president. His impact on the university cannot be overstated. Under his leadership during the last nine years, the university has transformed into a national leader in the Dual mission model, and exemplary example of student engagement and hands-on-learning, and has maintained a focus on inclusivity and opportunity. President Holland’s strong and steady leadership has guided the university beyond even the most optimistic expectations. We are grateful for his service and dedication on behalf of this institution. We also recognize the significant contributions of Paige” said Chair Campbell. He also recognized the efforts of the search committee, chaired by Regent Steven Lund and Trustee Chair Elaine Dalton. He thanked the Commissioner’s staff and others at the University, with particular thanks to Loreen Olney and Candice Gardner. He turned the time to Regent Lund and then Trustee Chair Elaine Dalton. Regent Lund commended the committee on their work and the many others who were part of this process. Trustee Chair Elaine Dalton said it has been a privilege being a part of Utah Valley University. She said she is grateful for those involved and thanked President Holland for his leadership.
Utah Valley University Presidential Appointment
Regent Lund, Chair of the Search Committee, moved to appoint Astrid S. Tuminez as the next president of the Utah Valley University. It was seconded by Regent Barnes. The motion carried unanimously.
Chair Campbell said “President Tuminez was chosen from on outstanding field of international and national candidates. She is a proven dynamic and effective leader. She is focused on bridging gaps in education and opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. President Tuminez is currently the Regional Director for Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs in Southeast Asia for Microsoft. Prior to her current role, she was the Vice Dean of Research and Assistant Dean of Executive Education at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore. There she trained over 2,000 government officials and private-sector professionals in leadership and organizational change. Her previous positions include senior consultant to the U. S. Institute of Peace, Director of Research at AIG Global Investment, and program officer at Carnegie Corporation of New York. She previously ran the Moscow office of the Harvard Project on Strengthening Democratic institutions. She holds a bachelor’s degree from BYU, a master’s degree from Harvard University, and a doctoral degree from MIT. Her impressive accomplishment throughout her career show President Tuminez has the strength and ability to continue the university on its current upward trajectory. We are pleased that she has accepted this new responsibility and look forward to her leadership. We also welcome her husband Jeffrey Tolf.”
Commissioner Buhler congratulated President Tuminez and on behalf of the Utah System of Higher Education welcomed President Tuminez as a valued member of the Council of Presidents. He said she would be working with him, Presidents, Regents, and Trustees to further expand educational opportunities for the people of Utah.
President Tuminez said she is amazed and humbled, and she thanked Commission Buhler, Chair Campbell and the Board of Regents for this opportunity. She also thanked the search committee, Board of Trustees, Students, President’s Council, as well as the other candidates. She thanked President Holland for his work and said she would work to build on that and maintain his legacy. She thanked her parents and family. She continued by saying she believes in the vision of inclusion and the dual mission that UVU has.
Chair Campbell adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m.