UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSIT Y
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT 2025–26
DEAR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS,
The arts help us imagine new possibilities. They engage, inspire, educate, and transform—challenging us to think differently, solve complex problems, and connect more deeply with one another and the world around us. At Utah Valley University’s School of the Arts, that spirit of creativity, discovery, and innovation guides our daily work and study. As a regional leader in the visual and performing arts, we embrace collaboration and highimpact learning experiences that foster student success while enriching the cultural vitality of our community.
As we look toward the future, we remain focused on creating meaningful opportunities for students while expanding our impact across the region. We are strengthening pathways from recruitment to graduation, increasing access to experiential learning, and helping students connect their academic experiences with professional practice. At the same time, we are deepening partnerships with arts organizations, industry leaders, and community members to broaden access to the arts and strengthen our collective impact. We are also investing in academic and artistic innovation, advancing programs and experiences that spark creativity, encourage exploration, and create meaningful connections between learning, artistic practice, and community engagement. At its heart, the School of the Arts is committed to a dual mission: providing exceptional educational experiences for students while enriching the cultural life of our region through inspiring visual and performing arts programming. These goals are deeply interconnected. As you read this report, I hope you see more than milestones and achievements. I hope you see a community of people learning, creating, supporting one another, and working together to make a meaningful difference through the arts. The stories that follow reflect not only what we accomplished this year, but also the collaboration, resilience, and shared purpose that made those accomplishments possible. Thank you for being part of that community. The story of this year belongs to all of us, and I am excited about what we will continue to accomplish together in the years ahead. Together, we are expanding opportunity, strengthening community, and creating a future where the arts continue to inspire, enrich, and connect. Warmly, Courtney R. Davis Dean, School of the Arts
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THE ART OF IMPACT
YEAR IN REVIEW
162
16,100+
$45,480
2
PERFORMANCES & EXHIBITIONS
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE TICKETS SOLD
GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED
NEW DEGREE PATHWAYS
4+
21,991
1,844
EXTERNAL PARTNERSHIPS
2025–26 COURSE ENROLLMENTS
FALL 2025 PROGRAM ENROLLMENTS
1,183
478
448
257
TOTAL COMPLETIONS
BACHELOR’S
ASSOCIATES
CERTIFICATES
ANNUAL IMPACT REPORT | 3
ART & DESIGN
A WORLD-CLASS OPPORTUNITY
MORE EXHIBIT SPACES FOR STUDENT ARTISTS
Sculpture and ceramics BFA and forensic science minor student Aubrey Larine Jensen merged her two fields of study in her sculptural work, Bello, which was later displayed at the UVU Noorda Center for the Performing Arts on the night of Yo-Yo Ma’s concert. About her work, Jensen said, “Just like an orchestra, each stage, each creature, each moment plays an integral role in what makes decomposition such a magnificent process.”
The Department of Art & Design expanded opportunities for showcasing student work through the introduction of two new exhibition spaces: the Wall Niche Exhibition Spaces and the Smart Spaces. Featuring collaborative projects and individual works, these additional spaces provided valuable exhibition experience while fostering a culture of creativity and artistic engagement across campus.
WORK READINESS AT THE MUSEUM Art history major and Museum of Art (MOA) student employee, Whitney Willardson, helped museum visitors immerse themselves in the Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau exhibition. Through interactive activities that explored Mucha’s distinctive style, Willardson transformed the MOA’s Art Haus into a space of creativity for visitors of all ages. Willardson hopes to carry these experiences into a future career in museum or arts education. Scan the QR code to read her full story.
“I’ve seen just how much the education programs [the UVU Museum] has can help with building community and creating a space for people to enjoy.” — Whitney Willardson, Art History major
BY THE NUMBERS “Our professors and programs are at a level where this could be an MFA degree. We have very skilled teachers here who are passionate about what they do.” — Shirin Abedinirad, Assistant Professor, Sculpture/Ceramics
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BACHELOR DEGREES: 10 ASSOCIATE DEGREES: 6 MINOR PROGRAM: 1 TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 1,180
DANCE UVU DANCE STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY PARTNERSHIP
CARRYING ON THEIR LEGACIES
For Bachelor of Fine Arts ballet major Jordan Mulyangote, success requires balancing the physical rigor of dance with the academic demands of college. UVU Department of Dance’s partnership with American Fork Physical Therapy provides students like Mulyangote access to specialized PT support, allowing him to train with confidence and develop as an artist and student.
“I appreciate the knowledge and expertise the therapists share with us. Everyone works to help you succeed, whether it’s keeping you healthy or providing extra support during long performance weeks.”
Following the loss of two beloved UVU Dance faculty members, the UVU Department of Dance established the Doris Trujillo Memorial Scholarship and the Monica Campbell Memorial Scholarship. Created in remembrance of their extraordinary contributions to students and the dance community, these scholarships honor the legacy of these faculty while expanding access to educational opportunities for future generations of dance students.
A GLIMPSE INTO FUTURE COLLEGE LIFE Over 300 local high school students from across the state attended UVU Dance Day on campus. The Department of Dance faculty and students led workshops for the high schoolers, providing professional guidance, information about degree pathways, and a look into the UVU experience.
— Jordan Mulyangote, Ballet major
BY THE NUMBERS BACHELOR DEGREES: 6 ASSOCIATE DEGREES: 1 TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 143
“I have found the atmosphere to be rare, one that not only sustains artistic growth but also continually inspires me to refine how I mentor, create, and contribute to dancers and the field at large.” — Tyler Schnese, Assistant Professor, Dance
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MUSIC
UVU STUDENTS LEARN FROM THE BEST
A YEAR OF CELEBRATION
String majors attended Yo-Yo Ma’s UVU Signature Series performance as part of the department’s engaged learning mission. This initiative also included workshops with violinist Peter Sirotin, Hindustani musician Debanjan Batacharjee, jazz legend Lew Tabackin, and opera singer Deanna Breiwick, among others, reinforcing classroom instruction while providing a rare opportunity to learn from celebrated musicians and performers.
Music students and faculty presented over 50 concerts this year, from vocal performances to orchestral events to band and commercial music shows. A highlight of the season included We Hold These Truths: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence. In this collaboration between the UVU Wind Symphony and the UVU Center for Constitutional Studies, patriotic classics were paired with recitations of words from founding figures and narration from former Utah Governor Gary Herbert.
UVU ALUMNI STEPS OUT ON NATIONAL STAGE UVU music alum Joe Osterstock won second place for his original piano trio composition, “Aria,” in the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) 2025 Pat Williams Composing and Arranging Competition. Osterstock credited the UVU music program with shaping his ability to compose, giving him essential skills developed under top industry leaders and faculty.
“The Commercial Music program has some of the best teachers who care about their students’ success.” — Joe Osterstock, Commercial Music alum
BY THE NUMBERS “We connect students with their future careers through unmatched professional training. The most rewarding part of our jobs is watching our students build fulfilling careers as creative, entrepreneurial musicians.” — Jeffrey O’Flynn, Department Chair
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BACHELOR DEGREES: 5 ASSOCIATE DEGREES: 1 MINOR PROGRAM: 1 CERTIFICATE: 1 TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 251
THEATRICAL ARTS FOR STAGE & SCREEN HONORING A SHARED PASSION FOR THEATRE The Department of Theatre honored two members of the UVU theatre community through new scholarships supporting student thespians. The Christopher Clark Scholarship and the Cameron Ward Memorial Scholarship celebrate UVU theatre faculty member Christopher Clark’s lifetime career and love of theatre and memorializes UVU musical theatre student Cameron Ward’s passionate love for the art.
“The UVU Theatre program produces skilled, confident storytellers, prepared to lead, create, and positively impact campus, community, and the arts profession.”
A SHOOTING STAR OF A PERFORMANCE
UVU MOTHER & DAUGHTER SHARE THE STAGE
Bringing a musical, tragedy, love story, and comedy all in one to the Noorda Center stage, the UVU theatre department performed Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, captivating audiences and selling out every single night of its performance run.
For Cilla and Goldie Harrison, the production of The Crucible offered a rare opportunity to learn and perform together. Their experience exemplified UVU’s commitment to transformative educational opportunities, engaging students from all backgrounds and stages of life. To aspiring artists, Cilla said, “Absolutely go for it. You are talented and smart enough!”
BY THE NUMBERS BACHELOR DEGREES: 5 ASSOCIATE DEGREES: 2 MINOR PROGRAM: 1 TOTAL ENROLLMENT: 270
— Julie Heaton, Department Chair
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without my time at UVU. My peers were uplifting, my professors at the top of their game, and I’m graduating with a theatre education job at a renowned regional theatre. All because of my UVU School of the Arts experience!” — Tyler McCabe, BFA in Acting, 2026 School of the Arts Valedictorian
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AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS, & COLLABORATIONS The Department of Art & Design swept the award categories at the Springville Museum of Art’s 102nd Annual Spring Salon. Seven faculty and alumni won awards, with Jason Lanegan, the department chair, and Travis Lovell, professor of art and design, both recieving the Museum Purchase Award. The Department of Art & Design booth won 1st place in Sculpture and won 2nd place overall in the People’s Choice Award category at the Salt Lake Art Fair in May 2026. David Baker, associate professor of music, recieved the 2026 Best of State Medal for Vocal/Instrumental Band, recognizing his work with Hot House West Swing Orchestra. Courtney R. Davis, dean of the School of the Arts, won the Dean’s Prize for Outstanding Capstone in Museum Studies from the Harvard Extension School (HES), graduating with her Artium Liberalium Magister (ALM) this past spring. Jen Delac, assistant professor of theatre, was chosen as the 2025-26 Bonnie Ballif Spanvill Fellow and received a $10,000 grant. Sara Donohue, associate professor of dance, was featured in Laban/Bartenieff Movement Studies: Contemporary Application, 2nd edition. Isaac Hurtado, associate professor of music, and Tyler Schnese, assistant professor of dance, performed with the Utah Opera in a production of La Traviata in May 2026. Isaac Hurtado, in addition to his Utah Opera appearance, starred as Alfredo in La Traviata with the Orquesta Filarmónica del Estado de Chihuahua in Mexico, and completed additional performances with Opera Tampa, Opera Maryland, Winter Opera St. Louis, and Opera Las Vegas. Jamie A. Johnson, chair of the Department of Dance, and Christa St. John, associate professor of dance, published an article in the Journal of Performing Arts Leadership and were selected from 700 applicants to present at The American Association of Colleges and University Conference on Learning and Student Success.
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Christa St. John, associate professor of dance, was appointed as the Nominations and Elections Officer for CORPS de Ballet International, a professional non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of ballet in higher education. Jeffrey O’Flynn, chair of the Department of Music, was named the Co-Artistic Director of the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest 2027, to be hosted in Salt Lake City, a role determined through a robust peer-reviewed selection process. Joe Osterstock, alum of the Department of Music, took 2nd place in the American Society of Music Arrangers and Composers (ASMAC) 2025 Pat Williams Composing and Arranging Competition. Elisandra Rosario, artist-in-residence for dance, completed two residencies: the Sound and Movement Residency in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the Social Dance Research Residency and Community Activation in Brooklyn, New York which welcomed public audiences and a guest appearance from the city’s mayor. Scott Savage, program manager at the Theatre for Youth and Education Center, won the Community Service to Theatre Education Award from the Utah Theatre Association and the Michael Sproul Community Spirit Award from the Autism Resources of Utah County Council. Tyler Schnese, assistant professor of dance, presented his original ballet choreography, M, at the ACDA 2026 Northwest Regional Conference, which was also selected for presentation at the 2026 Queer Spectra Arts Festival. Brandon Truscott, professor of art & design, won first place in the Objects & Items Category of the 2025 AI Design Awards for his image, Spider Conch Chair.
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NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS HEADLINING THE SEASON
CONNECTING WITH OUR COMMUNITY
The UVU Noorda Center for the Performing Arts welcomed its biggest stars yet this season with the UVU Signature Series headliners. Utah showed its love for classical and Broadway music with sold-out shows to Yo-Yo Ma, Lea Salonga, and Joshua Bell.
The arts are not the only ones receiving support this past year. The UVU Noorda Center showcased its state-ofthe-art facilities and exceptional production and front of house expertise through a wide range of external rentals for community-focused events. Notable events include Senators Modeling Civility with Senators Mark Kelly and John Curtis and the Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine Match Day.
ENGAGING OUR STUDENTS As part of UVU’s committment to engaged learning, the UVU Noorda Center facilitated multiple experiences for students to interact with Signature Series performers. A highlight of this initiative, Harry Yeff a.k.a. Reeps 100 led workshops and delivered lectures to Art & Design students on the intersection of art and AI.
EXPANDING ACCESS TO THE ARTS The UVU School of the Arts and Trucordia, a nationwide insurance agency based in Utah County, partnered to provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for local students. The partnership provided 50 students from Orem Jr. High School, a Title I school, to see world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma in concert at the UVU Noorda Center for the Performing Arts.
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BEST OF UTAH VALLEY The UVU Noorda Center for the Performing Arts won Best Music Venue and Best Live Theatre in the Best of Utah Valley, taking home awards for the second year in a row.
“Experiences like live music can change how a young person sees the world. We’re grateful to partner with our community to make moments like this possible for students.” — Felix Morgan, CEO of Trucordia
BY THE NUMBERS
11
5,233
22%
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES
TOTAL SERIES TICKETS SOLD
INCREASE IN SERIES TICKET SALES
129
16,101
40+
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCES
TOTAL ACADEMIC TICKETS SOLD
UVU STUDENTS EMPLOYEED
4,427
2.5M+
TOTAL SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWERS
SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS
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MUSEUM OF ART AT LAKEMOUNT
OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NOUVEAU
STRESS LESS AT THE MUSEUM
The Museum of Art was honored to host the Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau exhibition, a traveling show displaying works from the private Dwahan Collection. Over 9,000 visitors came to view the priceless Mucha works, which ranged from original lithographs to preserved advertisements and merchandise to sketchbooks.
Carrying on a yearly tradition, the Museum invited UVU students, faculty and staff, and the surrounding communities to its Stress Less event. Held during UVU spring finals week, attendees cuddled with puppies, immersed their senses in forest bathing and sound baths, and expanded their creativity with Art Haus activities.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
CREATING ARTISTIC OPPORTUNITIES
As part of the Healing Waters: Restoring Our Relationship with Utah Lake exhibition, Shirin Abedinirad, an Iranian land artist and faculty member in the Department of Art & Design, used her artwork to demonstrate her love for her homeland and the unexpected connection she found in Utah.
The Museum continued expanding arts accessiblility with the education programs Open Studio and Art for All, providing free art-making activities that stand alone or work in tandem with exhibitions. In 2025–26, the Museum saw a 31 percent increase in attendance compared to the previous year.
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION For the second year in a row, the Museum was honored in the Best of Utah Valley voting competition hosted by the Best of Utah Valley Magazine, highlighting the growing role the Museum plays in supporting the arts in Utah County.
“We always ensure the Open Studio and Art For All projects are accessible for all ages and all skill levels and offer them for free to everybody who visits the museum.” — Madeleine Beale, Visitor Experience Manager
KEY EXHIBITIONS Healing Waters: Restoring Our Relationship with Utah Lake (Co-curated by Teri Harman) Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau—Selections from the Dhawan Collection (Organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions, Los Angeles, CA) Seeing Wilde Songs: Charles T. Griffes’ Synesthetic Musical Settings of Oscar Wilde’s Poetry (Curated by Dr. Zan Cammack, UVU) The Divine Sarah: Writing Her Name in the Stars (Costumes Courtesy of Utah Symphony | Utah Opera)
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BY THE NUMBERS
3,719
195
13
ART-MAKING PROGRAM ATTENDEES
WORKS EXHIBITED BY ARTISTS
PUBLIC ART EXHIBITIONS
99
18
FIELD TRIPS & LARGE GROUP VISITS
UVU STUDENTS EMPLOYED
20,810
86%
14%
3%
TOTAL MUSEUM VISITORS
UTAH RESIDENTS
OUT-OF-STATE VISITORS
INTERNATIONAL VISITORS
Demographics of Museum Guestbook Signees in 2025–26
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THEATRE FOR YOUTH AND EDUCATION CENTER
The UVU Theatre for Youth and Education (TYE) Center enriches the lives of children and youth through meaningful theatre experiences while preparing the next generation of arts educators and practitioners. Through camps, touring productions, outreach programs, and sensory-friendly performances, the TYE Center expands access to the arts for communities across Utah.
THE LIGHTNING THIEF — SUMMER CAMP 2026 Wrapping up another successful year, the TYE Center produced The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical during the TYE Noorda Summer Camp. Held annually for students K-12, the camp supports the TYE Center’s mission of providing performance and public speaking opportunities for all children and youth, while training enthusiastic future teachers of the arts.
DRAMA FOR WELLNESS A community outreach initiative, Drama for Wellness brings theatre experiences to children and families in medical settings with university students leading and performing creative drama sessions. The program fosters connection and self-expression when opportunities for play may be limited. This year, the TYE Center performed seven times, visiting the Ronald McDonald House Mountain West and Primary Children’s Hospital Seacrest Studio in Salt Lake City.
“I cannot say enough positive things about this program. Kindness and support were offered abundantly to students and parents alike. It was confidence-building for all involved.” — Parent of Gabe A., summer camp student
“The UVU School of the Arts has one of Utah’s most respected theatre programs, with many high school drama teachers speaking glowingly of the program, often referring their students to UVU. The quality of education and experiences are unparalleled.” — Scott Savage, TYE Center Program Manager
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BY THE NUMBERS SCHOOLS TOURED: 18 LIBRARY SHOWS: 4 ASL & SENSORY FRIENDLY SHOWS: 12
IN THE NEWS The UVU School of the Arts made waves when KJZZ-TV featured the news about the brand new partnership between the Department of Dance and American Fork Physical Therapy, aimed at bringing accessible, professional treatment to their dance students. The partnership between the Department of Dance and Ballet West Academy was highlighted when KSL interviewed academy and concurrent UVU BFA student, Mae DeBerard, on her experience as a dedicated ballet dancer. Brandon Truscott, professor of entertainment design in the Department of Art & Design, was featured in TechBuzz after his work won big at the 2025 AI Design Awards. The school-wide collaboration for the production of The Crucible received praise from the Front Row Reviewers, calling the production “hauntingly lovely.” New Kid, the fall performance produced by the TYE Center, received accolades from the local Utah Theatre Bloggers Association, who called it “a strong piece that is relevant and entertaining for the entire family.” The Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau exhibition made a splash this year, being one of the most prestigious exhibitions the UVU Museum of Art has hosted, receiving a feature in 15 Bytes, Utah’s Art Magazine. The opportunity for 50 Title I students to experience Yo-Yo Ma live at the UVU Noorda Center captured media attention across Utah. ABC4, Deseret News, Utah Policy, and other outlets highlighted the collaboration between the School of the Arts and Trucordia to expand access to world-class arts experiences for local students.
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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS and our vision to be the leader in arts education. Please visit www.uvu.edu/arts or email SOA@uvu.edu. @uvuarts
SCAN TO GIVE Front cover art: Premiere by Amy Davis, pastel on paper
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