UVU School of the Arts Annual Impact Report 2024–2025

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

DEAR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS,

As I reflect on the past year, I am reminded of the unique power of the arts to engage, inspire, educate, and transform. In the Utah Valley University School of the Arts, we understand that the visual and performing arts are not only a gateway to self-discovery but also a driver of cultural change, innovation, and quality of life. We are deeply aware that achievement in the arts is forged not by an isolated stroke of inspiration or a momentary flash of genius, but through vision, courage, and perseverance — qualities exemplified by our remarkable students and faculty.

The arts cultivate courage and invite us to explore, uncover, and discover. They teach us to be daring, inquisitive, and bold. The arts are a vehicle for communication, shaping not just what we see and hear, but how we connect, how we question, and how we imagine the world. In the School of the Arts, we are in constant dialogue with creativity — pursuing it, challenging it, and nurturing it, the practice of which is transformative both for our audiences and viewers as well as for ourselves.

The School of the Arts has a dual mission to provide: 1) exceptional academic programs and experience-based education for students and lifelong learners, and 2) inspiring community-facing programming in the visual and performing arts that promotes engaged learning, cultural literacy, and artistic excellence.

This impact report offers a glimpse into the many ways our school has grown this year — in numbers, in reach, and in purpose. You’ll read about exciting collaborations, national recognitions, and the vital support of our partners like you who make this work possible.

Thank you for walking alongside us, for championing the arts, and for investing in the next generation of creators, thinkers, and leaders. The story of this year is not just ours — it is yours as well.

COURTNEY DAVIS, J.D., M.A. Dean, School of the Arts

Utah Valley University

MISSION & VISION

MISSION: Students in the School of the Arts (SOA) become exceptional, original, and engaged artists by studying with distinguished faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, working with industry professionals, and collaborating with fellow students from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. SOA student artists are driven by purpose, committed to their field, and prepared to become successful professionals and conscientious citizens of the world. In a welcoming and student-centered environment, specialized training in the School of the Arts builds on a foundation of general education coursework and engages the community through performances, exhibitions, and outreach activities.

VISION: To be the leader in high-quality, innovative arts education and programming, as well as become the school of choice in the state of Utah and the Greater Western Region.

2024-25 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:

INCREASE AND ENHANCE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT: Committing to high-impact educational practices enriches student learning and drives the goal of becoming the regional leader in visual and performing arts by providing opportunities for students to collaborate across disciplines, interact with professionals, and participate in performances, productions, exhibitions, and internships.

ENHANCE STUDENT SUCCESS: Focusing on educational access and enrollment, retention, and completion, the school aims to help students obtain high-demand 4- and 5-star jobs in Utah’s economy.

ENHANCE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Seeking to increase audiences and expand unique educational opportunities and arts experiences for students and community members, the School prioritizes operational efficiencies and invests in increasing earned revenue, philanthropic support, and sponsorships across the four academic departments, the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, and the UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount.

YEAR IN REVIEW

THE ART OF IMPACT

156 PERFORMANCES & EXHIBITIONS

6,226

UVU STUDENTS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS BENEFITED from 33 high-impact practice projects completed in the 2024–25 academic year.

24,207 PERFORMANCE TICKETS SOLD

$49,840

GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED Including awards from Creative West, National Endowment for the Arts, Utah Humanities, and Utah Division of Arts and Museums.

22,077 2024–25 COURSE ENROLLMENTS

FALL 2024 PROGRAM ENROLLMENTS: 1,844

DEPARTMENT OF ART & DESIGN: 1,134

DEPARTMENT OF DANCE: 143

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC: 207

DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE: 270

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS GRADUATES 2025: 1,314

BACHELOR DEGREES: 312

ASSOCIATE DEGREES: 417

CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION: 291

CERTIFICATES OF PROFICIENCY: 294

BEN FOLDS launched the performance season at the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts with a sold-out show, filling the Concert Hall as devoted fans gathered for his Paper Airplane Request Tour

IN A DYNAMIC FUSION of classical music and modern technique movement, the Contemporary Dance Ensemble presented original choreography set to live performances by the Chamber Orchestra during their spring semester dance concert.

This year, UVU proudly expanded its academic offerings with two new innovative programs within the School of the Arts:

THE GALLERY ON 6 TH welcomed a record-breaking community turnout for the launch of Ever Arriving, the ninth installment in the Department of Art & Design’s acclaimed fine art book series. The work won two awards from international publishing competitions.

THEATRE STUDENTS brought a fresh and spirited take to Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic Little Women The production succeeded through countless hours of rehearsal, set design, construction, and stagecraft, showcasing the dedication and artistry behind each and every moment.

UVU MUSEUM OF ART at Lakemount held a Holiday Tree-Lighting Ceremony, where friends, families, and patrons gathered together to celebrate the holiday season and connect with the community.

STUDENT ARTISTS showcased their outstanding talent in the annual juried Student Exhibition at the Museum of Art at Lakemount, with over 70 students selected to have their work featured in this thoughtfully curated show.

ESPRIT D.C. HOSTED an electrifying hip hop dance battle and performance, featuring a crew choreography round, a 2v2 freestyle face-off, and a special sneak peek of their annual spring semester showcase.

WITH A RECORD-BREAKING number of graduates, the class of 2025 crossed the Convocation stage to the sound of joyous cheers, celebrated by family, faculty, staff, and peers who honored their achievements, artistic evolution, and creative journeys that brought them to this moment.

ART HISTORY B.A. ONLINE - PLUS: As Utah’s first online Art History degree, this program broadens access to a globally informed curriculum that delves into the power and influence of visual culture throughout history.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DANCE: This program features specialized tracks in Pre-Dance Therapy, Commercial Dance, and Ballroom, equipping students with rigorous training, artistic growth, and practical skills designed to prepare them for a variety of career paths in the dance industry.

These new degrees reflect UVU’s commitment to academic innovation, accessibility, and preparing students for success.

IN THE NEWS

DESIGN WITHOUT LIMITS: UVU graphic design student Jonah Bradshaw transformed adversity into opportunity by creating original artwork using only his mouth. His striking designs were featured on goggle covers for every participant in the 2025 HGGC Steve Young Ski Classic, exemplifying perseverance, creativity, and a meaningful contribution to the adaptive arts and sports community.

DANCING TO VICTORY

The Ballroom Dance Company dazzled judges and audiences alike this year, securing first place at the World Culture Dance Competition in Los Angeles and claiming prestigious British Open titles for both Latin Formation and Ballroom Formation at England’s Blackpool Dance Festival.

BEST OF UTAH VALLEY

In 2025, the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts and the UVU Museum of Art at Lakemount were honored in Utah Valley Magazine’s Best of Utah Valley awards, celebrated for excellence in live music, theatre, and art exhibitions — reflecting robust community support for the arts.

ARTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Exceptional leadership and talent, on stage and in our communities, shone at this year’s Miss Utah competition, where Miss Rocky Mountain Maddalena Willis (Art & Design), Miss Provo Charlee Sorensen (Music), and Miss Orem Chloe Henry (Theatre) represented the School of the Arts.

LAUNCHING NEW PARTNERSHIPS

Starting in Fall 2025, the School of the Arts and the Frederick Quinney Lawson Ballet West Academy will collaborate to offer college credit for pre-professional dance training through a new Credit for Prior Learning program, creating a path for academy students to advance their academic and artistic careers.

ISABELLA HENAO’S VOICE SOARS

Isabella Henao’s voice rang out from UVU to HBO to Jimmy Kimmel Live. A musical theatre major, Henao made her national television debut with a captivating performance of “Bring Me to Life” on Jimmy Kimmel Live, showcasing the advanced technical and performance skills honed through her rigorous training.

A SUMMER TRADITION

Celebrating the cherished partnership with Sundance Mountain Resort, UVU students, staff, and faculty collaborated with Sundance Summer Theatre to present The Wizard of Oz, offering rich opportunities for engaged learning and creative growth.

NATIONAL AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

THE DEPARTMENT OF ART & DESIGN Fine Art Book series won three awards: Ever Arriving: Highlands to Islands

International Publishing Book Awards, Silver Medal, Coffee Table Book category

International PRINT Awards, Student Second Place, Book + Jacket Cover category

UTopia: State of Abstraction

International Book Awards, First Place, Art Book category

SHIRIN ABEDINIRAD , assistant professor in the Department of Art & Design, was awarded the Public Awards: Installation Category at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for her installation Reflective Journey #2

DAVID BAKER , assistant professor in the Department of Music, won the 2025 Utah Governor’s Mansion Artist Award for his work with Hot House West, a local music non-profit.

CHEUNG CHAU , professor in the Department of Music won first place in Conducting from The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts.

JULIE HEATON , associate professor in the Department of Theatre, placed number ten on Studio Center’s female list for Top Ten Voice Talent.

CHRIS RAMOS , assistant professor in the Department of Music and Director of Bands, received an Honorable Mention in Conducting from The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts.

JOHN REES , professor in the Department of Art & Design, won first place in Creative Quarterly’s Photography category for his piece titled, Andrya

BRANDON TRUSCOTT, professor in the Department of Art & Design, won Finalist for Image – Sci-Fi & Fantasy in the 2024 AI Design Awards for his piece titled The Negotiation.

NOORDA CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES that brought our mission to life defined this past year at the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts — connecting students and community through world-class arts programming in meaningful, unforgettable ways. As the curtain rises on this next chapter, the Noorda Series changes to the Utah Valley University Signature Series and the School of the Arts stands more committed than ever to being a home for bold art, curious minds, and inspirational encounters.

NOORDA SERIES BY THE NUMBERS

18 PERFORMANCES

4,600+ COMMUNITY MEMBERS REACHED

5 MASTER CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS

42 PARTICIPATING STUDENTS

MUSEUM OF ART AT LAKEMOUNT

THE MUSEUM WAS HONORED to host the Utah Division of Art & Museums’ (UA&M) 125th Anniversary Exhibition This curated exhibition highlighted a variety of art genres supported by the division, including rare and archival works from the State of Utah Alice Merrill Horne Art Collection.

COURTNEY DAVIS , Executive Director of the Museum of Art and Dean of the School of the Arts, presented on the Museum at a roundtable discussion at the International Council of Fine Arts Deans Conference in Montreal, Canada.

EMILY JOHNSEN , Director of the Museum of Art, was nominated and selected to join the boards of the Utah Museums Association (2025-2028) and the Association of Academic Museums and Galleries as Western Region Co-Representative (2025-2028).

ART IN ACTION MEASUREABLE

MOMENTS

ART EXHIBITIONS: 14

MUSEUM VISITORS: 15,858

ARTISTS’ ARTWORK EXHIBITED: 401

PUBLIC PROGRAMS: 81

ART-MAKING PROGRAM ATTENDEES: 2,718

FIELD TRIPS & LARGE GROUP VISITS: 48

UVU STUDENTS EMPLOYED: 21

UTAH RESIDENT VISITORS: 81%

NON-RESIDENT VISITORS: 15%

OUTSIDE OF UTAH VISITORS: 4%

THEATRE FOR YOUTH AND EDUCATION CENTER

SHARING CULTURAL HERITAGE

The TYE Center co-sponsored performances by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth, the largest professional theatre in Hawaii and one of the leading professional theatres for young people. The company’s devised theatre piece about the gifting of salt by families in Hawaii brought over 650 children and community members to the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts.

ENGAGING YOUNG MINDS

In the fall, the bilingual touring production of Mariposa/ Butterfly visited five libraries and nine local schools to a total audience of over 1,500. In the spring, Scaredy Kat Presents was brought to public audiences in the Noorda Center and students in nine local schools to an audience of over 2,000.

EDUCATING THROUGH THEATRE

The Tye Noorda Theatre Camp served more than 200 young people this summer, providing more than 10% of participants with free or reduced tuition. The summer program also served 20 theatre education students annually, providing hands-on training in teaching and directing. The 2025 summer camp introduced new teen courses in technical theatre, puppetry, storytelling, playwriting, and stage combat — alongside Shrek Jr. the Musical and the commissioned youth play Tellers of the Dawn

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & OUTREACH

THE MUSEUM OF ART WAS PRIVILEGED to host Jade’s Make-A-Wish Princess Training and Royal Ball, a beautiful event that brought the community together to celebrate the courage and spirit of a brave young girl fighting a rare form of cancer. This unforgettable day, filled with smiles, hope, and kindness exemplifies the power of coming together to uplift and support one another.

THE NOORDA SERIES IS HONORED to have partnered with VetTixs to offer former Armed Forces service members and their families access to its performances and events. This collaboration allows the Noorda Center to give back to those who have sacrificed so much. In 2024–25, 40 tickets were donated, providing veterans and their loved ones with opportunities to experience the joy, inspiration, and connection that the arts bring to the community.

THE SCHOOL OF THE ARTS PROUDLY SUBSIDIZES over 500 tickets for school groups to both the academic and the presented series performances each year. This vital initiative provides educational experiences, introduces young audiences to a variety of artistic expressions, and inspires the next generation of artists and arts enthusiasts. By removing financial barriers, we foster community engagement and support the development of cultural literacy and creative thinking.

“My wife and I were blown away by the energy and passion of the dancers. The music, vibrant costumes, and beautiful choreography brought Mexican culture to life in such an unforgettable way. We truly enjoyed the experience, and it was an evening we’ll always remember.”

— WILLIAM, US ARMY VetTix recipient

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.

Stay up to date on all our events and accomplishments throughout the year by following @uvuarts on Instagram and Facebook.

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