Utah Valley University President Astrid S. Tuminez Resigns After Seven Years of Leadership

Astrid S. Tuminez Steps Down as President of Utah Valley University

In an announcement that marks a significant transition for Utah Valley University (UVU), President Astrid S. Tuminez has declared her intention to resign from her position effective May 1, 2026. After an impactful tenure of seven and a half years, Tuminez is stepping down to dedicate more time to her family and pursue personal interests.

Reflecting on her time at UVU, President Tuminez expressed heartfelt gratitude toward the students, faculty, and staff for their support, highlighting that her experience there has been one of love and commitment to education. Tuminez's mantra of 'come as you are' reflects the university's approach to cultivating diverse talents, recognizing the potential of every student. Her dedication to education is rooted in her own life experiences; having transformed her life through learning, she has sought to bring similar opportunities to UVU students.

Tuminez became UVU’s seventh president in the fall of 2018. Throughout her presidency, she has exemplified a commitment to the university's core values of exceptional care, accountability, and results. Her leadership has also involved the development of Vision 2030, a comprehensive 10-year roadmap outlining the university's goals to enhance student, community, and workforce support.

Geoffrey Landward, the Commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), praised Tuminez for her profound impact and leadership style that consistently prioritized student success. The search for Tuminez's successor will begin shortly, guided by the USHE and the UVU Board of Trustees.

Under Tuminez’s guidance, UVU has achieved remarkable milestones, including significant increases in student enrollment and graduation rates. Since her appointment, UVU has witnessed a rise of over 20% in student enrollment, more than doubling the number of graduates. Furthermore, the university holds the prestigious title of Carnegie Opportunity University, a distinction held by only 16% of universities nationwide.

During her tenure, the campus has seen major enhancements with new facilities that enrich the student experience, including the Noorda Center for the Performing Arts and several state-of-the-art buildings designed to foster learning and community engagement. Tuminez's tenure has also focused on empowering Utah’s workforce, with a reported 74% of UVU graduates residing in the state a decade after graduation, especially in high-demand fields.

Noteworthy initiatives launched under her leadership include the inception of the Kahlert Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute, which aims to equip students with essential skills for the evolving economy. Moreover, her efforts in fundraising have resulted in over $250 million raised for various programs that enhance student experiences.

As Tuminez looks toward the future, her departure signifies a pivotal moment for UVU. Amanda Covington, chair of the Utah Board of Higher Education, commended Tuminez for her innovative leadership, stating that her commitment has laid a solid foundation for the university's future endeavors.

To facilitate a seamless transition, the Utah Board of Higher Education is assembling a presidential transition team that will consist of various stakeholders from the Board and UVU. This team will be responsible for evaluating institutional priorities, thereby supporting continuity as the new president steps in.

As UVU embarks on a new chapter, it remains committed to celebrating diversity and facilitating accessible, high-quality education that prepares students to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

As stated by President Tuminez, her time at UVU has been transformative not only for the institution itself but for the many lives touched by its mission. As she steps away, she leaves behind a legacy defined by growth, innovation, and a deeply rooted commitment to education that transforms lives.