Student Affairs is excited to announce that John MacDonald has been appointed as the new Associate Vice President for Student Engagement after serving in the interim role since Nov 2025.
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University of Utah Vice President for Student Affairs Lori McDonald has been named the 2026 recipient of the NASPA Region V Scott Goodnight Award for Outstanding Performance as a Vice President, recognizing her longstanding leadership and contributions to the student affairs profession. The award honors senior student affairs officers with more than 15 years of experience who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and made significant contributions to the profession. Recipients are recognized for their service and leadership within NASPA, strategic and innovative responses to evolving campus needs, commitment to developing others and collaborative leadership within their universities and communities.
The University of Utah has received a $500,000 federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and create more coordinated pathways to mental health and wellness support across campus. Over the next four years, leaders within Student Affairs’ Student Health and Wellness unit will use the funding to implement CREST—Coordinated Referrals, Evidence-based Support, and Training—a campus-wide program designed to strengthen the systems, resources and connections that help prevent suicide and connect students to support.
On Sept 11, the Center for Campus Wellness celebrated the grand opening of its newest Wellness Exchange location at Sunnyside Apartments, expanding access to food, clothing, hygiene products and other essentials for students and their families.
The University Counseling Center (UCC) is offering a variety of therapy and support groups to help students build connections, navigate shared experiences and develop skills that support their well-being.