Congratulations to Ann House
Please join us in celebrating Ann House after a remarkable career at the University of Utah's Financial Wellness Center at an open house on Tuesday, June 27 from 3-5 p.m. at Crimson View. Her last day will be June 30.
House began her career at the University of Utah in 2001 as an adjunct instructor for the Department of Family and Consumer Studies, while also working at Utah State University Cooperative Extension as a Finance Education Area Agent. She developed state and national programs focused on helping consumers manage their financial resources, promote individual and family preparedness, and well-being.
In 2011, House helped lead the establishment the Financial Wellness Center (formally called Personal Money Management Center) at the U. During her tenure at the Financial Wellness Center, Ann has made a tremendous impact on the lives of countless students, faculty, and staff members. As an accredited financial counselor and educator, she has been a valuable resource for students to become savvy consumers and make informed financial decisions. Under House's leadership, the Financial Wellness Center has grown into a vital part of the University community, helping thousands of students achieve financial stability and success. When asked about the impact of her work on students, House said:
“Talking to someone about finances is the key to understanding and taking control of your own personal situation. My goal is to have students reach their goals. Students go from ‘I don’t know what to do, I’m stuck, I’m stressed’, to ‘Okay, I can do what needs to be done to get on the right track.’ Money management is about understanding your financial situation, knowing your options, and planning for your future. That’s what it’s all about”.
Dr. Bryan Hubain, associate vice president of student development and inclusion, has described House as a thought-leader in the state and nationally.
“Ann’s dedication to financial literacy and education has been unwavering, and her efforts have not gone unnoticed," said Hubain. "She is leaving a legacy that brings the University of Utah and the U’s students closer to addressing financial insecurities, financial planning and ultimately lifelong success. During her time at the Financial Wellness Center, the center has won numerous awards and national recognition for its efforts.”
House’s career has been full of achievements. She wrote the award-winning curriculum for the Individual Development Accounts (IDA) that is now being used nationally. She has worked collaboratively on PowerPay©, an online debt-reduction calculator that teaches consumers about debt and students who are in repayment of their educational debt. Powerpay©, is used throughout the world and endorsed by the U.S. military. She has contributed to two financial counseling textbooks used nationally. House was at the forefront of establishing a required financial literacy course and its resource tool, Finance in the Classroom for high school students, with the Utah State Legislature and the State Office of Education.
Believing that students need support that will lead to lifelong financial stability, in 2020 House collaborated in establishing the Basic Needs Collective (BNC) at the University. “We could not have gotten a physical space for the BNC with multiple offices, without the support of Ann and the Financial Wellness Center,” Hubain said.
House has represented the University in the community by sitting on many non-profit organization community boards and serving as president of Community Development Corporation of Utah, treasurer of the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition, state treasurer of the American Association of University Women, and education specialist with Jump$tart.
In addition to her outstanding work, House is also an amateur astronomer, spending her summers in southern Utah gazing at the night sky. Her love for astronomy is just one of the many passions that make House such a remarkable person. We want to express our gratitude to House for her hard work, unwavering dedication, and incredible achievements during her time at the University of Utah. We wish her all the best as she embarks on this new journey and know that she will continue to make a positive impact on those around her.
Please join us in congratulating House as she begins this new chapter in her life, and thanking her for her years of service to the University community. We wish her all the best as she embarks on new beginnings by the seashore.
Congratulations, Ann!