Astrid S. Tuminez

President Utah Valley University

In 2018, following a rich and storied career in business, philanthropy, and academia, Dr. Astrid S. Tuminez became the seventh president of Utah Valley University. She is the first woman to serve on a full-time basis as UVU president. President Tuminez’s upbringing was marked by challenges that she turned into stepping stones. Growing up in the slums of the Philippines, she lived in a shack with a leaky roof. She hated the rain, but when the sky cleared, she could gaze at the stars that ignited her dreams. A serendipitous encounter with Catholic nuns changed her trajectory, providing her and her sisters access to education — an opportunity that would transform her future. Her pursuit of education led her to the University of the Philippines, where she nurtured her passion for knowledge. Transferring to Brigham Young University, she earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Russian literature in 1986. She continued her academic journey by earning a master’s degree in Soviet studies from Harvard University in 1988 and a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1996. President Tuminez’s career mirrors her academic journey. During her career, she has held roles in many different sectors, including finance, philanthropy, government, technology, and higher education. Her background has equipped her with a comprehensive toolkit that drives her passion for education and vision for UVU. At UVU, President Tuminez’s stewardship is marked by her commitment to Vision 2030, a 10-year roadmap of UVU’s goals to provide student, community, and workforce support. Under her leadership, UVU has launched groundbreaking initiatives that reflect this transformative vision. President Tuminez’s leadership extends beyond academia. Her profound impact is felt within and beyond UVU’s campus, inspiring students, faculty, and staff to discover their unique potential. Her journey inspires the UVU community and beyond to overcome adversity through the life-changing power of education.

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