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The University of Utah’s Presidential Internship in Higher Education Leadership, housed by the Office of the President, provides undergraduate students from diverse fields and backgrounds the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with the president and other university administrators. This unique experience offers an insider’s look into the nuances and complexities of higher education. Through regular seminars and working alongside members of the administration, students learn about and engage in the challenges and opportunities facing the university, as well as American higher education in general. Students gain practical knowledge and skills that enrich their academic and social experiences, while also honing leadership skills and building a professional network. Since its inception in 1992, more than 150 students have participated in the program. For many, the experience was a catalyst to a career in higher education. Others have gone on to leadership and career opportunities in public administration, nonprofit organizations, business, civic and public service.

The interns help to staff senior administrative offices and work on strategic projects designed to help advance the goals of the university, act as student representatives at various university functions and events, and attend weekly higher education leadership seminars hosted by executive leaders from the campus and larger community. In turn, the university administration benefits from student insight, perspective and collaboration in helping shape the exceptional educational experience at the University of Utah.

The cohort selection process involves an application and interview conducted each spring. The program runs in conjunction with the academic year, August to May. It requires a commitment of 10-12 hours per week, including some evening and weekend hours assisting with events, and attending Wednesday leadership seminar meetings from 3-5 p.m. Two lead interns help facilitate and coordinate the presidential interns.

For more information, please email us at: presidential-interns@utah.edu.

MEET THE 2025-2026 PRESIDENTIAL INTERNS

Anna Locke, Lead Intern

Anna is a fourth-year Honors student double majoring in Economics and Religious Studies. Growing up in a rural town in Montana led her to develop a deep appreciation for community involvement and leadership, and the U was her dream school! Anna is incredibly grateful for the amazing opportunities she’s had on campus, including interning at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., working on policy initiatives for Huntsman Cancer Institute, and developing a new budget system for student organizations as chair of the ASUU Legislative Assembly. Most recently, she interned with Gardner Policy Institute doing research on education and with the Utah Office for Victims of Crime working with their grants team. In addition to the presidential internship, this year she will be co-leading an Honors cohort as a peer mentor and continuing her third year working with the Hinckley Institute of Politics. In her free time, she enjoys staying active, playing piano, and trying new coffee shops in Salt Lake with her friends. Next fall, Anna will be attending law school, and she plans to stay strongly connected to her community through a career in public service.


Michael Molenaar, Lead Intern

Michael is a senior Honors student majoring in Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations (QAMO) at the University of Utah. Originally from Summit Park and later Cottonwood Heights, he has always embraced the Wasatch Mountains—whether skiing in the winter or trail running in the summer. At the U, Michael has taken on a variety of research roles. Through the Marriner S. Eccles Scholars Program, he studies the episodic nature of Americans’ gaps in health insurance coverage. He also serves as a research assistant to the Dean of the College of Education, contributing to a forthcoming publication on the heightened risks of campus sexual assault faced by students with disabilities. Through this research and other involvements, he has become an advocate for the local Rape Recovery Center, helping fundraise and share their message to broader communities. Along the way, Michael has come to deeply value the mentorship and friendships that have shaped his journey at the University of Utah.


Anika Boyden

Anika Boyden is a fourth-year Political Science major with minors in Sociology and Environmental & Sustainability Studies. Raised in Salt Lake City, she grew up a Ute fan and has come to love the University even more through the opportunities and experiences she’s had as a student. Her commitment to advocacy has led her to serve as Chair of the Committee on Student Affairs, travel to Washington, D.C. to lobby for expanded pathways to employment for students, act as ASUU’s Attorney General, and currently serve as one of ASUU's seven Supreme Court Justices. Passionate about ensuring student perspectives shape institutional priorities, Anika is eager to learn how the President’s Office integrates the student voice into its decision-making and goal-setting. Beyond campus, she enjoys exploring Utah’s backcountry on foot, skis, or bike, always with sun protection of course!


Christina Dong

Christina is a fourth-year student at the University of Utah double majoring in Data Science and Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Christina has always been passionate about advocacy work and utilizing modern technology to enable representation. At the University of Utah, Christina has taken on a variety of leadership roles, including serving as ASUU Assembly Chair and the VP of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion of the Management Consulting Club, where she gained valuable experience in translating student needs into university legislation and helped open pathways for minority students interested in consulting. Professionally, Christina has worked with the University of Utah Enterprise Data Warehouse and Anglepoint, where she optimized workflow processes and communicated cost-saving recommendations to clients. After graduation, Christina intends to pursue a career in management consulting as she is particularly intrigued by the high-impact, niche social projects the industry enables. Christina is very excited to be a part of this year's Presidential Intern cohort, and she hopes to gain more exposure to higher-level administrative decision making as well as advocate for student needs on campus. Outside of school and work, Christina loves to sing (she's even part of the U's competitive a capella team!) and dance, and she is happiest when sharing a good meal with her loved ones.


Diew Gatwech

Diew Gatwech is a sophomore majoring in Finance at the University of Utah. Born in Storm Lake, Iowa, and having lived in Utah for the past six years, Diew brings a unique perspective shaped by his experiences and passion for growth. He is a First Ascent Scholar and serves as a Cohort Leader, helping guide and support fellow scholars. On campus, Diew has embraced leadership and involvement across multiple areas. He serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Black in Business Club, is a member of Goff Pathfinders, and will join Goff Explorers next semester. He is also an active member of Sigma Chi and a practice player for the University of Utah Women’s Basketball Team. Outside the classroom, Diew enjoys basketball, lifting weights, and spending time with friends. He is excited to continue developing his leadership skills, expanding his network, and making a positive impact through the Presidential Internship Program.


Biwash Gautam

Biwash is a junior majoring in Quantitative Analysis of Markets & Organizations (QAMO) with minors in Advanced Financial Analysis and Information Systems. Born in a refugee camp in Nepal, he moved to Salt Lake City at the age of six, and is grateful for the opportunities he has found in his community and at the University of Utah. Biwash enjoys running, playing soccer, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. On campus, he has been involved with First Ascent Scholars, Business Student Government, TRIO, and the Goff Explorers/Trailblazers programs. He hopes to use his education and experiences to build a career at the intersection of data, finance, and policy, while continuing to give back to his community.


Andry Joseph

Andry is a fourth-year student majoring in Computer Science with minors in Mathematics and Design. She is a first-generation immigrant, born in Singapore and moved to the U.S. with her family at age five. As one of the first in her family to pursue higher education in the United States, Andry has faced and overcome many challenges. Passionate about supporting students, she has been actively involved in the University of Utah community through her roles as a Teaching Assistant, Peer Mentor, and member of ASUU. She is excited to serve as a Presidential Intern, collaborating with fellow interns and university leadership to create a more supportive and impactful experience for all students. In her free time, Andry enjoys playing tennis, reading, and spending time with family and friends.


Bella Nibley

Isabella is a fourth-year Filipino-American student majoring in International Studies with an emphasis in Foreign Security and Trade, and pursuing minors in Economics, Political Science, and French. Originally from Draper, Utah, she has a strong passion for building community and creating positive student experiences, something she has actively pursued through a variety of leadership roles on campus. Her involvement has included interning at the United States District Courthouse, serving as Marketing Director for the Union Programming Council, acting as Community Engagement Officer for the Fashion in Business Club, and representing her Panhellenic chapter as Chapter Delegate. Deeply committed to student advocacy, representation, and access to resources, Isabella is eager to continue exploring how leadership in higher education can directly shape and improve student life. Outside of her academic and leadership roles, she enjoys traveling, reading, studio arts, practicing yoga and pilates, and spending quality time with friends and family.


Cheryl Qian

Cheryl is a sophomore pursuing an Honors degree in Biochemistry. An aspiring pediatric hospitalist, Cheryl was born in Cedar Hills, Utah, and chose the University of Utah for its extensive research and health opportunities. Currently, she is conducting undergraduate research with Martin Horvath and Danielle Yama’s “DNA, Mutations, Cancer, and Astrobiology” lab. Cheryl has volunteered at multiple hospitals and clinics, and helps to develop the annual Moving Mountains camp for children with autism. Additionally, she works as a pharmacy technician at the Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, and loves to ski and play piano in her free time.


Alec Stevens

Alec Stevens is a fourth-year student pursuing an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Music in Piano at the University of Utah. Raised in Holladay, Utah, Alec is grateful to attend the state’s flagship institution. Throughout his time at the university, he has held multiple leadership roles, representing student voices at both the department and college levels. Alec has also become involved in various student organizations. He is excited to serve as a Presidential Intern in Higher Education Leadership, where he supports initiatives focused on health administration, institutional strategy, and expanding medicinal education pathways. In his free time, Alec enjoys playing the piano, skiing, hiking, exploring advances in medicine, and spending time with friends and family.


Dulce Vargas

Dulce Vargas is a senior at the University of Utah majoring in Accounting with a minor in Entrepreneurship. Born and raised in Salt Lake, she is a first-generation college student and proud recipient of the First Ascent Scholarship. Dulce currently serves as a Marriott Student Leader and is actively involved with Doman Innovation Studios. Throughout her time at the university, she has contributed to the campus community as a Business Scholars/Recruiting Ambassador, HRE Student Leader, FIB Events Director, and GOFF Trailblazer, and was honored as Homecoming Royalty during her junior year. She recently completed a summer internship with Goldman Sachs and is excited to continue her leadership journey as a Presidential Intern, where she can contribute to initiatives that support student success and educational opportunity. Beyond academics and leadership, Dulce enjoys globetrotting, staying active, expressing her perspective through photography, and spending time with friends and family.


Isabelle White

Isabelle is a senior in the Honors College majoring in Quantitative Analysis of Markets and Organizations (QAMO) with minors in Games and Ecology. A born and raised Utahn, Isabelle is passionate about expanding students’ access to the many one of a kind opportunities the U has to offer, ultimately promoting an environment where every student feels welcome and can pursue higher education with passion and excitement! On campus, Isabelle has been involved in ASUU, Goff Scholars, research projects for the QAMO department and studying birds abroad with the Honors College, Crimson Gaming, and she is currently entering her second year as the CEO for Business Student Government. As a Presidential Intern, she hopes to learn more about how University leadership balances stakeholder needs to continue towards the shared goal of improving the student experience. As she looks ahead, Isabelle envisions working for video game companies, helping to drive strategy through data analytics. In her free time, you can find her hiking, camping, hosting dinner parties for friends, reading her latest finds from the book store, and of course, playing video games.

Learn more about the Presidential Internship in
Higher Education Leadership Program