U Rising Podcast

On the "U Rising" podcast, President Ruth V. Watkins engages in insightful conversations with students, staff, faculty, alumni and community stakeholders who are at the center of the state's flagship research university. President Watkins also connects with other leaders to give listeners a fresh take on top issues and innovations in higher education in Utah and across the country. You can subscribe to U Rising via iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and other podcast streaming services.

A Conversation with Dr. Michael Good on his new role as interim president

Dr. Michael L. Good joined the University of Utah in the summer of 2018 as our senior vice president for Health Sciences, CEO of University of Utah Health and executive dean of the U’s School of Medicine. We knew that Dr. Good, who previously was at the University of Florida, was an absolutely fabulous leader, administrator, experienced guide and a person of the highest integrity. He has lived up to every expectation we had and more, earning the trust and respect of our campus and the broader community. Now Dr. Good is taking on a new responsibility—interim president. In this episode of U Rising, Dr. Good talks about his new role, his priorities and what he hopes to accomplish, and what he wants our campus to know as we navigate the coming months. Recorded on March 31, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Meet the new ceo of the huntsman mental health institute

Mental health issues and suicide were already high in Utah when pandemic arrived more than a year ago, exacerbating anxiety, stress and loneliness for many Utahns—including many U students. But there is reason to be optimistic that our state can address these challenges in a meaningful, impactful and transformative way, thanks to a donation from the Jon and Karen Huntsman family. The donation made possible the creation of the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. In this episode of U Rising, you’ll hear from Dr. Mark Rapaport, the institute’s new CEO, about how HMHI is working to create new models of care, better service and also to advance research and knowledge that ultimately changes lives. Recorded on March 11, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

The U gets a gold star for its sustainability efforts

The University of Utah recently received a STARS Gold rating for its all-encompassing efforts to promote sustainability—in campus operations, research and in the curriculum. Dan Reed, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, talks with Kerry Case, the U’s chief sustainability officer, about what the rating means, how we are approaching sustainability on campus and ways faculty and students are making an impact in environmental issues. Plus: Get ready for Earth Day! Recorded on March 16, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

The U's Board of Trustees: Its duties and role in the presidential search

Since its inception, the University of Utah has been overseen by a governing board—though that board and its duties have changed over time. Today, the university is governed by a Board of Trustees, chaired by Christian Gardner. In this episode of the U Rising podcast, Gardner provides an overview of the board’s duties, his role in the search for the U’s next president and describes feedback the presidential search committee has received about the qualities and priorities the next president should possess. Recorded on March 4, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

SafeU Ambassador program aims to hire students to work on campus safety projects

The Chief Safety Office at the University of Utah is a launching a new initiative — one designed by students for students — called the SafeU Ambassador program. Students can apply now to join the first cohort of ambassadors, who will begin work next fall on campus safety projects. This is a great program for students who care about campus safety and want to make a difference. In this episode of U Rising, you’ll hear from Annalisa Purser, director of administration in the Office of the Chief Safety Officer. You'll also hear from Sabah Sial and Alvin Tsang, presidential interns who've spent the past year working in the office and who, among other projects, designed the SafeU Ambassador program. Recorded on Tuesday, March 9, 2021.Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

The Justice lab at the U's college of law partnered with salt lake county to find answers to a big problem

The Justice Lab Clinic at the S.J. Quinney College of Law is a semester-long course taught by Professor Anna Carpenter that gives students an opportunity to work on real-life legal issues. Last fall, as Salt Lake County moved to a services-first approach with low-level offenders, it encountered a major hurdle: Many of the people they work with don’t have a government-issued ID and thus can’t access service programs. Enter the Justice Lab students, who studied the problem and then came up with solutions. You’ll hear about this project from Professor Carpenter and law students Scott McMurtrey and Dyana Thurgood in this episode of U Rising. Recorded on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley.

Read the full transcript.

Osher Institute makes lifelong learning easy — and fun!

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Utah is for people ages 50 and older who have a deep and abiding love of learning — and socializing! The program brings people from all backgrounds together to learn from subject matter experts about topics ranging from Persian cooking to politics. In this episode of U Rising, you’ll hear from three people about the program’s purpose, its shift to virtual during the pandemic and why that is working so well, and about the friendships developed and other benefits of by being involved in the Osher Institute. Recorded on Feb. 18, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

HOPE CORPS PUTS STUDENTS, BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS ON PATH TO SUCCESS

The Hope Corps is connecting our students with business and community organizations with the aim of mutually beneficial experiences. Our students gain on-the-job experience and participating organizations get much needed help from our students — which has proved vital to many of them during the pandemic. In this episode, Morgan Lyon Cotti, associate director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics and director of the Hope Corps program describes the program and the difference it is making in the community. Students Natalie Winward and Erick Garcia share their experiences working with Hope Corps and as interns at United Way and with the Ivory Foundation. Recorded on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Helping faculty — and students — navigate a pandemic

Our faculty really pivoted in remarkable ways last March when the pandemic required us to change our approach to education. Sarah Projansky, the U’s associate vice president for faculty in Academic Affairs, has been at the forefront of efforts to help faculty navigate this new “normal,” develop best teaching and support practices and keep their own careers on track. In this episode, Sarah explains some of the lessons learned, why we’ve added mental health days and a return-to-remote learning period this spring and offers advice to make the semester run smoothly. Recorded on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

A conversation about civility with Gail Miller

Gail Miller is one of the most trusted and respected leaders in Utah and when she stood center court at a Utah Jazz game in March 2019 to deliver a message about courtesy, civility and showing respect for all, her words went far beyond the state. Months later, Gail’s message was at the center of an anti-racist initiative called “Lead Together.” And this summer, as the Black Lives Matter movement focused our attention squarely on racism, she gathered employees and Utah Jazz players to listen as they shared experiences and views on changes needed. In our conversation, Gail shares why she has stepped up, spoken out and done what she can to make this a more welcoming, accepting and tolerant community — and her hopes for how young people will drive change. Recorded on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

A "Good Trouble" conversation with Emma Houston and Nubia Peña

Emma Houston puts it this way: "This is not just a one day or one month or one-week event. This is 365 days, every day, that we are intentional" about what equity, diversity and inclusion looks like. So how do we do that? In this episode, Houston, special assistant for engagement and program development in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Nubia Peña, director of the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs, share their thoughts on events of the past year and how the principles and practices of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and former Rep. John Lewis — who coined the phrase "Good Trouble" — can guide us in diversity work and racial healing. Recorded on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Here's what a key lawmaker is thinking about as the 2021 Legislature gets to work

In this episode of U Rising, Utah Rep. Melissa Garff Ballard shares what she wants to hear from leaders of higher education institutions in the state as they prepare to present their funding requests in the 2021 Utah legislative session. The U’s priorities, according to Vice President Jason Perry? Compensation for faculty and staff and funding for the renovation of the Applied Sciences Building. Rep. Ballard also shares how students, in particular, can work proactively and productively to make their voices heard. Record on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Keeping you digitally connected during the pandemic

Many Utahns not realize the key role the University of Utah plays in providing the digital network infrastructure and tools used by education, telehealth, families and commerce throughout the state. This network and the available tools were significantly upgraded over the past year, thanks to the vision of the Utah Legislature. In this episode, Utah State Sen. Jerry Stevenson joins Steve Hess, chief information officer at the University of Utah and for the Utah Board of Higher Education, and Ray Timothy, executive director of the Utah Education Network, to explain how they’ve worked to ensure Utahns have robust access to the internet and other digital tools during the pandemic, when online access became so critical. Recorded on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

EXPERIENCE CURATORS HELP STUDENTS BELONG, CONNECT, ENGAGE AND TRANSFORM

Tressa Parkes and Alexander Langenwalter are experience curators—a cool title for their work helping other students build social connections, engage on campus and get the most out of their time at the U, all virtually during the pandemic. The two students are featured on a new website launched by the Office of Undergraduate Studies as part of the exceptional educational experience initiative. In this episode, Tressa and Alexander join Martha Bradley-Evans, Jim Agutter and Brandon Marshall to explain the new initiative and how other students can get involved. Recorded on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

TWO NURSES SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WORKING WITH COVID-19 PATIENTS

Christy Mulder and David Marple work in the medical ICU at University Hospital. These long-time nurses share what it is like to be on the frontlines caring for patients with COVID-19, from the complex safety gear they must wear to trying to help patients breathe and keeping family members informed about what’s happening. We are so grateful for the work of our healthcare employees and this episode of U Rising gives listeners a little insight into what they are experiencing. Recorded on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Dr. Andy Pavia on what you should know about the coronavirus vaccine

Dr. Andy Pavia, chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at University of Utah Health, shares the latest information about the coronavirus vaccine—from how it was created to when Utah is likely to receive its first shipments and who will get the vaccine first. And what about children? And people who have had COVID-19? Dr. Pavia has answers to all those questions and more. Recorded on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, James Toombs and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

A CONVERSATION WITH PIERRE LASSONDE AND HIS ADVICE TO THREE STUDENT ENTREPRENEURS

In 2021, we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute—and the remarkable vision of Pierre Lassonde, who conceived the idea for this incredible hub for student innovation at the University of Utah. In this conversation, Pierre reflects on the past 20 years and outlines what’s next for the Lassonde Institute. You’ll also hear from three student entrepreneurs about their startup ideas and hear the advice Pierre shared with them. Recorded on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

RESEARCH PARK: A LOOK BACK, A LOOK FORWARD AT THIS AWARD-WINNING INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM

In 1968, the University of Utah purchased 300 acres along the valley’s east bench to create a hub where up-and-coming companies could set down roots, grow and develop innovative products and provide jobs for entrepreneurs and researchers. This year, Research Park received a national award for its fulfillment of that goal. What’s next for Research Park? Patti Ross, chief business strategy officer, and Jon Bates, executive director of the Department of Real Estate Administration, discuss the past and future of Research Park in this episode of U Rising. Recorded on Monday, Nov. 23, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

APLU RECOGNIZES U—AND PIVOT CENTER—FOR ITS INNOVATION AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has recognized the U for its innovation, entrepreneurism and economic impact in Utah. Keith Marmer, the U’s chief innovation and economic engagement officer, explains this prestigious designation and the broadened role of our technology transfer operation, newly renamed the PIVOT Center. Recorded on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

RICH BROWN ON THE NEW ENDOWED DEAN’S CHAIR AT THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Dean Rich Brown is the inaugural holder of the H.E. Thomas Presidential Endowed Dean’s Chair in the College of Engineering, a chair made possible by a generous $4 million donation to the U. Who is H.E. Thomas and why did he create this endowed chair? You’ll learn about Mr. Thomas and how Dean Brown has led the College of Engineering to new heights in this episode of U Rising. Recorded on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

YOUR WELL-BEING MATTERS: HOW THE UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER CAN HELP

At the University of Utah, as on most college campuses, more students are reporting anxiety and stress due to the pandemic, a divisive election season and economic disruption. Lauren Weitzman, director of the University Counseling Center, and Josh Newbury, interim associate director for clinical services, discuss mental health trends, pandemic fatigue and how the Counseling Center has adapted to provide helpful services and support. Recorded on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

A CONVERSATION WITH 2020 MACARTHUR FELLOW NELS ELDE

The MacArthur Fellowship—often referred to as the genius grant—recognizes talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a capacity for self-direction. That describes U Professor Nels Elde perfectly. The MacArthur Foundation announced on Oct. 6, 2020, that Elde, an evolutionary geneticist, had been named a MacArthur Fellow. In this conversation, Elde describes his work, his influences and how he learned about this incredible recognition. Recorded on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

THE U’S INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

On Oct. 12, 2020, the U officially released its Indigenous Land Acknowledgement Statement. Elizabeth Kronk Warner, dean of the U’s S.J. Quinney College of Law and co-chair of the Native American Land Use Committee, describes the purpose and use of the statement and the work that went into creating it. Recorded on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

U TEAM PROVIDES DAILY TIPS FOR PARENTING IN A PANDEMIC

When the pandemic hit Utah in the spring, Aaron Fischer and his team at the U’s College of Education recognized an opportunity to help parents—as well as teachers—navigate the challenges of in-home learning and online technology. In this edition of the U Rising podcast, Aaron describes his team’s work with the Granite School District, the daily parenting tips the team is producing and their effort to make these teaching lessons available in as many languages as possible. Recorded on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

NURSING DURING THE TIME OF COVID-19

The nursing profession is changing the landscape of health care and many of us are more aware of the vital role nurses play in patient care as they serve on the front lines of of the coronavirus pandemic. This also happens to be the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, a fitting time to recognize our nurses and midwives. In this episode, Marla De Jong, dean of the College of Nursing, and Tracey Nixon, chief nursing officer at the University of Utah Health, share insights into the profession today. Marla also shares how you can join the “Thank a Nurse, Fund the Future” initiative that is supporting our student nurses. Recorded on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

THE PRESIDENTIAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Since 1992, a select group of students has had the opportunity to serve in the president’s office at the University of Utah. The Presidential Internship Program lets students work with, observe and learn from senior administrators, providing them with a behind-the-scenes understanding of higher education. In this episode, Merry Joseph and Sinndy Rios, co-leads of this year’s cohort, describe their experiences as presidential interns. Recorded on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

U LAUNCHES NEW CENTER FOR VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Chris Linder is the inaugural director of the U’s new Center for Violence Prevention. Guided by Linder, the center will take a power-conscious approach to examining how to prevent violence before it happens. In this episode, Linder describes the center’s mission and goals and how you can get involved. A virtual launch for the center is set for Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2EkjoWM Recorded on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

HOW THE U IS HELPING UTAHNS RESKILL AND UPSKILL IN THE PANDEMIC

The University of Utah will play a major role in Utah’s economy recovery and revitalization following the coronavirus pandemic. In this episode of U Rising, Deborah Keyek-Franssen, associate vice president and dean of Continuing and Online Education, talks about the short-term programs her office has launched to help Utahns reskill and upskill. There is even a new program to help parents improve their digital skills so they are better prepared to help their children with online education. Recorded on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

DEAN MARTELL TEASLEY SETTING NATIONAL PATH FOR SOCIAL WORK ON ANTI-RACISM

Martell Teasley is the dean of the College of Social Work and he is co-chairing the Grand Challenge to Eliminate Racism—a new challenge put forth to the profession by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. Dean Teasley talks about his anti-racism work at the national level, within the college and also the college’s upcoming social justice programs. Recorded on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

HELPING OUR STUDENT ATHLETES SUCCEED: A CONVERSATION WITH KAREN PAISLEY

Karen Paisley wears many hats at the University of Utah: Associate dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Health, professor in Parks, Recreation and Tourism, and faculty representative to Athletics. It’s that last job Karen talks about in this episode—how she came to be the faculty rep for Athletics and how our university is supporting student athletes, especially those who have had their fall seasons postponed due to the pandemic. Recorded on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

WHAT OUR RESEARCHERS ARE LEARNING ABOUT COVID-19

From infection modeling to wastewater detection and impact on why front-line workers, a stellar group of University of Utah researchers from across our campus are working steadily to understand the novel coronavirus. In this episode of U Rising, listen as researchers Lindsay Keegan, Jennifer Weidhaas and Daniel Mendoza share their work on COVID-19 and the insights they are gaining. Recorded on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

SVP DAN REED ON OUR FALL SEMESTER PLAN

Dan Reed, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, has led our planning efforts for Fall Semester 2020—no small task. In this episode, he shares the principles that have guided our efforts, explains our mixed format approach to instruction, the reasoning behind our fall schedule and the many precautions the U is taking to promote health. Recorded on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

THE SAGE APPROACH TO HELPING STUDENTS SUCCEED

Mike Martineau, director of Institutional Analysis, is leading a project called SAGE that consists of a proactive and responsive technology platform driven by machine learning to help students stay on track to graduate. It’s an exciting idea with real potential to make a difference in degree completion. Recorded on Thursday, July 27, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Opening doors: Test optional admissions and the For Utah Scholarship

Steve Robinson, senior associate vice president for enrollment management, is leading two initiatives to ease access to the University of Utah. The ACT & SAT admissions tests are now optional. And the For Utah Scholarship has receiving strong interest from Utah high school students who want to attend the state’s flagship university. Learn why the U launched these initiatives and what they mean for students. Recorded on Monday, July 28, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR THE NAVAJO NATION AND OTHER TRIBES

Heather Tanana and Jami Harvey are both members of the Navajo Nation. In this episode, they share perspectives on how coronavirus has impacted the Navajo community as well as other tribes in Utah. Jami, a junior at the U, will be collecting stories about community members’ experiences as part of an undergraduate research project, while Heather, a research professor at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, is leading a major relief effort. Want to help? Visit indianlaw.utahbar.org. Recorded on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

ONE U THRIVING: HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS A BETTER PLACE?

This summer Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, led by Vice President Mary Ann Villarreal, will launch a new initiative called One U Thriving to bring together four campus committees to look at policies and practices that perpetuate racism and inequity at the U. EDI also will establish a new executive committee that will initially take a similar look at hiring and retention practices. In this episode, Villarreal shares her vision for these efforts. Recorded on Thursday, June 24, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

A NEW BEGINNING IN UNIVERSITY SAFETY

Chief Safety Officer Marlon Lynch took over as guest host for a conversation with U Police Chief Rodney Chatman, Ephraim Kum, ASUU student body president, and Ayana Amaechi, ASUU vice president for university relations, about campus safety—changes in the works, what students are looking for and how students will be involved going forward. Recorded on Thursday, June 18, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

WHEN TALKING MAKES A DIFFERENCE

More than 100 students, staff and faculty gathered for the first Community Conversation dialogue on racism hosted by the U’s Bennion Center, the Peace and Conflict Studies Program in the College of Humanities, and the Black Cultural Center. The facilitators of this dialogue recognize, as shared in this episode of U Rising, that we are in a moment of urgency, a moment of intense grief, and also a moment of intense purpose. With that in mind, the conversations are continuing. Recorded on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

“MAYBE IT’S TIME FOR US TO GET UNCOMFORTABLE”

As Utah’s only Black legislator, Rep. Sandra Hollins carries a tremendous weight as she strives to represent not just her district but all the state’s marginalized and minority communities. Rep. Hollins, a social worker, describes the social justice perspective that motivates her as a policy maker and offers advice for those who want to be part of pushing for change. Recorded on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

FROM IPADS FOR PATIENTS TO AID FOR STUDENTS: MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT THE U

Heidi Woodbury’s own experience at the University of Utah helped shape her understanding of the difference an education makes. She applies that now as she helps donors see the ways they can change lives. Listen as Woodbury, vice president for institutional advancement, shares what donors are doing and highlights recent changes in advancement to create a One U effort. Recorded on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

THRIVING WHEN FACED WITH LIFE CHALLENGES AND STRESSORS—AND THE NOT SO-SECRET KEYS TO HAPPINESS

Ed Diener is known as “Dr. Happiness” for good reason: For the past 30 years, he has researched subjective well-being—what makes people feel satisfied and happy in their lives. Ed and his wife Carol created a program called Enhance to teach others how to cultivate well-being and now they’ve joined with U student Alex Becraft to launch a new program, Well-Being Elevated, focused specifically on helping college students boost well-being, develop resiliency and thrive when faced with life challenges and stressors. To join a group at the U, email Alex at alexander.becraft@utah.edu. Recorded on Thursday, May 21, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Gretchen Dietrich: UMFA and the magic of helping people discover art

Gretchen Dietrich is the executive director of the Utah Museum of Fine Art and in this episode of U Rising she shares how the museum and its staff are working to stay connected with patrons, what reopening the museum may look like and the extraordinary work of the museum’s staff to send out 1,500 art kits. Recorded on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

IVORY PRIZE HONORS HOUSING INNOVATORS

The state of Oregon and cities of Minneapolis and Austin are innovating to address the housing affordability problem that has challenged communities across the country. Clark Ivory, CEO of Ivory Homes, shares what these locales are doing and describes the three winners—Entekra, Symbium and Rhino— in the 2020 Ivory Prize for Housing Innovation. Recorded on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, James Tombs and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Utah’s System of Higher Education: A look at the coronavirus response and what’s ahead

Dave Woolstenhulme, commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education, shares his views on the response of colleges and universities to the coronavirus pandemic, the CARES Act and the new board that will unite career and technical schools and the state’s colleges and universities. Recorded on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, James Tombs and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Athletics Director Mark Harlan on the spring season, super seniors, an awesome speech, fall sports … and what about football?

Athletics Director Mark Harlan says the speech given at the virtual Crimson Carpet Awards by gymnast Missy Reinstadtler is something you should hear. He also discusses the NCAA decision that allows student-athletes in spring sports to come back as “super seniors,” how athletes are preparing for fall and … what about football? Recorded on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, James Tombs and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Adapting our educational approach to help students succeed

Dan Reed, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, oversees many areas that directly affect the student experience. In this conversation, he shares insights about our move to online instruction, grading options and enrollment. Learn how the U has adapted due to coronavirus and what we are doing to help students succeed. Recorded on Friday, April 17, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Being Human in STEM

Five science faculty are leading a course called “Being Human in STEM.” It’s the first time the course has been taught at a public university. For their final project, students in the class surveyed peers about their experiences at the U and, in a candid conversation, shared what they learned with President Ruth Watkins. Recorded on Thursday, April 9, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Educating the STEM workforce of the future: College of Science Dean Peter Trapa

The University of Utah produces nearly half the state’s STEM graduates every year. That fact helped the U receive a green light from the Utah Legislature for the renovation and expansion of the 100-year-old Stewart Building. The project will provide state-of-the-art research and classroom space for the STEM workforce of the future. College of Science Dean Peter Trapa also shares that the Applied Science Building has received generous support from Gary and Ann Crocker, who have stepped forward as lead donors on what is truly a public-private partnership. Thanks for technical assistance to Brooke Adams and Dave White. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Why we need to #WashTheHate and Check on Your U Crew

Earlier this month, members of the University of Utah community helped share the word about why we need to #WashTheHate and stand against bigotry and hatred directed at Asian Americans that has surfaced during the pandemic. Mary Ann Villarreal, vice president for equity, diversity and inclusion explains why this discrimination reflects deeper and widespread discrimination. She also shares an overview of a new initiative—Check on Your U Crew. This initiative is aimed at encouraging the campus community to check in on one another, and particularly underrepresented students who often have fewer resources, during this difficult time of physical distancing. Thanks for technical assistance to Brooke Adams, Dave White and James Tombs. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Researchers at U seek COVID-19 answers, Part 2

As one of America’s leading research universities, the University of Utah is helping us understand, respond to and treat coronavirus. In this podcast, Daniel Leung, associate professor of internal medicine, and Jessica Kramer, assistant professor of bioengineering, talk about the 3i initiative and research projects now underway on campus. Recorded on Friday, March 27, 2020. Music by Taylor Hartley. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Read the full transcript.

Researchers at U seek COVID-19 answers, Part 1

As one of America's leading research universities, the University of Utah is helping us understand, respond to and treat coronavirus. In this podcast, Diane Pataki, associate vice president for research, and Lindsay Keegan, research assistant professor in Internal Medicine and a theoretical biologist, talk about research projects now underway on campus. And researchers: Diane shares information about how you can help our health care providers with personal protective equipment. Recorded on Thursday, March 26, 2020. Read the full transcript.

Special Episode: A message to our campus on coronavirus

On Thursday, March 12, University of Utah President Ruth Watkins joined state leaders in officially announcing changes enacted at the U to slow the spread of coronavirus. In this podcast, President Watkins, Mike Good, senior vice president of Health Sciences, and Dan Reed, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, share a general overview of what is happening on campus. The website referred to in the podcast is: dps.utah.edu/coronavirus. Announcement distributed on Thursday, March 12, 2020. Read the full transcript.

The U's economic impact on our state

The University of Utah has a sizable impact on the state's economyfrom jobs to research funding to societal benefits. Juliette Tennert, director of economics and public policy research at the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, provides a sneak peek at a new report the institute will issue this month on the U's economic contribution. Recorded on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Thanks to Andrea Smardon, Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley. Read the full transcript.

Meet Our Chief Safety Officer

Marlon Lynch is the University of Utah’s new chief safety officer—a first not only for the university, but for higher education in Utah. Marlon brings decades of experience in campus safety to his new role at the U. Learn how Marlon is shaping priorities and his plans for engaging with students, our campus and the broader community. Recorded on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020. Music by Taylor Hartley. Thanks to Andrea Smardon, Paul Gabrielsen, Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Read the full transcript.

U Rising Podcast

On the Hill

A university on the rise