On February 22nd, PreProfessional Advising (PPA) proudly hosted its largest-ever PreMed/PrePA Conference, welcoming 210 students from schools across Utah and Idaho for a day filled with learning, networking, and professional development. This year, we introduced a new two-track format designed to better support students at different stages of their journey. The first track was geared toward those still exploring careers in medicine, providing insights into the two healthcare professions and the steps needed to pursue them. Attendees participated in interactive sessions, panels, and networking opportunities, engaging directly with medical professionals, admissions representatives, and peers. The second track was a hands-on workshop for students closer to applying to medical or physician assistant programs, offering guidance on the application process and strategies for becoming a competitive candidate. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with one participant sharing in the post-conference assessment, “It was very informative and an eye-opening experience. I learned a lot about what the application process looks like, the structure, and things needed to be a strong applicant.” As PPA continues to expand its programming, we are thrilled to see such strong engagement from students eager to pursue careers in healthcare, and we look forward to building on this success to create even more valuable opportunities in the future.

At the University of Utah, our commitment to student success serves as the guiding principle shaping our decisions and priorities. Over the last year, we have refined our focus through a shared responsibility approach to create an exceptional educational experience for every student by identifying and removing obstacles that hinder their academic journey. Framing our work, is the strategy set we call Navigate U. I’m excited share updates regarding our progress and a vision for where we can go next, together.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance student success, we’re excited to share updates on the reorganization of the Academic Advising Center. In September 2024, we announced the Academic Advising Center’s (AAC) transition to the Navigate Hub for Exploring Students, led by Julia Vincent. In addition, we have established a new unit, Office for Campus Advising Solutions (CAS), led by Ashley Glenn.

The University of Utah is proud to announce its membership in the Coalition for Transformational Education, a group of colleges and universities dedicated to fostering evidence-based, learner-centered education that promotes lifelong wellbeing and work engagement.

The Office of General Education and the General Education Curriculum Committee (GECC) are thrilled to announce this year’s recipient of the Excellence in General Education Teaching Award, Professor Elizabeth Dewitte. Dewitte is an Associate Professor in the Department of Art and Art History.