Utah Valley University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Utah Valley University has 10 executives leading key functions including administrative operations, marketing communications, digital transformation, and academic leadership.

Committed to student success and accessible education, Utah Valley University fosters an inclusive environment that prepares graduates for professional excellence through rigorous academic programs and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at Utah Valley University

  • President - Martha Cardenas
  • UVAS President - Taylor Curtis-Davis
  • President - William Sederburg
  • President - Wilson Sorensen
  • Executive Secretary To the President - Karen Olsen
  • UVU Rotaract President - Tristin Smith
  • President, Aviation Management Club - William McClure
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kathryn Zabriskie
  • Vice President, Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff - Kara Schneck
  • Vice President, Digital Transformation & Chief Information Officer - Christina Baum
  • Martha Cardenas - President

    Martha Cardenas, the President at Utah Valley University, provides overarching strategic direction for the entire academic institution. As the primary leader, the President oversees the implementation of long-term goals related to student enrollment, academic quality, and community impact. Martha Cardenas engages with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders to secure the financial and operational future of the university. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of academic rigor while ensuring that the institution remains accessible to a broad student population. By championing initiatives that expand the reach of Master's, Bachelor's, and associate degrees, the President drives the growth of the university. Through the coordination of executive leadership teams, the President ensures that all departments remain aligned with the core mission of public service. This position requires a deep commitment to educational excellence and the continuous improvement of the university as a vital resource for the region.

    Taylor Curtis-Davis - UVAS President

    Taylor Curtis-Davis, the UVAS President at Utah Valley University, leads student-focused initiatives that enhance the campus experience. Overseeing the activities of the student association, the UVAS President ensures that student voices reach the administration effectively. Taylor Curtis-Davis coordinates events and programs that foster community and professional development among the student body. This leadership role involves managing student resources and advocating for policies that improve the quality of life for those pursuing degrees at the university. By facilitating collaboration between students and faculty, the UVAS President strengthens the academic culture of the institution. Through the organization of student-led projects, the UVAS President contributes to the vibrant atmosphere of the campus. This position remains essential for maintaining a strong connection between the student population and the broader institutional goals, ensuring that the university continues to serve the needs of its diverse and growing student community.

    William Sederburg - President

    William Sederburg, the President at Utah Valley University, focuses on the historical development and long-term institutional planning of the university. As a key leader, the President evaluates the effectiveness of academic programs and ensures that the university meets the evolving needs of the workforce. William Sederburg manages relationships with state legislators and educational partners to advocate for the resources necessary to support the mission of the institution. This leadership role involves setting the strategic vision for campus expansion and the enhancement of degree offerings. By prioritizing academic excellence and student support services, the President drives the reputation of the university as a leader in public education. Through the oversight of institutional policies, the President ensures that the university maintains its commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education. This position requires a focus on sustainable growth and the continuous improvement of the university as a cornerstone of the local community.

    Wilson Sorensen - President

    Wilson Sorensen, the President at Utah Valley University, directs the foundational growth and community integration efforts of the institution. As a central figure in the history of the university, the President oversees the development of academic frameworks that support the diverse needs of the student body. Wilson Sorensen manages the strategic alignment of university resources with the goal of providing affordable and high-quality education. This leadership role involves building partnerships with local industries to ensure that degree programs remain relevant to the current job market. By fostering a culture of academic achievement, the President drives the success of the university in its mission to serve the public. Through the coordination of administrative and academic functions, the President ensures that the university remains a vital hub for learning and professional development. This position requires a dedication to the long-term prosperity of the institution and its students.

    Karen Olsen - Executive Secretary To the President

    Karen Olsen, the Executive Secretary To the President at Utah Valley University, manages the complex scheduling and administrative requirements of the office of the President. Overseeing the flow of information to the executive leadership, the Executive Secretary To the President ensures that all communications remain organized and timely. Karen Olsen facilitates the coordination of meetings and events that involve the Board of Trustees and other key stakeholders. This leadership role involves maintaining the integrity of institutional records and supporting the daily operations of the executive office. By providing essential administrative support, the Executive Secretary To the President enables the leadership team to focus on strategic decision-making and institutional growth. Through the efficient management of office resources, the Executive Secretary To the President contributes to the smooth functioning of the university. This position remains critical for the effective operation of the highest levels of university governance.

    Tristin Smith - UVU Rotaract President

    Tristin Smith, the UVU Rotaract President at Utah Valley University, leads service-oriented initiatives that connect students with community needs. Overseeing the activities of the Rotaract organization, the UVU Rotaract President ensures that members engage in meaningful projects that promote professional development and social responsibility. Tristin Smith coordinates volunteer efforts and leadership workshops that align with the broader mission of the university. This leadership role involves managing organizational partnerships and promoting the values of service and integrity among the student body. By facilitating opportunities for students to contribute to the local community, the UVU Rotaract President enhances the overall impact of the university. Through the organization of service events, the UVU Rotaract President fosters a spirit of collaboration and civic engagement. This position remains vital for promoting the university as an institution that values both academic excellence and community service.

    William McClure - President, Aviation Management Club

    William McClure, the President, Aviation Management Club at Utah Valley University, directs the professional development activities for students interested in the aviation industry. Overseeing the club operations, the President, Aviation Management Club ensures that members gain access to industry networking and educational resources. William McClure coordinates guest speakers and site visits that provide practical insights into aviation management. This leadership role involves managing the club budget and promoting the interests of aviation students within the university. By fostering connections between students and industry professionals, the President, Aviation Management Club supports the career readiness of those pursuing degrees in this field. Through the organization of specialized events, the President, Aviation Management Club contributes to the academic and professional environment of the university. This position remains essential for providing students with the tools and experiences necessary to succeed in the competitive aviation sector.

    Kathryn Zabriskie - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kathryn Zabriskie, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Utah Valley University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives. By streamlining internal communication channels, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that university leadership maintains focus on strategic institutional goals. Kathryn Zabriskie facilitates complex project management across the Orem campus, aligning departmental objectives with the broader mission of public higher education. This role requires constant collaboration with executive leadership to optimize resource allocation and improve operational efficiency. Through meticulous oversight of administrative processes, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the university in delivering high-quality academic services. By maintaining rigorous standards for institutional governance, the Deputy Chief of Staff drives organizational stability. This position remains vital for the effective execution of university-wide policies, ensuring that all administrative functions contribute directly to the long-term growth and academic reputation of the institution within the competitive landscape of public universities.

    Kara Schneck - Vice President, Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff

    Kara Schneck, the Vice President, Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff at Utah Valley University, directs all institutional branding and strategic messaging efforts. Overseeing the comprehensive marketing portfolio, the Vice President, Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff ensures that the public identity of the university remains consistent across all regional and national platforms. Kara Schneck manages the integration of internal communications with executive decision-making processes, bridging the gap between administrative strategy and public perception. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the value of Master's, Bachelor's, and associate degrees offered by the institution. By leveraging data-driven marketing campaigns, the Vice President, Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff expands the reach of the university to prospective students and community stakeholders. Through the alignment of communication strategies with institutional priorities, the Vice President, Marketing Communications & Chief of Staff secures the brand position of the university as a premier public education provider.

    Christina Baum - Vice President, Digital Transformation & Chief Information Officer

    Christina Baum, the Vice President, Digital Transformation & Chief Information Officer at Utah Valley University, architects the technological infrastructure necessary for modern academic delivery. Overseeing the digital evolution of the campus, the Vice President, Digital Transformation & Chief Information Officer implements scalable cloud solutions and secure data management systems. Christina Baum drives the integration of advanced learning technologies that support the diverse degree programs offered by the university. This role requires constant collaboration with academic departments to ensure that digital tools enhance student outcomes and faculty productivity. By modernizing the information technology landscape, the Vice President, Digital Transformation & Chief Information Officer improves operational agility across the entire institution. Through the strategic deployment of digital resources, the Vice President, Digital Transformation & Chief Information Officer ensures that the university remains at the forefront of educational innovation, providing a robust technological foundation for all students and staff members.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Utah Valley University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Utah Valley University?
    Utah Valley University is led by Martha Cardenas (President), along with executives such as Taylor Curtis-Davis (UVAS President) and William Sederburg (President).
    Who is part of Utah Valley University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Utah Valley University includes leaders such as Martha Cardenas (President), Taylor Curtis-Davis (UVAS President), William Sederburg (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Utah Valley University have?
    Utah Valley University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Utah Valley University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Utah Valley University includes roles such as President, UVAS President, President, President, Executive Secretary To the President.