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July 9, 2009
For Immediate Release
For an Interview:
Erin Spurgeon
(801) 863-6807
In a signal that engaged learning will be a priority under Utah Valley University’s new administration, President Matthew Holland appointed Dr. Jack Christianson as special assistant to the president for engaged learning. In this elevated role, Dr. Christianson will raise the profile of engaged learning and facilitate new opportunities for students and the community to benefit from the engaged learning process, which refers to UVU’s emphasis on both academic and hands-on learning.
To assist Dr. Christianson in his expanded role, Vincent Fordiani will join UVU’s Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) as assistant director. Both will assume their new roles effective July 20.
"I’m looking forward to working even more closely with Dr. Christianson in this elevated capacity. He has a unique talent set in so many regards, specifically as it pertains to engaged learning, a core principle of the institution and its mission," President Holland said. "This restructuring will further increase the prominence of engaged learning on campus and in the community. Adding Vince Fordiani and his skill set to the equation will only enhance that."
Dr. Christianson will continue to direct the CEL, which oversees a $400,000 grant program in support of engaged learning projects. His efforts were key in UVU’s classification by the Carnegie Foundation as a "community engaged" institution in December 2008, an achievement that recognizes UVU’s community focus and curricular emphasis on both academic and applied learning.
"I’m thrilled to be able to assist the president as we push forward our institutional direction as an engaged learning institution," said Dr. Christianson. "Engaged learning is a critical component to this university, and a reason many students choose to attend here. We want to maximize our potential to provide these opportunities to our students."
A native of Orem, Dr. Christianson completed his undergraduate studies at Weber State University before earning a master’s degree in educational administration from Brigham Young University. He also holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Buckingham in England. Prior to his appointment as CEL director, he served as director of the Orem Institute of Religion adjacent to UVU. He was a finalist for UVU’s presidency earlier this year.
Fordiani’s duties at CEL will include overseeing financial matters, marketing and annual reporting. He spent the past two years as special assistant to presidents William Sederburg, Elizabeth Hitch and Holland. Prior to UVU, Fordiani spent seven years with BYU’s George W. Romney Institute of Public Management as a program administrator for their master’s degree program. He is currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Utah.
"I am delighted about this opportunity to work more directly with the Center for Engaged Learning and Dr. Jack Christianson," Fordiani said. "Engaged learning is at the heart of UVU’s core mission and I’m eager to help it move forward under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Christianson and President Holland."
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University Marketing Contact:
Erin Spurgeon
(801) 863-6807