U Rising

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.

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.

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 M. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley.

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. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and Dave White for technical assistance. Original music by Taylor Hartley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In June, Vice President for Research Andy Weyrich issued a statement expressing the commitment of his office to addressing systemic racism. In this conversation, Vice President Weyrich shares what that commitment means and steps his office has already begun to take in this effort. Recorded on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams, Emily Black and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Rev. France Davis and Meligha Garfield, director of the U’s Black Cultural Center, share their thoughts on historical events that have led to the current protests calling for racial equality, experiences of our campus community and ideas for how to make a difference. Recorded on Thursday, June 11, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

Listen as six students share what they learned about truth, deception and information disorder in a yearlong Honors College Praxis Lab—and ways they worked to make a difference on campus, in middle schools and in the community. Recorded on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

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.

Connor, Maggie and Olivia are #NewToTheU. Learn why they chose the U and about their degree aspirations. We can’t wait to welcome them and other members of the Class of 2024 to campus! Recorded on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.

Jimmy L. Turner is the new executive director of Red Butte Garden and in this episode of U Rising he shares what has surprised him about Utah, how the garden plans to reopen and why he thinks gardens sow hope. Recorded on Tuesday, May 19, 2020. Thanks to Brooke Adams and Dave White for technical assistance. Music by Taylor Hartley.