Michelle Kearns, Ed.D. profile photo

Michelle Kearns, Ed.D.

Vice President of Student Affairs Utah Valley University

  • Orem UT

Kearns provides vision and leadership for student enrollment, retention, and completion.

Contact

Media

Biography

Dr. Michelle Kearns has 35 years of experience in higher education holding leadership roles in both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs. While at UVU, Dr. Kearns oversaw the implementation of a $3 million Title III grant which resulted in a 14-percentage point increase in retention. She also led the development of campus-wide completion and strategic enrollment plans now being implemented. Michelle is a passionate advocate for student success, recognized with the UVU Trustee and Presidential Awards, TRIO Employee of the Year, and NASPA’s Outstanding Senior-Level Professional. Dr. Kearns earned a doctorate degree in Education with an emphasis on Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University with a research focus on student success. She also earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Dr. Kearns holds certificates in Student Affairs Law & Policy, Women’s Leadership, and Online Teaching. Dr. Kearns has served as Vice President of Student Affairs for three years.

Industry Expertise

Education/Learning

Areas of Expertise

Student Success
Student Retention
Enrollment Management
Leadership
Strategic Vision
Public Speaking

Accomplishments

Board of Trustees Award of Excellence, UVU

2017

Employee of the Year, TRiO Student Support Services

2017

Outstanding Senior-Level Professional, NASPA

2015

Education

Northeastern University

Ed.D.

Education

Brigham Young University

MPA

Public Administration

Utah Valley University

B.A.

Business Management

Affiliations

  • American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
  • Complete College America
  • American Association of State Colleges and Universities
  • National Association of Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education
  • Consortium for Student Retention Data Exchange

Languages

  • English

Media Appearances

What to consider when your student is choosing where to go to college

KSL Sports  online

2026-02-05

As spring approaches, it is an exciting time for soon-to-be high school graduates. Planning their next steps in life includes selecting a school to attend. Vice President for Student Affairs at Utah Valley University Michelle Kearns, and future UVU graduate Mohamed Miaga, shared tips to make the process a little bit easier.

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First-generation students at UVU to gain new Success Center

Utah Valley University  online

2020-07-10

Dr. Michelle Kearns, associate vice president of Student Affairs at UVU, noted that approximately 37% of all undergraduates and 25% of new freshmen at Utah Valley University are first-generation students.

“This large and growing population of students are the first in their family to navigate higher education, and as such often require additional outreach, support, and guidance to do so successfully,” Kearns said. “Those of us who have family familiar with and assist in the process take for granted the complexity and apprehension that come with getting admitted, enrolled, and working through the college experience.”

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Utah Valley University Ranked Top 10 in Colleges with the Most Undergraduate Students

Utah Valley University  online

2022-11-21

“Student success is our focus here at UVU,” Vice President of Student Affairs Michelle Kearns said. “To accomplish that goal, we emphasize inclusivity and students’ individual potential to help them achieve their dreams. We believe that everyone deserves the transforming benefits of a quality education, and I think that’s what speaks to our excellent enrollment.”

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Research Grants

Returning Wolverine Grant Program

USHE Completion Grant

2015-2016

Title III Strengthening Institutions

Federal Grant

2013-2018

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