Val Peterson, Ph.D.
Vice President - Administration and Strategic Relations Utah Valley University
Biography
Peterson has had a long association with UVU, beginning when the institution was still Utah Technical College in 1987. Over his UVU career, he has served in roles including Associate Vice President for College Relations and Vice President for College Relations before moving into his current administrative role.
Before and alongside his university career, Peterson served in the Utah Army National Guard for approximately 30 years, retiring as a Brigadier General. His military responsibilities included leadership in training, readiness, administration, logistics, and military justice for Utah Army National Guard commands.
He has also served in public office as a member of the Utah House of Representatives.
Areas of Expertise
Accomplishments
Legislator of the Year
Issued by Utah Tech Council · Jan 2016
Legion of Merit
Issued by United States Armed Forces · Jan 2017
UVU Lifetime Achievement Award
Issued by UVU Student Association · Jan 2020
Utah Valley Chamber Champion Award
Issued by Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce · Jan 2023
Education
The United States Army War College
M.S.
Strategic Leadership
2008
Brigham Young University
Ph.D.
Education Leadership and Foundations
2002
Brigham Young University
M.A.
Mass Communications
1994
Brigham Young University
B.A.
Public Relations, Emphasis in Mass Communications
1987
Links
Media Appearances
FBI prepares resources ahead of students returning to UVU campus after Charlie Kirk shooting
Fox 13 Salt Lake City online
2025-09-14
"We know that this causes a lot of emotional stress, and so we recognize and acknowledge that we have mental health counselors available if they have these types of episodes where their possessions cause them to remember the events,” said Val Peterson, the vice president of administration and strategic relations at UVU.
UVU evaluating how to cut its budget, create reinvestment plan as required by Utah Legislature
Daily Herald online
2025-03-19
The purpose of the bill — and a glimpse into what UVU’s reinvestment plan may look like — was provided by Rep. Val Peterson, R-Orem, when he spoke at a public forum Tuesday at UVU.
Val Peterson Moves Forward with Stride
UVU Review online
2019-01-23
Val Peterson, vice president of finance and administration, looks forward to his future with UVU. From a general in the military, VP of finance and administration, to eighth year holder of the District 59 Representative seat for the Utah House of Representatives, Peterson has served in many positions that have required him to to be a collaborative leader and avid relationship builder.
