T. Chase Hagood, Ph.D.
Vice Provost for Student Success

Dear Colleagues,

Of late, I'm reminded of a quotation attributed to Winston Churchill: "The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty." 

In uncertain times, we have a shared responsibility to anchor ourselves in the work that binds us together and brings us meaning and purpose. Despite challenges that may lie ahead, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strong relationships, deep connections, and the resilience of our communities. Our shared dedication to putting students first continues to shape our paths forward, reminding us that even in difficulty, there is joy—in the breakthroughs, in the moments of understanding, and in the unwavering belief that public higher education transforms lives. 

Together, we are building a future rooted in hope, support, and possibility. I want to encourage each of you to lead where you are—your leadership is seen and deeply appreciated.

As always, Go Utah! 
Chase 

"Wellness 2.0: When It's All Too Much"
Hidden Brain Media
January 20, 2025

David Greenberg
Simon & Schuster, 2024

As part of the university-wide Navigate U student success project the Martha Bradley Evans Center for Teaching Excellence (MBECTE) has been leading the effort to reduce high DEWI rates in introductory courses at the University of Utah. The MBECTE began engaging with faculty, colleges, and schools to identify courses with high DEWI rates in Summer 2024 and are already working on addressing challenges in over 20 high-DEWI courses across the university.

Find more details on the Navigate U project page.

Please contribute your community engagement efforts to a new university-wide database.

This effort is designed to capture community-engaged work across the U. For the purpose of this database, community-engaged work consists of curricular, co-curricular, outreach, teaching and research that actively engages community partners and organizations. 

Contact danielle.susi-dittmore@utah.edu with any questions. 

Join the Office of Undergraduate Research, Government Relations, the Office of the Vice President for Research, and campus leaders for Research on Capitol Hill February 20 at the Capitol from 9 AM to 1 PM. This public event facilitates an opportunity for legislators to hear from constituents and for the public to learn more about the societal good fostered through undergraduate research at an R1 institution.  

The Clark and Christine Ivory Foundation in collaboration with Undergraduate Studies has launched an exciting program aimed at motivating and rewarding those on the student success front lines—Academic Advisors, Student Success Coaches, and Career Success Coaches at the U.

Website coming soon! Click the button for more details.

The Utah Prison Education Project (UPEP) partnered with the Sundance Film Festival to screen the film "Omaha" at the Utah State Correctional Facility last month. The event included a Q&A with the director of the film, Cole Webley.

Read the full story at abc4.com. 

Read more about some of the incredible people in the Office of Undergraduate Studies.

EAB Navigate and Edify Systems Analyst, Undergraduate Studies

Madeline Rossman, originally from Carmel, Indiana, moved to Utah in 2017 and began her career at the University of Utah within Undergraduate Advising Services at the David Eccles School of Business. She started as an academic advisor, later became an academic advising coordinator overseeing mandatory advising, and most recently served as an Assistant Director. Rossman earned her undergraduate degree in English Literature from Indiana University and her master’s in Higher Education Administration from Penn State. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, watching scary movies, working out, attending art and theater shows, playing tabletop games, and playing frisbee golf.

New Advisor Training Coordinator

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Cassidy developed a deep appreciation for the opportunities life has offered her. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Canyon University and later pursued a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University. Since 2018, she has worked full-time in higher education, where she admires the grit and determination of students striving for a better future. Cassidy is passionate about the arts, spending time with her son, health and wellness, sharing laughter, and cheering on her favorite teams. Go Utah! Go Celtics!

Program Coordinator for First Star AcademyNew Advisor Training Coordinator

Mara is Program Coordinator for First Star Academy at the University of Utah. With a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from BYU, Mara has a strong foundation in social work, case management, and policy advocacy. She began her career at the International Rescue Committee helping resettle refugee families in Utah before advancing to Catholic Community Services. There she served as a Refugee Foster Care Case Manager and was later promoted to
Lead Case Manager. Mara is passionate about creating systems that uplift individuals and families, ensuring they have the resources to thrive. Fluent in Spanish, Mara has experience working with clients from a diverse set of backgrounds and enjoys building strong, supportive relationships.

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