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.

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.

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.

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.