An acting president has been appointed at Utah’s largest university.
Wayne Vaught, a veteran higher education administrator, will begin serving as acting president of Utah Valley University on May 1.
That’s the same day current UVU President Astrid Tuminez is expected to step down after more than seven years at the helm of the Orem-based public institution.
The Utah Board of Higher Education announced Vaught’s appointment Tuesday. The board is still in the process of searching for UVU’s next permanent president.
Vaught currently serves as UVU’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs — a role he has held since June 2019.
“Wayne Vaught brings significant academic leadership experience and a deep understanding of Utah Valley University’s mission and students,” said Utah Board of Higher Education Chair Amanda Covington in a board release.
“Wayne has previously served as acting president for UVU and has experience in this capacity. His background as a provost, dean and scholar positions him well to guide UVU during this interim period.”
The release added that Vaught will work closely with Tuminez “as she begins delegating responsibilities to support continuity of operations and ensure a smooth leadership transition.”
Prior to joining UVU, Vaught served for nearly 21 years at the University of Missouri–Kansas Cit, including as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2012 to 2019, where he provided academic leadership for 18 departments across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and managed the college’s operational budget.
He also served as interim dean, associate dean and department chair of philosophy at UMKC, and as an assistant professor at Drexel University College of Medicine.
He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy (bioethics) from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, a Master of Arts in philosophy from Baylor University and an undergraduate degree in philosophy, psychology and religion from Georgetown College.
“Provost Vaught has the demonstrated experience and dedication to the university that will ensure a smooth transition and will allow him to serve well as the acting president of UVU,” said UVU Board of Trustees Chair Scott Smith in the education board release.
Added Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward: “We are grateful to President Astrid S. Tuminez for her leadership and service to Utah Valley University.
“We also appreciate Wayne Vaught’s willingness to step into this role and provide steady leadership during this transition. Vaught’s experience and commitment to the academic mission will support the university community as this work continues.”
UVU: Bidding farewell to a celebrated leader
Tuminez announced she was stepping down from her position in January following a difficult year largely defined by personal and campuswide grief.
The first woman to serve full-time as UVU’s president, Tuminez was hired in 2018, succeeding then-President Matthew S. Holland.
In February 2025, her husband, Jeffrey Tolk, collapsed and died on a South American peak.
Tolk was a beloved figure on UVU’s campus, often seen at his wife’s side at school functions and Wolverines athletic events.
And last September, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a widely attended outdoor campus event.
“They are two very different griefs but happening in the same year,” she told the Deseret News in October.
A political scientist who never anticipated being a university president, Tuminez told the Deseret News that the decision to leave was easier when she looked back on her tenure.
“‘Wow’ is the right word for the 7½ years here,” she said. “I am an accidental president. It was not part of my career plans, but it happened. And I think the fit between me and UVU was perfect.”
During her tenure, the school more than doubled its endowment while enjoying significant enrollment growth.