Forever Wolverines Podcast

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Raquel Mills as she talks with Emma Johnson about her journey through nursing and education. What started as a practical choice to attend UVU turned into a lasting connection thanks to the university's welcoming community and dedicated nursing professors. Emma shares how she overcame self-doubt by practicing positive self-talk, building strong friendships, and le...

Join Student Alumni Moyosore Dasaolu as she interviews Leonard Bagalwa. As a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, he faced challenges in the US, including a period of homelessness. Motivated by the kindness and support of others, he decided to guide his life by serving others through small means with big impact. He believes success should be measured by where a person starts and the prog...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Ike as he interviews Krystal Gates, a 2023 UVU grad. After working in retail for over a decade, she chose to try school again, beginning as a non-traditional student studying Communication and Theater. With guidance from her academic advisor, she pursued an internship that led to a job at ABC4. Today, she works as a lifestyle producer, creating stories behind the sce...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Nate as he interviews Kelsie Call, a 2022 sociology alum. Kelsie never thought of herself as an intellectual, but a persistent professor helped her discover her strengths. As a business owner, birth doula, and stay-at-home mom, she believes that even small actions can make a big difference and that everyone has the power to choose their own path and create positive c...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Shelby as she interviews Michaela King, who turned her passion for event planning and bringing people together into a successful career. As a transfer student during the pandemic, finding a sense of belonging at UVU was not what she expected. By building relationships, seeking out like-minded people, and asking about opportunities, Michaela found her path. Her story...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Brooke as she interviews Linda Pomar. As a mental health professional, Linda encourages students and alumni to take advantage of resources. She also talks about focusing on what you can control and embracing imperfections. When you find balance, align values, and ask for help, you have the key to relaxing and focusing on what matters. 

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Mohamed as he interviews Kevin “DoK” Woods. The episode follows the journey of a student‑athlete whose early basketball injury changed everything. What looked like a setback became the spark that led him to become “DoK.” Through discipline, empathy, and service, he built a legacy in mental health that still shapes UVU athletes.

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Shelby as she interviews Megan Weaver Hillier. This episode takes a look at what it’s like to work in human resources. Megan describes HR as both “the best of times and the worst of times,” protecting the company while also helping employees. Her advice is gain experience early, earn certifications, push past imposter syndrome, and be a team player.

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Nate as he interviews Lacey Cherrington. From UVU rodeo athlete to lawyer, Lacey’s story proves that you can pursue many passions at once, striving for zero regrets. She believes if you’re the smartest person in the room, find a new one because intentional growth happens when you're surrounded by people who help you move forward.

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Mohamed as he interviews Salifou Fofana. Salifou highlights how he navigates change by owning mistakes, staying intentional, and building backup plans. He shares insight on résumés, AI in finance, and placing yourself in successful environments. His core message: it’s never too late to change direction and create impact.

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Mohamed as he interviews UVU alum Matthew Bryson. In this episode, Matt reflects on the power of intentionally stepping into situations where opportunity can emerge bringing clarity, confidence, and contentment along the way. A future is shaped by the opportunities you are willing to pursue, especially when they come wrapped in uncertainty or rejection.  

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Brooke as she interviews UVU alumna, Amanda Kimball. As a first-generation student from a rural community, for Amanda, home meant safety and support while college meant cultural shifts and a shaky sense of belonging. Encouraged to give it one more try before moving home, she discovered leadership opportunities and newfound community through the music program, which c...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Larissa as she sits down with Myrna June Rodriguez Whittington, Senior Program Manager in Customer Success at NetDocuments. A first‑generation, multicultural, and non‑traditional student, Myrna reflects on how navigating college as a working parent helped her build the confidence to step into the tech industry. She shares how creativity and strategy shape the custome...

Student Alumni Ambassador Nate connects with UVU alum and program manager of UVU’s Wellness Programs Kelly Henderson. She shares how a single internship launched her five‑year journey into UVU’s wellness world. From navigating stress management to building a network one small step at a time, Kelly reveals what it really takes to move from student to professional, and why staying curious can change...

Student Alumni Ambassador Mohamed sits down with UVU alum Oumar Traore for a look at the world of cybersecurity. From learning English through determination (and a little help from  The Vampire Diaries ) and finding his footing within UVU’s welcoming community, his story highlights perseverance. He also discusses the importance of taking opportunities and the impact of kindness—both received and g...

Student Alumni Ambassador Shelby sits down with Maddie Heywood, Director of Event Operations at Thanksgiving Point, for an inside look at life in the events industry. Maddie, who proudly calls herself a “Manager of Chaos,” shares the mindset and skills that help her thrive in a fast‑paced field. After graduating during the uncertainty of 2020, she found her footing in hospitality by staying optimi...

Meet the students from the 2025-2026 academic year. Each is on scholarship as a Student Alumni Ambassador, working with UVU's Office of Alumni Relations. They are the ones who found alumni to interview and decided what questions to ask and how the interviews should go. We are so proud of our Utah Valley University students! Join us in January 2026 for our new season!

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Kaleah as she sits down with Kara H. North, personal injury attorney and partner at Moxie Law Group. Explore her unique UVU story and lessons learned as she opens up about the idea of evolving your definition of success through consistently setting goals. Kara advises alumni to stay authentically engaged with their alma mater to create beneficial experiences for the...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Savannah as she interviews Emilee Henriquez, a 2019 Family Science graduate. Emilee is a passionate mental health advocate and founder of Therapy Friends. A former student-athlete turned transfer student, she made the bold decision to pivot and pursue new paths, leading her to Utah Valley University, where she was welcomed with open arms.   As a first-generation coll...

In this episode of the Forever Wolverines Podcast, Student Alumni Ambassador Vagner meets with UVU alum David Dekker '18. From switching majors to stepping into unexpected roles, David shares how mentorship, flexibility, and a willingness to fail shaped his journey from student to backend developer. He reminds listeners that you can do anything hard for two minutes. Tune in for real talk about...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Callie as she interviews a 2015 alum who graduated in biotechnology: Dr. Brandon Davies. Dr. Davies discusses his love of research and teaching and the importance of mentorship. His UVU story is enhanced by professors, coaches, and peers who challenged him to think in new ways. This journey led him to his philosophy of ask "stupid" questions so that you can...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Brooke as she sits down with UVU alum Colton Simons, who graduated in communications in 2016. As a first-generation college student, Colton shares his journey of learning to be patient in selecting a major and through career transitions. Working in higher education, he reflects on the joy of mentoring students.  #UVUAlumni #ForeverWolverines

Join Student Alumni Ambassadors Mandy and Savannah as they interview UVU alum Wendy Wright '17, community health. As a non-traditional student, Wendy relied heavily on networking, volunteering, and capitalizing on her internship. These skills opened doors for her and created the confidence she utilizes each day as a health educator at the Utah County Health Department.#UVUAlumni #ForeverWolver...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Mohamed as he interviews UVU alum Bakary Camara '15, accounting and '17 MBA. Bakary gives credit to those at UVU who listened to him and helped him along his educational path as an international student. He has become a lifelong learner with a passion for problem solving and building relationships. His advice is to intentionally network with the future in min...

Join Student Alumni Ambassador Mohamed as he interviews UVU alum Andre Jones. Andre graduated in political science in 2018 with a minor in national security studies. Based in the Washington, DC area, he now works as a federal employee in the Department of Homeland Security.     His time at UVU was heavily influenced by his leadership opportunities. As a transfer student, he leveraged these engaged...