The Heber Valley Chamber is proud to recognize the Utah Valley University (UVU) Wasatch Campus and its dedicated Director, Beka Grulich, as the January Business of the Month. This honor celebrates its impactful contributions to education, workforce development, and community engagement in the Wasatch Back region.

As the Wasatch Back Area Director for the UVU-Wasatch Campus, Beka Grulich has spent the past four years fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and innovation in this region. With 28 years of experience at UVU, her journey from working at the campus student ID desk to leading the satellite location is a testament to her dedication and deep understanding of the university's mission. Grulich’s diverse roles—from opening the student health and wellness center to managing student government—have prepared her to guide the campus in meeting the evolving needs of the Heber Valley community.

UVU’s motto, "graduate with a degree and a resume," perfectly embodies the approach of the Wasatch Campus. Through programs like WARM (Wasatch Resort Management Program), students earn academic credentials while also gaining invaluable hands-on experience working at local hotel properties. This real-world training ensures that what students learn in the classroom is immediately applicable in their careers, solidifying both knowledge and practical skills.

The WARM program is thriving, with its third cohort fully enrolled and 20 students eager to embark on this transformative educational journey. These efforts illustrate UVU’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates ready to contribute to Heber Valley's growing hospitality industry.

The UVU-Wasatch Campus prides itself on being responsive to community needs. From tailored general education offerings for students seeking to complete high school diplomas to Wasatch CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies), the campus provides diverse pathways for education and professional development for a range of student ages and needs. The emphasis on helping individuals who did not complete traditional high school education underscores UVU’s inclusive approach to learning.

"We help each other," Grulich notes, highlighting the campus’ partnership-driven ethos. UVU actively seeks local experts to teach specialized courses and collaborates with area businesses to address workforce training needs. These partnerships are key to aligning educational programs with the local economy and preparing future employees to meet real-world challenges.

In addition to academic offerings, the campus provides unique community outreach classes each spring, summer, and fall. Popular courses such as fly fishing, horseback riding, pie making, and various crafting courses fill up quickly, showcasing the community's enthusiasm for lifelong learning and enrichment. Kid-friendly classes further expand opportunities for families to engage in educational activities.

Looking ahead, Grulich and her team are focused on growing the campus to meet the evolving needs of students, businesses, and residents in the Heber Valley. Plans include expanding educational offerings from high school general education to executive education programs. Additionally, the campus provides event rental spaces suitable for small weddings, group events, educational seminars, and training sessions—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains.

Grulich takes great pride in the beauty of the campus, which continues to leave students and visitors in awe. The breathtaking location, combined with innovative educational offerings and strong community partnerships, positions UVU Wasatch as a key contributor to Heber Valley’s future growth and success.

The Heber Valley Chamber celebrates the UVU-Wasatch Campus as a critical partner in the community’s economic development and educational advancement. Congratulations to Beka Grulich and her dedicated team for their ongoing efforts to enrich lives and empower learners in Heber Valley and beyond.