Val Peterson has spent a lifetime serving Utah in education, in uniform, and in public office.

For nearly four decades, Val has helped guide the growth of Utah Valley University. Today he serves as Vice President of Administration and Strategic Relations, overseeing more than $50 million in operations including facilities, athletics, university relations, emergency management, and environmental health and safety. Val joined the institution in 1987 when it was still Utah Technical College and has played a role in its transformation into one of the largest and most dynamic universities in the state.

Service has always been central to Val’s life. He served 32 years in the Utah National Guard and retired as a Brigadier General. In that role, he was responsible for the training, readiness, logistics, and discipline of six major Army commands across Utah.

In 2009, Val was elected to the Utah House of Representatives representing Orem. Now serving in his eighth term, he currently chairs the Executive Appropriations Committee where he helps guide Utah’s state budget and works to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.

Val earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Foundations from Brigham Young University, along with graduate degrees in Strategic Studies and Mass Communications.

Val and his wife Ann live in Orem and are the parents of three children, all UVU graduates. They are proud grandparents and enjoy spending time together boating, water skiing, hiking, skiing, and golfing.