SUU to Host 2025 Utah Pasifika Intercollegiate Association Leadership Summit Conference
Published: January 29, 2025 | Read Time: 2 minutes
CEDAR CITY, UT – Southern Utah University (SUU) is excited to announce that it will host the 2025 Utah Pasifika Intercollegiate Association (UPIA) Leadership Summit Conference. This year’s theme, "A Time of Change: Striving for Academic Excellence," emphasizes the importance of academic achievement, particularly within the Pasifika community, and invites students from all backgrounds who are passionate about success in higher education. It will be held February 13-15, 2025.
The conference will bring together students from universities across Utah and beyond for a unique experience featuring discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. The event will also feature special guests, including Her Excellency, Hon. Sela Tukia, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United States; Dr. Charlene Lui, Director of the National Association for Multicultural Education - NAME and other Pacific Islander dignitaries. Their involvement highlights the global importance of this event and the shared commitment to supporting academic and community growth.
“At SUU, we’re committed to the success of all our students, especially Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students,” said Tevita Sekeni, Advisor for the Pacific Islander Student Association (PISA) at Southern Utah University. “This conference provides a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together.”
This event builds on SUU’s strong history of supporting Pasifika students, as shown by the institution’s successful graduation rates for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. It is being organized under the guidance of Dr. Stephen Allen, SUU’s Vice President for International Affairs, and the Office of International Affairs at SUU. Vice President Allen hopes the conference will be impactful and beneficial to all who attend.
Students and educators are encouraged to contribute to the conference by leading workshops or presentations on the conference’s theme. Possible topics include academic success strategies, overcoming challenges in education, leadership development, and community engagement. These contributions will help create an interactive and engaging experience for all participants.
SUU looks forward to welcoming students across the country for what is sure to be a memorable experience.
Southern Utah University’s Office of International Affairs fosters globally engaged communities by supporting the exchange of values, cultures, and ideas in an effort to advance a more just, empathic, and prosperous world.Tags: Campus Student International Affairs Community
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu