SUU Names 2025 College Valedictorians
Published: April 10, 2025 | Author: Kierstin Holloway | Read Time: 8 minutes
Every year the colleges at Southern Utah University select a valedictorian to represent their graduating classes. These bright students demonstrate excellence and dedication to both their education and community.
College of Performing and Visual Arts - Megan Taylor
Megan Taylor has been named the 2025 valedictorian for the College of Performing and Visual Arts. She majored in music education and minored in Spanish. Taylor decided on SUU after touring the music department and falling in love with the environment.
Originally from St. George, Utah, Taylor grew up with her nose stuck in a book but eventually discovered that playing new music was like hearing a story for the first time. Since then, she has made music the focus of her life. She also discovered she loved teaching children and is grateful for the opportunity to pursue both passions.
While at SUU Taylor was a staff accompanist, and served as part of the Rhapsody in Red presidency. She credits her husband and family for supporting her, and said she looks up to all the music department professors; every class she took taught her something valuable.
“Everyone has a different experience at college - the important part is that you make it one you are proud of,” said Taylor, offering her advice to future students. “Do your best as often as you can, and make an effort to surround yourself with people who you can support and who will support you in return.”
College of Engineering and Computational Sciences - Chase Christensen
Chase Christensen has been named the 2025 valedictorian for the College of Engineering and Computational Sciences (CECS). He majored in civil engineering.
Christensen is from Monroe, Utah, where he grew up building forts in the backyard and going on ATV rides with his family. As a high school student, Christensen became passionate about art and woodworking, as well as playing Dungeons and Dragons. He feels that civil engineering allows him to tap into the “joy of creating practical things.”
He chose to attend SUU because, in addition to receiving a scholarship and having close friends attending the University, Christensen wanted class sizes that would allow him to work one-on-one with his professors. He credits Dr. Mohomad Askar and Dr. Matthew Roberts for being his most influential instructors.
While attending SUU, Christensen participated in the Civil Engineering Club, the Writing Fellowship Program, and the Gibson Research Fellowship. He was also the civil engineering representative on the CECS Senator Council, worked as a grader for upper-level civil engineering courses, and volunteered at several on-campus activities, such as Casino Night.
“My role models have been my wife, who is finishing her graduate degree, and my grandpa, who never let his life situation stop him from smiling,” said Christensen
College of Health Sciences - Madyson Hacking
Madyson Hacking has been named the 2025 valedictorian for the College of Health Sciences. She majored in human nutrition with a minor in chemistry and biology. Hacking is originally from Perry, Ohio, and chose SUU, because it felt like home with a close-knit community.
As a student, Hacking played on the intramural women’s basketball team, winning the championship during one of her years as a player. She also participated in intramural flag football and volunteered at the Nutrition Sports Bar.
During her time at SUU, Hacking was greatly influenced by Professor Matt Schmidt’s Advanced Nutrition class and Dr. Nathan Werner whose organic chemistry class gave her the confidence to trust herself academically. She also credits Professor Celeste Lyman as an impactful mentor for her unwavering support and for helping Hacking define what kind of physician she wanted to be - one who listens intently and approaches medicine with knowledge and compassion.
“My passion for making a meaningful impact on others was strengthened at SUU, particularly through my experiences in the nutrition department,” said Hacking. “My coursework emphasized the intersection of compassion, comprehensive care, and science, deepening my commitment to holistic health and reinforcing my desire to improve patients' lives through preventive care.”
Beverley Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development - Anya Johnson
Anya Johnson has been named the 2025 valedictorian for the Beverly Taylor Sorenson College of Education and Human Development. Johnson double majored in family life and human development and Spanish, with an emphasis in early childhood development and a minor in family services.
Johnson is from Magna, Utah, and is very passionate about helping people, especially children. She began her educational journey studying criminal justice but switched her major after discovering her passion. While at SUU, Johson participated in various volunteer programs including Volunteers with International Students and Scholars (VISAS), the Paiute Tutoring Center, and the SUU Global Ambassadors.
“SUU has helped me to discover my passion by providing me with so many different opportunities to further my learning outside of the classroom,” said Johnson. “I am so grateful for all of the opportunities SUU has provided for volunteer work, not only for their ability to help me give back to the community but also for how they helped to shape my overall goals and ambitions.”
Johnson believes professors Dr. Olena Kopystynska, Dr. Brionne Neilson, Maren Hirschi, and Dr. Iliana Portaro have all positively impacted her educational journey, and thanks them for their positive influence.
Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business - Annalee MacArthur
Annalee MacArthur has been named the 2025 valedictorian for the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business. MacArthur double majored in accounting and finance. Originally from Temecula, California, MacArthur decided to attend SUU because of the smaller class sizes and the personal interaction she felt while visiting campus.
MacArthur is passionate about strengthening relationships, traveling, dancing, and reading, and enjoys helping others. While at SUU, she was involved with the National Society of Leadership and Success as the club’s treasurer, and the Women in Business club as the director of email marketing.
She believes that her mother has been the biggest role model through her example of hard work and encouragement that helped MacArthur challenge herself academically and leave her comfort zone behind. MacArthur also worked as a teaching assistant for Dr. Melinda Ford, and credits Ford for being her most impactful professor and helping her to fall in love with accounting.
“I think my biggest piece of advice for students at SUU is to not be afraid to connect with
your professors,” said MacArthur. “All the professors I have had truly want their students to succeed not only at SUU but in their careers following graduation. They can give you helpful advice for your career and school if you are willing to put in the effort to talk to them and get to know them.”
College of Humanities and Social Sciences - MaKaylee Cole
MaKaylee Cole has been named as the 2025 valedictorian for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. She earned her degree in strategic communications with a minor in graphic design. Cole enjoyed exploring different hobbies growing up, and discovering her passion for design and marketing while working for a family-owned print and copy shop.
Cole is from Lehi, Utah, and chose SUU after receiving an academic scholarship and being offered a position on the Presidential Ambassadors team. In addition to being an ambassador during her freshman and sophomore years, Cole often played intramural volleyball.
Cole believes that Communication Department Chair Dr. Matt Barton had a profound impact on her experience during college. She frequently attended his office hours for guidance and found that he was willing to go the extra mile to support her success.
“Without a doubt, the most valuable gift SUU has given me is the meaningful connections I’ve
built,” said Cole. “Through insightful, one-on-one conversations with professors, peers, and mentors, along with hands-on experience, SUU has given me a clearer vision of the possibilities that lie ahead.”
Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences - Jaren Meikle
Jaren Meikle has been named the 2025 valedictorian for the Walter Maxwell Gibson College of Natural Sciences. Meikle is from Clearfield, Utah and majored in chemistry with a minor in biology. He chose to attend SUU after driving through Cedar Canyon and falling in love with the scenery; he enjoyed being able to drive five minutes from the campus and be immersed in nature.
Meikle credits chemistry professor, Dr. Jacob Dean for impacting his life more than any other mentor. Meikle was able to conduct research with Dr. Dean for nearly his entire time at SUU and found that Dean’s passion for science and discovery was contagious. This influenced Meikle to pursue chemistry in graduate school.
"I am passionate about understanding the world around me, which is one of the reasons why I chose to study chemistry. Everyday I am amazed at what I see around in the natural world,” said Meikle. “The intricacy of life and the complexity of chemistry amazes me every single day. I am also passionate about bringing people together. I love spending time with people and planning activities that allow people to make lasting memories together.”
As a student, Meikle was an International Student Ambassador, which allowed him to meet some great people and plan events. He was also the president and founder of the Hacky Sack Club. His greatest student involvement came through SUU Outdoors where he was a trip leader for backpacking, cross-country skiing, paddleboarding, and canyoneering adventures.
Tags: Campus Student Graduation Academic
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu