SUU Alumna Announced as President of Huntsman Mental Health
Published: September 05, 2025 | Author: Abbie Cochrane | Read Time: 2 minutes
In May of 2025, Huntsman Mental Health Foundation announced Southern Utah University class of 2001 alumna Miranda Barnard as president, succeeding vice president and university advancement at the University of Utah, Heidi Woodbury, who had been serving in a dual role as interim president. Barnard’s position at the foundation was implemented immediately.
Barnard held senior leadership positions at several organizations throughout her impressive career, including CHG Healthcare, HealthEquity, Vivint Solar, and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. She earned her M.B.A. from Brigham Young University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUU.
“We are excited for this next chapter in the organization with Miranda as president,” said Christena Huntsman-Durham, CEO and chair of the Board at Huntsman Mental Health Foundation. “Her business, nonprofit, and leadership talents are exactly what we need to grow our ability to take on the challenges of mental health in our country.”
Barnard’s leadership goals at Huntsman Mental Health Foundation are centered around fundraising, primarily for mental health treatment and furthering research nationwide. Such donations and contributions were put towards the construction of the Kem and Carolyn Gardner Mental Health Crisis Center. This care center is the country’s first center that provides community services, training, and research for mental health crisis care.
Huntsman Mental Health Foundation supports the Huntsman Mental Health Institute and its mission to transform and better mental health care through various initiatives that aim to inform and train not only the research and clinical community but the community at large. Huntsman Mental Health Foundation is constantly aiming to reform the world of mental health study and care, and create means for mental wellness resources to be accessible to all, and where funding is not leveraged by the power of philanthropic favor or posed as a hindrance on the road to well-being. They also strive to break down barriers and stigmas that oppose mental wellness at the regional and national levels. Learn more at: hmhf.org and join the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. To donate, visit the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation website.
Alumni like Barnard are constantly showcasing the best of SUU in their respective careers and demonstrating excellence everywhere they soar. SUU offers its congratulations to Barnard and wishes her luck on this next phase of her remarkable career. Learn more about opportunities at SUU.
Tags: Communication Alumni T-Bird Stories
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu