SUU Students Recognized by Lt. Governor for High-Impact Community Service Projects
Published: May 28, 2026 | Author: SUU | Read Time: 2 minutes
CEDAR CITY, Utah — Two Southern Utah University (SUU) students, Audra Wilson and Amy Adams, were honored by Utah Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson for their exceptional leadership and commitment to community service. As members of UServeUtah’s 2025-2026 College Community Engagement Council (CCEC), both students received the Lt. Governor’s Volunteer Recognition Certificate for developing initiatives that addressed critical needs in Iron County.
Throughout the academic year, Wilson and Adams contributed a total of 355 service hours and mobilized 125 volunteers. Their combined efforts represent an estimated economic impact of $12,829.70,
“Audra Wilson and Amy Adams did exceptional work developing projects that addressed needs they identified in Iron County,” said Judy Hut, Community Engagement Program Manager at UServeUtah. “Together, they expanded their ability to create meaningful impact through service.”
Wilson discovered that due to the case load put on the limited number of school-based occupational therapists, Utah students with sensory processing disorders were going without the consistent tools they needed to succeed. Wilson addressed this challenge facing Utah schools by leading 22 volunteers in creating 72 sensory and fine-motor kits for rural schools.
“This project involved volunteers in a hands-on way that directly benefits children at local schools,” Wilson said. “Research revealed some students only meet with a therapist once a month or once a semester. This is not nearly enough time or consistency to help children make improvements. This project may seem like a small amount, but every child with this resource will positively impact their long-term development.”
Adams utilized the "Community Action" pathway to launch Nobody Walks Alone , a community 5K walk and run. Inspired by data showing that many Cedar City residents feel unequipped to support loved ones during a mental health crisis, the event drew 102 participants, tripling Adams’ original goal.
“My top Community Engagement Pathway is Community Action,” Adams explained. “This project aligned with my pathway because it included involving, educating, and mobilizing a collective effort to make a positive impact on the cause of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. My goal was to provide an additional resource through an event where people gather to demonstrate care.”
The event connected attendees with local support groups and national organizations like National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and The Trevor Project, ensuring a lasting safety net for the region.
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students find their voice and prepare for meaningful careers. SUU promotes service and community involvement through programs like the Community Engagement Center, where students can participate in service opportunities and hands-on community-engaged learning.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu