Meet the Staff

The Utah Valley State College Multicultural Center currently serves over 1, 500 ethnic students, who come to Utah from all over the Unites States, and all over the world. Our mission is to recruit ethnic students, retain them, and educate current UVSC students and the community through cultural events.

	Gwen Anderson, Director Gwen Anderson earned a B.P.A. and M. A. and reflects an extensive career in business ownership with 12 years in design marketing, was head of the UVSC art department, and spent 15 years as a successful International Business Presenter and Motivational Trainer in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. As Director of the UVSC Multicultural Center, she works tirelessly and enthusiastically to promote intercultural competency and international understanding. Originally from Hawaii, "Aunty" Gwen has strong Polynesian ethnic roots, and extends the "Aloha" spirit to all.
	Brett Breton, Assistant Director Brett earned a B.S. in Psychology and a M.S. in Counseling and School Psychology, and has worked extensively serving students of many different backgrounds for several years. He assists the director in promoting the mission of the Multicultural Center, especially in recruiting and retaining students. Brett expresses sensitivity and cultural background that allows him to better relate to, understand and help students. Personal and career counseling, academic advising, testing procedures, scholarships, diversity training, and high school recruiting are some of his major areas of responsibility. Originally from Mexico City, he welcomes Latinos and all other ethnic students. Brett is the advisor of the Latin American Club.
	Ken Sekaquaptewa, Counselor Ken was born in Arizona and is of Hopi Indian and Chinese ancestry. He earned a B. A. in English/Secondary Education and also did graduate work in Communications. He has 22 years of administrative staff experience in university Native American and Multicultural student programs and services. He was also editor of a weekly tribal newspaper and has experience in TV news production. His responsibilities in the Multicultural Center include academic advisement and counseling, tribal scholarship assistance, recruiting, multicultural programming, and he is also advisor for the Native Sun Club.
	Lucy Owens, Advisor Lucy Owens has been working here at UVSC for 10 years with dedicated service to the Multicultural Center. She graduated from UVSC with Associate of Applied Science degrees as a Legal Assistant, Legal Secretary, and Executive Assistant in April 1991, and is currently completing her bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies. She is now an advisor for the Multicultural Center students. Her responsibilities entail assisting prospective, new, transfer, undecided and continuing students with admissions, registrations, financial aid, scholarships, academic and educational programs, degrees, and other available resources. She has an open door policy to all students who need assistance academically and/or just wish to come in to her office and visit. Lucy is an advisor for the Polynesian Club and is from American Samoan.
	Jamie McFerren, Supervisor Jamie is a native of Northen California and is responsible for supervising the overall work flow of the Multicultural Center. This means taking care of office responsibilites internally, as well as making sure students, and the public at large, are receiving quality service. Jamie oversees our lobby/lounge and computer lab area and is also an advisor. Her passion is working with the students, and people in general. Jamie is currently in UVSC's Elementary Education program, completing her bachelor's degree. Jamie has 5 different nationalities and represents our rising "multicultural" student population.
	W. Barney Nye, Managing Director, Educational Opportunity Center Barney Nye earned a B.S. degree in Integrated Studies with emphases in English and Behavioral Science from UVSC, and comes to his position with extensive experience working in federal TRIO programs. Originally from Utah County, Barney credits the TRIO programs (of which EOC is a member) with much of his success today. He is among the first generation of his family to graduate from college and is dedicated to spreading the word that higher education is a possibility regardless of one's background. Barney's responsibilities include the entire management of the Educational Opportunity Center which helps 1,000 people annually from disadvantaged backgrounds throughout Utah County and Eastern Utah.
	Moana Havea-Angliau, Advisor, Educational Opportunity Center Moana Havea-Angilau is from the island kingdom of Tonga. She is currently completing a Bachelor's degree in Integrated Studies with emphases in Business Management and Behavioral Science.  Moana is currently the Advisor for the Educational Opportunity Center and assists by providing crucial enrollment, advisement, and financial aid assistance to students.  Moana also works for the Multicultural Center as a conference/event coordinator, focusing on multicultural programs held year-round.  As founder and Creative Director of the UVSC Polynesian Legacy Dance Company (whose primary objectives are education, promoting cultural awareness, and building partnerships with the community), she is a valuable asset to the success of the center.

The Multicultural staff actively participates in numerous local, state, national, and international conferences, and welcomes opportunities to present diversity programs to promote academic and community understanding. Contact us for information.