The Nucleus Institute Appoints Val Peterson as Board Chair

Brigadier General, Utah legislator, and UVU executive brings cross-sector leadership to Utah’s statewide innovation organization

The Nucleus Institute today announced the appointment of Val Peterson as Chair of its Board of Directors. Peterson brings a rare combination of military, academic, legislative, and innovation district experience to the role, having served simultaneously as a Utah House Representative, Brigadier General in the Utah National Guard, and Vice President of Administration and Strategic Relations at Utah Valley University.

Peterson’s connection to Utah’s innovation infrastructure runs deep. He has been involved with Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park at Hill Air Force Base and has spent his career at the intersection of public policy, higher education, and strategic growth, precisely the ground Nucleus Institute operates on.

“The Nucleus Institute is building something Utah has needed for a long time: a permanent, connected infrastructure for innovation that reaches every corner of the state. I’m honored to serve as Board Chair and committed to making sure that work continues to move at the speed Utah deserves.”

— Val Peterson, Board Chair, The Nucleus Institute

“Val’s background is uniquely suited to where Nucleus is headed. He understands universities, policy, defense, and regional innovation ecosystems in a way very few people do. Having him lead our board at this stage of our growth is a tremendous asset for the organization and for Utah.”

— Jefferson Moss, CEO, The Nucleus Institute