Reasonably Optimistic Charlie Kirk was killed on her campus. This is what happened next.
Dec 24, 2025
Astrid Tuminez, President of Utah Valley University and a former corporate executive, shares her experience leading her campus after the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk. She discusses the importance of faith, community, and core values in fostering resilience. Tuminez emphasizes the need for safe spaces for dialogue, highlights student initiatives promoting tolerance, and reflects on her journey as an immigrant. Her insights on leadership and coping with grief offer valuable lessons for others in similar positions.
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Prioritize Safety And Visible Care
- Prioritize immediate safety and exceptional care after campus violence to stabilize the community.
- Restore services, offer free counseling, and create visible support stations to help people return to campus life.
Learning The News In Transit
- Astrid Tuminez learned of the shooting while traveling and prayed in an airport interfaith chapel.
- She immediately coordinated by phone and flew back to lead the campus response.
Core Values Strengthen Campus Tolerance
- Defining core values (care, accountability, results) helps bind diverse campus views into civic norms.
- Allowing organic expression increased tolerance and reduced shouting-down after the tragedy.