The Office of Orientation & Transition Enrollment Management

Desh is currently serving as an Assistant Director for the Office of Orientation & Transition. Originally from Lancaster, Virginia Desh attended Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, LA to obtain a Bachelor’s in Sport Administration and a Master’s in Public Administration before joining the orientation team at the U. Working across the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management student success and retention efforts have become a passion area for Desh. Developing social and academic programs for students has sparked a love for advising students and student groups by developing their leadership skills. When not serving the students of the U Desh enjoys giving back to his community and staying up to date on the latest entertainment news. Desh is excited to create a warm and welcoming environment for new students and families at the University of Utah!

Program Oversight

• Utah Bound Orientation (First-Year and Transfer Students)
• Orientation Leaders

Emma Cate serves as an Assistant Director for the Office of Orientation & Transition. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, Emma Cate obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as A Second Language at Union University in the west side of the state. During her time as a student, Emma Cate held leadership roles for various New Student Programs which led her to pursue a career in Higher Education. She is passionate about serving incoming students, families, and supporters during the transition to the university setting and is eager to help college students get plugged in on campus and find their community. Emma Cate is excited to be living and working in Utah and can’t wait to use her time outside of the office to continue exploring more of the state’s natural beauty.

Program Oversight

• Utah Bound Orientation (Guests)
• Summer Send Off
• Weeks of Welcome Events

Khayla is an Orientation Coordinator on the Student Leadership Team, born and raised in Utah, and a current student at the University of Utah pursuing degrees in Health, Society & Policy and Anthropology with minors in Biology and Chemistry. A former Orientation Leader, she continues to grow her passion for leadership and mentorship. Her long-term goal is to become a professor in higher education, aiming to bridge research and policy, with the ultimate dream of serving on the President's Cabinet at the University of Utah

Callie is a Business Administration and Accounting student, Callie serves as an Orientation Coordinator on the Student Leadership Team, helping the Office of Orientation & Transition welcome new students to the University of Utah. Originally from Missouri, her family moved to Utah during her youth. Through hard work and dedication, she earned her Associate of Science degree from Utah Valley University during high school. Passionate about service and community engagement, Callie spent four years on the Mapleton Youth City Council and now volunteers weekly at the Feed U Pantry. She is part of the Goff Strategic Leadership Institute, Business Scholars, and Opportunity Scholars programs. She aims to launch her own business through the Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, photography, rockhounding, and watching the original Scooby-Doo series.

My name is Braxen Wright, I am currently a sophomore at the University of Utah. I am a disciplined and ambitious finance student with a dedication in pursuing future success. I have a strong passion for my physical and emotional health. Being both physically and emotionally healthy contributes heavily to one's success and happiness.

My name is Holly and I am a determined freshman at the U pursuing my passion for Entrepreneurship. I am from Portland, Oregon and Hailey, Idaho. My heart lies in helping others, and I am beyond thrilled to be an active member of the orientation team, guiding students into their exciting university journey.

Hi! My name is Simone and I am currently a Sophomore at the University of Utah. I am majoring in Communication with an emphasis in Journalism and Ethnic Studies. I love writing poetry. I am an aspiring journalist and community organizer. Building and sustaining community is one of the biggest things I plan to continue working on at the University of Utah in all of my roles.

Hi! My name is Elsa, and I am a junior studying Urban Ecology and Planning. I love being active outdoors, making art, and thrifting vintage treasures. I grew up all over the country so I can't wait to explore what else life has to offer!