Anne E. O'Brien

Executive Associate Dean, Continuing Education and Community Engagement

Anne is the leader of Continuing Education and Community Engagement. Prior to joining the U, her professional experience was in the hi-tech sector holding positions in management and executive leadership at companies such as Oracle, Novell, and a variety of start-ups. As a leader, Anne enjoys focusing on creative collaborations across campus, the three sectors, and the community. Her baccalaureate degree is from Northeastern University and she holds her MPA from the University of Utah. Anne hails from the east coast, but her heart is here in the deserts and mountains of the west where she is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She also treasures artisan chocolate and a good glass of wine.

Lauren Andersen

Personal Enrichment and Osher Lifelong Learning

Lauren is the Senior Director of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, Lifelong Learning and Go Learn; our programs that make sure you are always learning at the University of Utah. Lauren received her J.D. from Gonzaga University, has worked in local government, fundraised for the Goddard School of Business & Economics and found that her favorite job is overseeing the lifelong learning offerings at the U.

When she is not sitting in on a history class, learning more about our latest trip to Australia, or stretching her actual muscles in a yoga class, Lauren enjoys hiking, road biking and the occasional half marathon.

Korrin Ebira

English Language Institute

At the ELI, Korrin held every position from Short-Term Course Instructor to Director. She uses this varied experience to help her oversee the different programs available at the ELI.

Korrin earned her B.A. in Theoretical Linguistics and her M.A. in Applied Linguistics at the U of U. She is very happy to be working for the university she loves!

Korrin loves adventure and her greatest passion is to travel. Her favorite place in the world, so far, is at the top of Mount Misen on the island of Miyajima in Japan. She often “sets sail” with her two sons who share her same love for adventure. When not traveling, she is known to head out to catch a photo of a Utah sunset or newly-fallen snow as all this beauty is within close proximity to the U’s campus.

James Elder

Information Systems & Technology

James is the director of Information Systems & Technology. James is passionate about the role of technology and data in higher education which explains his 20+ years here at the U. If Jodi is the self-proclaimed cheerleader, James is the self-proclaimed realist.

When not learning about current technology trends, you will find him either on his drum kit or spoiling his nieces in Disneyland!

Jodi Emery

Marketing and Communications

While her title reads marketing and communication, Jodi’s primary job is to bring energy and honesty to work. Self-described as the office cheerleader, she takes pride in being a participator.

Jodi has a varied work history, starting as a 12-year old working in a local ski shop. She worked as a cook, nanny, and a valet parking manager through college. Jodi completed a BA, MPA, and doctoral coursework in Communication at the U. Her marketing career has included brine shrimp, an international humanitarian nonprofit, coffee, public radio, and now the University of Utah where she has been for nine years.

Outside of work Jodi is a serial home remodeler, loves to visit new national parks with her family in their Airstream, and takes advantage of the nearby mountains with skis, bikes, and her hiking shoes.

Nate Friedman

University Pathways

From Camp Counselor, to Director of Youth Protection, to Senior Director of University Pathways, Nate has done it all in Continuing Ed. He has devoted his entire professional career to inspiring others to pursue education. With a B.S. and MPA from the University of Utah, he understands the educational value of this institution. His vision is that everyone, regardless of background or place in life, sees the U as accessible and knows that a degree is achievable.

When Nate is not at his desk, he is out enjoying life and learning new things. He may be skiing with his two boys, riding a mountain bike with his wife, or cooking dinner with family.

Anya Petersen-Frey

Finance and Operations

Anya Petersen-Frey was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in New Jersey and Georgia. She is a nomad who has lived in 10 states (including Alaska) and traveled in several countries but is happy to call Utah her forever home as she continues to explore the world. She loves to learn and stays current on new technologies and trends in the marketplace. Along the way she has completed her MBA, doctoral coursework in business, and holds various certifications. In her spare time Anya loves to play outside hiking and biking in our beautiful state.