Yes, Utah County is full of blue blood.

But in the last 10 years, some of that spirit has transferred as Utah Valley University transformed from a state college to the now-largest university in Utah.

The driving force behind this surging growth and school spirit? Matthew Holland.

As we approach the final days of Holland’s tenure as UVU’s president, we felt it important to note all he was able to impact and influence in his time as not only the school’s leader but also the valley’s leader.

This is not to say that this time at UVU was not filled with its fair share of issues and problems. But was the university and Utah Valley better for his influence during it? Most definitely.

In Holland’s time at UVU, we’ve witnessed unprecedented growth: new school buildings, an arts center fundraised and constructed, a center for autism, support of women’s issues and education, the introduction of a soccer team (we understand where football loyalties lie) and dozens of new degrees and certifications.

But for all the competitiveness with Brigham Young University in the next town over, it speaks greatly to Holland’s ability to convey UVU’s mission and his love of the education happening there that some of UVU’s biggest donors and supporters were not even UVU graduates and alumni (Many are from BYU!). But, despite the fact they do not call it their alma mater, they have caught on to Holland’s vision of what UVU can be — and will be — and they want to be a part of that exciting journey.

Holland’s leadership, coupled with other university staff’s efforts, has brought worldwide attention to UVU and Utah County for its dedication to a dual-mission model.

Because of him, the desire for youth to obtain higher education has never been an elite, exclusionary process. It has been about innovative ways to provide educational opportunities to a wider swath of our population.

We think this is best illustrated through Bradley Jonothon Andrews, former student body president, who spoke in the university’s 2014 graduation ceremony, and also suffered from dyslexia. He spoke to fellow students, saying that UVU gave him the opportunity to succeed.

“It was the only place that would accept me for my abilities and give me the best chance to become the best me,” Andrews said. “Here, there are opportunities for everyone.”

No one can refute the fact that Holland was about the individual student, and that has trickled down throughout the university and community.

Holland’s passion for education has resulted in more of our Utah County population entering the workforce with skills and necessary knowledge to fill growing job opportunities, whether that’s with a certificate, an associate degree, bachelor’s or master’s.

Because of his genuine goodwill and passion, as well as his family’s, others have likewise adopted that passion for UVU.

In nearly 10 years, Holland has allowed many of us to feel that kindred spirit with the school — once an underdog and burgeoning school and now a full-blown institution influencing the community more than almost any other institution.

If only we could all pursue our purposes with such energy and persistence and thoroughness and creativity.