When Elaine Newton took her first role at the University of Utah in the Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO), she didn’t expect it would eventually lead her to the McCluskey Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP). But it was in that position—educating individuals about allegations of sexual misconduct and discrimination—that she first discovered the transformative work being done at MCVP and began working with them regularly.

“I learned about MCVP through the lens of my work,” said Newton. “It was such a huge help, right off the bat, to have research and perspective coming from students. We quickly found ways to collaborate—where I could share what we were seeing on campus and the students could provide support in those educational efforts.”

Currently serving as co-director with the center’s inaugural director Chris Linder, Newton will officially step into her role as the new director of MCVP as of May 15, bringing with her a deep background in adult education and a passion for creating learning partnerships grounded in respect and shared expertise.

“I’ve been an adult educator my entire professional life,” she said. “Whether in nonprofit or corporate spaces, I’ve always tried to create environments where adults feel empowered in their learning. That’s part of what drew me to MCVP—the philosophy that both the learner and the educator have expertise to bring to the table.”

Linder will maintain her role as special advisor on Interpersonal Violence to President Randall.

A vision for growth through collaboration

Newton’s appointment marks a new chapter for MCVP. As the center’s first full-time director, she’s excited to build on a strong foundation and help bring long-envisioned projects to life.

“I think a lot of dreaming has already happened here,” said Newton. “Now we have more time and capacity to bring those dreams into action.”

One of her key goals is deepening collaboration with campus partners—like the Center for Campus Wellness and University of Utah Police—to create bridges between prevention and response. “MCVP is rooted in primary prevention, but we’re always asking, ‘Where can we connect to bring primary prevention to new spaces?’”

She’s particularly interested in exploring new methods for early, one-on-one educational interventions—supporting individuals who may have caused harm in ways that promote reflection and change before harm escalates. “That kind of work really aligns with my background,” she said. “It’s not about taking over anyone’s role, but asking how MCVP can support learning that helps stop harm from continuing.”

Amplifying student voices: One episode at a time

Among the tools Newton is most excited to champion is MCVP’s podcast, The New Consent Narrative. It’s a resource she frequently used during her time at OEO to help spark meaningful conversations with students.

“I’d assign an episode and say, ‘Let’s come back and talk about how this connects to your values, to policy, to the conversation we’re having today,’” she recalled. “It was a way to ground those conversations in real, student-centered experiences.”

Now, she’s had the chance to appear on the most recent episode of the podcast herself—discussing primary prevention, the nuance of working with individuals who’ve caused harm and how to create spaces where education and accountability can coexist. “It’s complex work,” said Newton, “but it’s vital. And the podcast makes it accessible in a way that’s thoughtful and empowering.”

A message for students: You belong here

With summer collaborations already in motion, Newton is looking ahead to fall—when students return and the campus comes alive. Her message to the student body is clear: MCVP is a place for everyone.

“We really want students to feel like they can be part of this work,” she continued. “Sometimes prevention work can feel intimidating, especially if we ask people to reflect on the idea that anyone has the capacity to cause harm. But we want to take the fear out of that conversation and show that by being here, by being curious, by being willing to wrestle with hard questions, you’re already part of the solution.”

Campaigns like “You May Have Caused Harm If…” will return this fall, sparking short, reflective learning moments through posters and social media. MCVP’s Instagram will also continue to be a repository for bite-sized educational content—a recognition that not everyone has time for a full workshop, but many are willing to engage in small, consistent steps.

“We’re trying to meet people where they are,” Newton explained. “Whether it’s through a class visit, a podcast or a 30-second Instagram reel, we want to offer entry points that are accessible and affirming.”

Outside the office: Paddleboards, paintbrushes and the Red Rocks

When she’s not dreaming up new ways to connect with students or working across departments, Newton can be found paddleboarding Utah’s scenic lakes or painting with watercolors—a hobby she took up a few years ago.

And on Red Rocks gymnastics meet days, you’ll almost certainly find her cheering from the stands as a devoted fan of the team. “I did gymnastics as a kid,” she laughed. “And even though I didn’t stick with it, I’ve been going to meets every season since I moved here. Someone told me I had to go, and they were absolutely right—it’s electric!”

Originally from Louisiana, Newton came to Utah for a job opportunity and found not just a career path, but a community. “Each role I’ve had here has helped me grow into this one,” she reflected. “And I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a center—and a campus—that shares my vision for education, empowerment and prevention.”