Faculty and students from the University of Utah’s Physician Assistant Program recently delivered a donated painting to the Ute Indian Tribe Head Start program in Fort Duchesne, Utah. The artwork—created by Don Pedersen, PA-C, Ph.D., longtime PA educator and former program leader—now hangs proudly in the Ute Head Start center.

The painting was gifted as a gesture of respect and appreciation for the ongoing partnership between the PA Program and the Ute Indian Tribe community. It is a painting from a photograph of Chief White Crow of the Ute Indian Tribe, circa 1902, that is archived at the Library of Congress.

Through regular volunteer activities with Head Start for over a decade, PA students support health education and wellness efforts for children and families while gaining valuable experience in rural and Indigenous community engagement. The project has been collaborative with dental hygiene students and faculty as well.

This donation reflects the program’s continued commitment to culturally grounded service-learning and to strengthening connections with tribal partners across Utah. Students and faculty were honored to present Pedersen’s artwork during a recent visit and to spend time with Head Start staff and children doing physical exams.

The PA Program looks forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration with the Ute Indian Tribe and deeply values the opportunity to learn, serve and build lasting relationships.