Biography
Biography
Reid Prentice
BOARD CHAIR
Board Chair
Executive CommitteeField Engineering & Applications Management
Parent and Alumni Parent
My family and I were drawn to Salt Lake Arts Academy because we wanted our children to experience an education where the arts are not simply an elective, but a foundational part of learning. Our connection to the school spans many years and has been deeply meaningful for our family. Our son graduated from SLArts in 2024, and our daughter is currently a sixth-grade student.
My wife left a corporate retail career to pursue a graduate degree in arts education and has dedicated her professional life to integrating the arts into school curricula. Her work has spanned schools on the East Coast as well as private and public schools throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Watching the impact of arts-integrated education firsthand reinforced our desire for our children to learn in an environment where creativity and artistic expression are woven into every aspect of their education.
While my academic and professional background is rooted in STEM, with undergraduate degrees in Molecular Biology and Chemistry and graduate degrees in Genetics, I strongly believe in the value of STEAM education. Integrating the arts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics cultivates creativity, critical thinking, and innovation in ways that traditional STEM instruction alone cannot. Throughout my career, many of the most talented scientists I have worked alongside were also passionate artists. I believe that arts education teaches students how to connect ideas, approach problems thoughtfully, refine solutions through iteration, and ultimately bring their ideas to life. These are skills that serve students well in every aspect of their academic, professional, and personal lives.
I have seen how SLArts develops thoughtful, independent learners who are academically prepared, socially confident, and ready to embrace meaningful challenges. I am honored by the opportunity to give back to a school community that has had such a positive impact on my family. Through service on the Governing Board, I look forward to supporting the school’s mission and helping ensure that students continue to thrive in both their artistic and academic pursuits.
Please feel free to reach out by email if you would like to connect, learn more about the Governing Board, or explore opportunities for involvement and service.