Rick Atkin is co-founder and CEO of Trula, a virtual behavioral health company dedicated to supporting college students through innovative peer wellness coaching, teletherapy, and neuropsychological services. A native of St. George and descendant of Southern Utah pioneers, Rick’s connection to the region runs deep — his parents attended Dixie College, and he began his own higher education journey at Dixie State University. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting from BYU and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Rick has spent the past two decades launching products and leading mission-driven organizations across six continents. His current work focuses on the intersection of mental health, education, and innovation. A committed public servant, Rick currently chairs the St. George Historic Preservation Commission; co-founded the Dixie Days heritage festival with his dad, Ralph, and Mayor Michele Randall; and founding board member of Southern Utah’s startup network, ScaleSTG.
As a Trustee, Rick brings strategic leadership, entrepreneurial insight, and a passion for Utah Tech’s polytechnic mission. He believes higher education is central to both economic mobility and community development — and sees Utah Tech’s success as inseparable from the future of the region he’s proud to call home.