--- title: "Celebrating Excellence: UAT's 2026 Valedictorian Preston Chapman" description: Meet Preston Chapman, UAT’s 2026 Valedictorian, and learn how his double major helped shape his success in technology. image: https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/UAT-159.jpg --- [![image-26](https://www.uattech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing/Logos/image-26.png?width=99&name=image-26.png "image-26")](https://www.uat.edu/) ** - [Home](https://www.uattech.com) - [Majors](http://www.uat.edu/advancing-technology-degrees) - [About UAT](https://www.uat.edu/about-uat) - [Request More Information](https://www.uat.edu/request-info) [![Take a Virtual, Interactive Tour ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3455363/92ff0e66-7821-430b-88c3-a32c82c5bda2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3455363/92ff0e66-7821-430b-88c3-a32c82c5bda2) # University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog ALL CATEGORIES - [all Categories](https://www.uattech.com) - [ Advancing Computer Science ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/advancing-computer-science) - [ Advertising Art ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/advertising-art) - [ Artificial Intelligence ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/artificial-intelligence) - [ Business Technology ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/business-technology) - [ Cyber Security ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/cyber-security) - [ Data Science ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/data-science) - [ Digital Maker and Fabrication ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/digital-maker-and-fabrication) - [ Digital Marketing ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/digital-marketing) - [ Digital Video ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/digital-video) - [ Game Studies ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/game-studies) - [ Human Computer Interaction ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/human-computer-interaction) - [ Robotics and Embedded Systems ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/robotics-and-embedded-sytems) - [ Software Engineering ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/software-engineering) - [ Virtual Reality ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/virtual-reality) - [ Alumni ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/alumni) - [ Behind the Bits Magazine ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/behind-the-bits) - [ Career and Work ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/career-and-work) - [ Competitions ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/competitions) - [ Events ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/events) - [ Geek411 Magazine ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/geek-411) - [ Graduate Studies ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/graduate-studies) - [ Military ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/military) - [ People, Places and Things ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/people-places-and-things) - [ Perimeter83 ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/Perimeter83) - [ Student Innovation Project (SIP) ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/student-innovation-project) - [ Student Work ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/student-work) - [ Technology News ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/technology-news) - [ UAT Life ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/UAT-life) - [ UAT News ](https://www.uattech.com/tag/UAT-news) [Advancing Computer Science](https://www.uattech.com/tag/advancing-computer-science), [UAT News](https://www.uattech.com/tag/uat-news), [Valedictorian](https://www.uattech.com/tag/valedictorian), [Commencement](https://www.uattech.com/tag/commencement), [Network Engineering](https://www.uattech.com/tag/network-engineering)   |   6 Min Read ## Celebrating Excellence: UAT's 2026 Valedictorian Preston Chapman ![Picture of Katy Toerner](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/Professional%20Pictures%20-%20Fabcom/KatyT_personality.jpg) [ Written by Katy Toerner ](https://www.uattech.com/author/katy-toerner) At [University of Advancing Technology](https://www.uat.edu) (UAT), innovation, creativity and determination are at the heart of every student journey. This year, UAT is proud to recognize [Preston Chapman](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCFP3Np1OkM&t=18s) as the 2026 Valedictorian, honoring his hard work, academic excellence and dedication throughout his time at the university. When he was notified of this recognition for this year's [Commencement](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU7Z6hEOnGg&t=3s) ceremony, Preston said "It was a lot of emotions, I'm accepting it with great honor. It's something I'm happy to have but it wasn't something I was expecting." Since coming to UAT in the Fall of 2023, Preston pursued a double major in [Advancing Computer Science](https://www.uat.edu/computer-science-degree) and [Network Engineering](https://www.uat.edu/network-engineering-degree), demonstrating both technical skill and a passion for solving complex challenges. Throughout his time at UAT, he consistently pushed himself to grow as a student, innovator and leader while balancing the demands of two rigorous degree programs. He was not only a leader in the classroom but also on campus, working as a computer science tutor helping his fellow students when they needed it. Assistant Director of Student Services [Ashley Fuentes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBLSDi3ThhI) said "Preston is reliable, supportive, and genuinely cares about the success of others." ![078A0681-2](https://www.uattech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/078A0681-2.jpg?width=450&height=300&name=078A0681-2.jpg) Earning the title of Valedictorian reflects not only Preston’s academic achievements, but also his perseverance and drive to innovate. Faculty and fellow students alike recognize him for his positive attitude, leadership and willingness to support those around him. [Professor Rae Crusoe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja3627rNf6I) highlighted Preston, saying "Preston was a joy to have in my classes! He always came to class ready to learn and explore ways to make his programs better. I can't think of an assignment where he did not add something above and beyond the requirements to truly embrace the role of software engineer. Preston was always willing to help other students both in class and as a tutor." As he begins the next chapter of his journey, Preston represents the future of the tech industry — creative, motivated and ready to make an impact. On UAT's [Tech Respect Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/6CN0ZAVisT18seDS15YLH6), when asked what's next for him, Preston said "I know I have a lot of options which is why I went with a double major, I wanted to give myself as many options as I can. I'm working on my website and getting my portfolio and LinkedIn page up to date. Then start applying in the next few weeks." Congratulations to Preston on this incredible achievement and for leading the Class of 2026 with excellence. Everyone at UAT looks forward to seeing all that he accomplishes in the years ahead. Ready to innovate, create and lead? Explore what makes the UAT student experience unique. [Learn More](https://www.uat.edu/request-info) today! - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman&title=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman&picture=https://3455363.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3455363/UAT-159.jpg&description=Meet%20Preston%20Chapman,%20UAT’s%202026%20Valedictorian,%20and%20learn%20how%20his%20double%20major%20helped%20shape%20his%20success%20in%20technology.) - [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman&text=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman) - [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman&title=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman&summary=Meet%20Preston%20Chapman,%20UAT’s%202026%20Valedictorian,%20and%20learn%20how%20his%20double%20major%20helped%20shape%20his%20success%20in%20technology.) - [** ](mailto:?subject=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman&body=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman%20https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman) ### Don't forget to share this post! - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman&title=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman&picture=https://3455363.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/3455363/UAT-159.jpg&description=Meet%20Preston%20Chapman,%20UAT’s%202026%20Valedictorian,%20and%20learn%20how%20his%20double%20major%20helped%20shape%20his%20success%20in%20technology.) - [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman&text=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman) - [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman&title=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman&summary=Meet%20Preston%20Chapman,%20UAT’s%202026%20Valedictorian,%20and%20learn%20how%20his%20double%20major%20helped%20shape%20his%20success%20in%20technology.) - [** ](mailto:?subject=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman&body=Celebrating%20Excellence:%20UAT's%202026%20Valedictorian%20Preston%20Chapman%20https://www.uattech.com/celebrating-excellence-uats-2026-valedictorian-preston-chapman) ### Comment ## Related Articles [Cyber Security](https://www.uattech.com/tag/cyber-security) [UAT News](https://www.uattech.com/tag/uat-news) ### [Top Arizona Cybersecurity University Hosts FBI Cyber Academy for Second Consecutive Year](https://www.uattech.com/top-arizona-cybersecurity-university-hosts-fbi-cyber-academy-for-second-consecutive-year) [![Picture of UAT Staff Writer](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/UATTECH-AUTHOR-LOGO.png) UAT Staff Writer ](https://www.uattech.com/author/uat-staff-writer) 6 Min Read [Advancing Computer Science](https://www.uattech.com/tag/advancing-computer-science) [UAT](https://www.uattech.com/tag/uat) ### [Women in Engineering Spotlight: UAT Computer Science Professor Rae Crusoe](https://www.uattech.com/women-in-engineering-spotlight-uat-computer-science-professor-rae-crusoe) Each year on June 23, International Women in Engineering Day celebrates the women who are driving innovation and shaping the future through technology. At University of Advancing Technology (UAT), ... [![Picture of Katy Toerner](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/Professional%20Pictures%20-%20Fabcom/KatyT_personality.jpg) Katy Toerner ](https://www.uattech.com/author/katy-toerner) 6 Min Read [UAT News](https://www.uattech.com/tag/uat-news) [SIP](https://www.uattech.com/tag/sip) ### [National Higher Education Day: Why Learning Never Stops](https://www.uattech.com/national-higher-education-day-why-learning-never-stops) On National Higher Education Day, we celebrate the transformative power of education and the people dedicated to helping students grow, innovate, and succeed. In a recent episode of Tech Respect, ... [![Picture of Katy Toerner](https://www.uattech.com/hubfs/Professional%20Pictures%20-%20Fabcom/KatyT_personality.jpg) Katy Toerner ](https://www.uattech.com/author/katy-toerner) 6 Min Read [![UAT-Logo-new](https://www.uattech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos,%20Buttons,%20Icons%20(Non%20UAT)/UAT-Logo-new.jpg?width=151&name=UAT-Logo-new.jpg "UAT-Logo-new")](https://www.uat.edu/) UAT Tech is a blog by the University of Advancing Technology - [** ](https://www.instagram.com/uatedu) - [** ](https://twitter.com/uatedu) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/uatedu) - [** ](https://www.youtube.com/user/UATProductions) Want More? - [Learn More About UAT](https://www.uat.edu/request-info) - [Apply Now](https://uatfastapp.com/) - [Student Life Blog](https://blog.uat.edu/) Contact Us **Email: [ admissions@uat.edu ](mailto:admissions@uat.edu) **Phone: [ +1 800-658-5744 ](tel:+1%20800-658-5744) **Address: 2625 W Baseline Rd, Tempe, AZ 85283 Copyright @ 2026.The University of Advancing Technology.