Sandra Merrill Covey is passionate about the arts and participated in them from a young age. While a 17-year-old high school student, she joined the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and toured Europe. On a stop in Great Britain, Sandra was introduced to the liaison for the choir, one Stephen R. Covey.

As children became part of the newly formed Covey family, Sandra put her own performing career on hold to make time to share her love of the arts with her children (which would eventually include nine children).

Sandra’s life includes many diverse roles. She is a frequent speaker at BYU’s Education Week, a member of the BYU President’s Council, a participant in political causes and a member of the Provo Arts Council. Her writing resume includes articles for LDS Church magazines, manuals, skits and plays. Sandra spent two years co-writing The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, and is listed as an author in the foreword.

Her positive attitude and excitement for people, places, ideas and arts have shaped a life filled with passion, fun, humor, love and sharing. As Chair of the fund-raising committee for the Covey Center for the Arts, Sandra devoted endless time and energy toward making this long-awaited dream come true. Her determination and focus have provided a beautiful new center that will serve and benefit the entire community.

Sandra Covey recently said, “The arts enrich your life. You can have a terrible or dull day, and then you can see a wonderful performance or study a painting and come away on a high.”

The Covey Center for the Arts was named in honor of Sandra Merrill Covey on August 23, 2007.