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Salt Lake Center News

Faculty and Staff Honored at Annual Conference

Jul 1, 2008

Utah State University Regional Campuses and Distance Education Annual conference was held March 27 and 28 in Salt Lake City at the USU Salt Lake Education Center. Several faculty, staff and university dignitaries were honored at the awards banquet program that was part of the conference.

President Stan L. Albrecht received the Outstanding Service Award. His vision of “one university, geographically dispersed, one faculty and one university curriculum” spurred creation of the Regional Campuses and Distance Education organizational structure. As a further display of support, President Albrecht declared 2006-07 the “Year of the Regional Campus” and made funding for regional campuses and university partnerships his highest priority with the Utah Legislature. His success in securing almost $5 million of ongoing funding will result in the hiring of approximately 40 new faculty members and rapid expansion of four-year and graduate degree programs throughout Utah.

Dr. Mary Hubbard, dean of the College of Science, received the RCDE Partnership Award. Since coming to USU in July 2007, Hubbard has played a significant role in establishing the position of curriculum coordinator to liaison between faculty at the regional campuses and the departments in Logan.

Dr. Bill Strong, director of academic program development, was the recipient of the Vice Provost Award. He has worked to assure that the academic rigor of on-campus programs will be translated into accessible programs around the state.

Vince Lafferty, an executive director of program development, also received the Vice Provost Award. His latest project has been working with the USU Social Work Program in developing a graduate program that meets the needs of the citizens of Utah.

Dr. Robert Behunin, recipient of the Friends of RCDE Award, currently serves as the advancement officer at the USU Uintah Basin Regional Campus and special assistant to the president for special projects, has been responsible for enabling significant growth in the Uintah Basin through fund-raising, alumni outreach, marketing, government relations and program and course development.

Dr. Rebecca Monhardt, recipient of the Innovative Practices Award, teaches several elementary education science methods courses and is known for sending boxes of science materials to her students in various locations throughout the state, allowing them to participate “live” in her lessons.

Dr. Pam Dupin-Bryant, recipient of the Instructor of the Year Award, teaches business courses and is located at the USU Tooele Regional Campus. She is able to adapt to the learning style of each of her students, clearly demonstrating real-life applications for new concepts.

Dr. David Law, Researcher of the Year, is an assistant professor located at the USU Uintah Basin Regional Campus. Findings from his research (focused on marriage and family relations) have been used by state and national lobbyists to support benefits for marriage and family therapy for private insurance companies and state and federal health care plans.

Steve Geyer, Advisor of the Year, has been advising and recruiting students to USU since spring 2001. He has been instrumental in helping students understand the value of higher education and has been supportive in making decisions that allow students to complete their degrees.

Aziele Jenson, recipient of the Program Development and Planning Award, runs the Little Brigham Aggies Early Care in Education Center at the USU Brigham City Regional Campus. She has developed this program from a drop-in center to a place that serves to educate a new generation, while helping the employees work toward obtaining a degree in Elementary or Early Childhood Education or a Child Development Certificate.

Janis Morales, business manager for Regional Campuses and Distance Education, received the Taggart/Ballard Award of Excellence. Her work with tuition and fees opened the door to online registration for distance education students across Utah.