Largest Graduating Class for USU Moab
The highlight of each academic year is spring graduation. A lot of USU-Moab students are working adults with families, and earning a university degree represents a considerable achievement typically played out over many years of sacrifice, hard work, and true grit. Hearing their stories of hardship and triumph, and watching them celebrate with their friends and families at the conclusion of this long journey, is a moving experience. With new degrees are in hand, the graduates often experience new career opportunities in fields they are passionate about, or they make significant advancements at their current employment. They inspire their friends and families, make larger contributions to the local community, and prove education is the greatest gateway to opportunity.
USU-Moab’s graduating class in spring 2017 was the largest graduating class in the campus’ history. The 24 graduates earned associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of fields, including business administration, social work, recreation resource management, nursing, accounting, IT support and web development. Over the past decade, the number of degree programs offered have increased dramatically, now reaching over 50 degree programs. The number of local students has increased to nearly 150, and there are seven full-time faculty members. The concurrent enrollment program at the High School continues to grow. There are more scholarships available than ever before and student services have enhanced, such as advising, financial aid, registration, admissions, tutoring, student government, and activities. USU-Moab is poised to build it’s first building at a new campus site, nestled against the beautiful Moab Rim near the intersection of Hwy 191 and Mill Creek Drive.
Just as spring graduation represents a time of change in the lives of our students, I will also be transitioning into a new position at USU-Moab. After nearly 10 years in an administrative role, I will return to a full-time faculty position to help launch a new graduate program in public health, and also help coordinate a stackable credentials pathway leading from an entry level certificate as a nursing assistant, all the way through completion of a master’s degree in public health. It has been a tremendous privilege to be part of a team of dedicated staff and faculty members who have helped USU-Moab grow and thrive. I look forward to being part of that same team going forward.
In addition to our dedicated students and our hard-working faculty and staff, USU-Moab’s success hinges on the tremendous local support we have received. Local businesses have created numerous scholarships for local students, Moab City and Grand County have invested infrastructure to support the development of the new campus, and our partnership with Grand County School District has thrived over the years.
As I see the tears fall from students’ eyes as they receive their diplomas, hear the shouts of congratulation as they walk across the stage, and witness the many hugs of support they receive throughout the evening, I feel deep gratitude to be part of a community that has created a thriving higher education center that has allowed students to grow, develop, and move forward with their lives in wonderful ways. I am even more grateful that I will continue to be part of this amazing process as USU-Moab looks forward to greater days in the future.
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