Meet USU Southwest's New Director of Students

Utah State University Southwest has named Spencer Kohler as the director of students. Kohler will oversee student services for 12 locations including Beaver, Bicknell, Cedar City, Delta, Ephraim, Junction, Kanab, Milford, Nephi, Panguitch, Richfield, and St. George. He will begin touring USU Southwest, visiting all of the locations to assess their needs and determine how to better unite them.

Kohler, a Southwest Aggie alum, has lived in Southern Utah for 20 years and received his college education thanks to USU’s statewide system. He understands first-hand the importance of being able to receive an education after high school without having to relocate.

His previous experience at Southern Utah University as the assistant director of Upward Bound, a program helping disadvantaged high school youth get into college, has helped him gain vital skills that will be of use to students attending USU Southwest. “Education is the key to a better life, richer community and stronger state,” said Kohler. “Working for USU Southwest gives me an opportunity to help students get the education they need while living where they want. I faced a similar dilemma living in the Southwest, and USU was the answer.”

When Kohler isn’t busy having Disney-music dance parties with his wife and four kids, he works to ensure USU Southwest students are getting the help they need to earn a college degree. Higher education is becoming more of a priority to local communities throughout the Southwest, and Kohler believes this is vital for the region. “USU is working hard to better serve students in rural Utah, and I am excited to help grow USU and make sure everyone has access to higher education. It’s important that students can get the education they need without having to leave their communities.”

Some of Kohler’s main initiatives as the director of students is making sure USU Southwest connects to locals through social media, coming up with solutions for the personal needs of each student, and helping enrollments grow. When Kohler was a USU Southwest student, at times it was difficult to feel connected to other Aggies. “I really want students to feel they are a part of USU. I am excited to help students feel Aggie pride in the Southwest.”

He will also work with Assistant Executive Director, Nancy Glomb, in partnering with other institutions to provide additional programming in areas of need. Glomb has made large strides developing partnerships with Dixie State University, Southwest Technical College and Southern Utah University to fill gaps in education based on community needs.