USU Blanding Lecturer Named Department Lecturer of the Year

BLANDING, Utah — Clinton Behunin, a lecturer in the Communication Studies and Philosophy department at Utah State University Blanding, has been named the department’s Lecturer of the Year. Behunin, who has been a lecturer at USU Blanding since 2015, is now a finalist for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Lecturer of the Year award, which will be announced during the spring semester.

“We are so proud of Clint and the amazing work he does with students,” said Kristian Olsen, senior associate vice president for USU Blanding. “Clint’s teaching goes well beyond simply covering course material. He takes a student-centered approach to every lecture, creating a space where students not only understand the complexities of communication but also develop a true passion for it. His talent for inspiring, engaging, and connecting with students is exceptional.”

In his own words, Behunin was shocked and humbled to learn he had been nominated for the award. Winning the award came as an even bigger surprise, and he was grateful to see his work recognized by others in his department, most of whom work out of Logan.

“I’ve always flown pretty far below the radar and for someone to see my efforts and contributions all the way down here is extremely humbling and I’m very touched,” Behunin said. “I work alongside some of the most incredible academics I’ve ever met, and I can’t believe I get to swim in the same pond with them every day.”

Behunin, a southeastern Utah native, is grateful to make an impact on education in the place where he grew up. Being able to follow his passion is one of his greatest joys.

“I am extremely passionate about education and to have the opportunity to come back to my hometown and share my learnings from my own educational journey of life has been the most rewarding experience of my career,” he said. “I love my students. I have learned to gain their trust by meeting them where they are, accepting them at face value, and journeying alongside them as they pursue their academic goals.”

Behunin holds a master’s degree in corporate and organizational communication from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in ASL and English from Utah Valley University. In addition to his courses, Behunin is also a certified ASL interpreter and mentor and frequently presents at workshops for ASL interpreting.

Offering residential campus housing and dining, Utah State University Blanding gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all while providing award-winning education. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings in Business, Technical Trades and Health Professions, USU Blanding offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at blanding.usu.edu.