USU-UB Graduate Leverages Education & Experience to Land Dream Job

Years ago, Sylvia Wilkins had plans to move out of the Basin, get a college degree from a different university that we don’t dare name, and begin a life-long, rewarding career. Then she married Blake Wilkins, a die-hard, blue-bleeding, Utah State University (USU) graduate who comes from a long line of Aggie fans.

“When you marry into a USU family, becoming an Aggie is inevitable,” joked Wilkins. “Blake encouraged me to continue working in the Basin and go to school at USU-Uintah Basin (USU-UB). Looking back, I’m glad I did.”

Wilkins’ education at USU-UB paid off. Her two bachelor’s degrees in business administration and economics, along with her professional experience in the travel and tourism office, were paramount in her becoming Economic Development Director for Uintah County.

The business administration and economics degrees were the perfect duo in preparing Wilkins for her new job. “Thanks to my education I am better able to help businesses that are coming to the Basin and startups that are trying to grow,” said Wilkins. “I can answer their questions, grow relationships, and help administer tax credits where necessary to promote growth. A big push for us now is diversifying our economy, through fields like technology, education, and recreation.”

USU regional campuses and centers provides quality college education to rural areas, like the Uintah Basin, that you normally can only find in bigger towns or cities. “My education helped me get a job doing what I love,” said Wilkins. “I get to help the local economy by connecting with locals and helping them solve problems. Although college was difficult, I was working full time, it was worth it because it has put me in a good place to be able to do what I want. My education has opened up more opportunities that were otherwise out of reach.”

The flexibility of the USU-UB campus and her employers, Zion’s Bank and Uintah County, made it possible to work full time and work on her college degrees. Many of the classes were ran via a live broadcast, but Wilkins said that she didn’t feel “left out” despite not being in the physical classroom. Thanks to video conferencing, she was able to schedule one-on-one meetings with her professors as needed.

As the new Economic Development Director and as a USU graduate, Wilkins is able to see first-hand the economic impact USU has on local communities. “Utah State makes it more advantageous for companies to come to the Basin. Any time a business needs training or specialty degrees, USU and the UBATC are able to provide the certifications and degrees necessary,” said Wilkins. “In turn, it gives graduates, like myself, more reason to stay here.”