USU Uintah Basin Faculty Member Named English Department Adjunct Teacher of the Year

VERNAL, Utah — Steven Merrell, adjunct instructor in the Department of English, has been named as the 2024 Department of English Adjunct Teacher of the Year. Merrell is an adjunct instructor in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at USU Uintah Basin.

“Steven is a deserving recipient of this award,” said David Law, interim associate vice president for USU Uintah Basin. “He works hard to provide our students with quality instruction. He has been an excellent adjunct teacher in the Department of English, and he is very deserving of this accolade.”

Merrell is a USU graduate and a Vernal native. He graduated from Uintah High School in 2011 and later went on to attend USU Uintah Basin, earning a double bachelor’s degree in English and history, with an emphasis in education and a minor in folklore studies. He continued on to Logan to earn a master’s degree in American studies and folklore — specializing in folklore, graduating in spring 2022.

While earning his master’s degree, Merrell worked as a graduate instructor, teaching English 1010 and 2010 at the USU Logan campus. After earning his master’s degree, he was hired as an adjunct instructor at USU Uintah Basin. He was caught by surprise in learning he had received this award.

“I must confess that I was a little surprised when I was congratulated by Professor Alan Blackstock because I had not been informed of my nomination and selection at that time. I later received the official congratulatory announcement email from USU,” Merrell said. “I admit that I work diligently at making my class and curriculum the most beneficial that I can for my students and their success not only for my class(es) but for their other classes and their future lives as well. Teaching comes very naturally to me. I do not profess to have a perfect or golden way of teaching; but, I am indeed appreciative and thankful to be nominated, selected, and awarded this great honor.”

Having earned his bachelor’s degree from USU Uintah Basin, Merrell refers to the campus as his “second home.” He recalled the many people on the campus helping him along his journey. He hopes to do the same for his students.

“When I began my educational journey, the campus, staff, faculty, and administration were all very helpful in getting me started, and they continued to support me throughout my programs. I would like to also mention the support of my family and friends outside of the university that helped and encouraged me on my educational journey” he said. “The most rewarding experience I have with USU is not just being among those I consider to be family and friends, but it is the feeling of contribution and of giving back for what I was given. Yes, the Uintah Basin, geographically, is home, but USU Uintah Basin is a second home for me; and the staff, faculty, and administration are my extended family.”

Merrell first began wanting to be a teacher in high school while taking his AP Literature class and learning from his AP English teacher, Mrs. Marsha Forsgren. Merrell recalled learning from Forsgren that there is more to education than just learning rules and the memorization and regurgitation of facts and information.

“She showed me that every student has a voice and ideas, that their voice and ideas are important, and how to support and share that voice and those ideas with others,” Merrell said. “She supported and encouraged me to succeed and excel to my furthest potential. She could see in me even if I could not see it myself. She not only supported and encouraged me but did so with all of her students. It was then that I wanted to become a teacher, follow in my mentor's shoes, and help students find the joy in education and learning—like was done for me.”

Although Merrell first sought to become a high school teacher, he has since found a passion for teaching at the collegiate level. He has his sights on potentially pursuing a doctorate degree and working towards a full professorship.

“Since teaching at USU and the collegiate level, I have not wanted to be anywhere else,” he said. “I have my sights set on a possible future Ph.D. and want to work towards a future professorship. That’s the goal. That’s the dream.”