USU-Uintah Basin Hires New Faculty Members

Utah State University-Uintah Basin (USU-UB) has hired three new faculty members who will begin teaching and serving in other capacities starting the Fall 2017 Semester. The new hires and their departments are: Dr. Mark Chynoweth, assistant professor of wildlife science; Dr. Patrick Harvey, clinical associate professor of Social Work; and Don Busenbark, lecturer in mathematics.

“We are excited to get to work with Mark, Patrick, and Don,” said Dr. James Taylor, executive director of USU-UB. “Each brings unique qualities that will benefit the entire USU system. Mark’s experience in wildlife science is nearly unmatched, making him a perfect fit for USU-UB, where there is a lot of interest in wildlife science. Patrick has spent the majority of his career traveling from the Eastern United States to Hawaii teaching and educating. Don has a passion to help individuals and adapt courses to meet their needs.”

Commenting on this new opportunity, Dr. Chynoweth said, “I was drawn to USU-UB due to the small class sizes and outdoor recreation opportunities.” Recently, he completed his doctorate at the University of Utah, working to increase protected areas for large carnivores in the Middle East. He is looking forward to teaching, as well as collaborating with other faculty members on existing and new research projects focuses on ecology and conservation.

Dr. Harvey has spent the past 10 years as an active member of the criminal justice and criminology discipline, but is eager to return to his field-of-choice, social work. “This is what drives my energy and passion. I’m grateful USU has provided me the opportunity to return to my social work roots. I believe USU-UB is going to be a great fit for me and my family.”

Busenbark has been teaching high school for 24 years in Roosevelt, and for 15 years has been an adjunct professor at USU-UB. He is currently working on his doctorate degree in math education.

“I am excited to work full time as a mathematics lecturer at USU-Uintah Basin. I believe everyone can learn math. Some may require more time and assistance, but everyone can learn math. I hope to help USU-UB students learn math and have a great experience at the same time.”

USU-UB has two campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt. The new faculty members will teach a variety of classes, such as mathematics, courses within the bachelor’s and master’s of social work program, and many classes within the wildlife science program. USU’s Internet Video Conference (IVC) system will make many of these courses available throughout USU’s regional campuses and centers.