USU names new assistant to president for Uintah Basin activities
Utah State University President Stan L. Albrecht has created a new senior administrative position to ensure that constituents in the Uintah Basin have a direct line to him and the Logan campus.
Rob Behunin, currently executive director of advancement of USU Uintah Basin, was named assistant to the president for special projects. In his new position, Behunin will work closely with various groups to ensure a productive relationship between the university and the communities. He also will serve as liaison to local governments on issues involving USU.
“This is an important new position as it provides a direct connection for me to our rapidly growing Uintah Basin constituency,” Albrecht said. “If there are any concerns or issues that need immediate attention, Dr. Behunin has a direct connection to me and to his fellow senior administrators.”
Behunin will work closely with the Uintah Basin Regional Campus’s executive director, who is USU’s lead administrator in the Basin. Dave Woolstenhulme currently is interim executive director, temporarily replacing Guy Denton who now is executive director of USU’s Southeast Region. A search is under way for Denton’s replacement.
USU Uintah Basin is Utah State’s largest and oldest regional campus, having been in the Basin for more than 35 years. Albrecht said the university and the community continue to enhance their partnerships in the area as political leaders there recognize higher education’s place in the long-term economic health of the Uintah Basin.
USU has plans to expand its facilities and other infrastructure needs in the Basin. It also has hired two USTAR researchers who will work in collaboration with Uintah Basin communities to study energy-related issues, which are a critical component of the Basin’s economy.
“There are many important dimensions to our role in the Uintah Basin, and this position will help unify the efforts so we can best meet everyone’s needs,” Albrecht said.
Behunin also will be responsible for fund-raising, alumni outreach, marketing, government relations and program and course development. In coordination with USU’s Logan campus, he will manage the construction of new facilities in the Uintah Basin.
Behunin was hired as part of an interlocal agreement between the university and the Uintah Economic Development Special Service District. He said communities Basin-wide have determined that expansion of USU programs at the regional campus will provide a direct economic benefit to the region in the long run.
Enhanced educational opportunities attract other businesses and industry and are an absolute advantage to the Basin, Behunin said. USU has shown its commitment over the years to the people of the Uintah Basin.
“This position is further evidence of President Albrecht’s continued investment in our area,” Behunin said. “It tells our communities that the president wants their input and that he is committed completely to making this partnership fit the specific needs in our area.”
Behunin holds doctorate in medieval and renaissance literature. Before coming to USU, he served in administration at Southern Utah University in Cedar Cit