Alumni Spotlight: Megan Grover

Megan Grover (’06, Elementary Education) is putting her SUU education and experiences to great use as a 5th/6th grade elementary school teacher at Grantsville Elementary School, in Utah’s Tooele School District.

Her duties are many and varied, she says, and she is primarily responsible for teaching the state core curriculum, making sure her students enjoy learning, collaborating with team members and maintaining good rapport with parents and people in the community.

From her earliest years, Megan always wanted to be a teacher, as she watched her greatly admired father set the example as he touched the lives of his students. 

“I want to make a difference in the lives of other people,” she says. “Being a teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs around, in my opinion.”

Megan says that while at SUU she learned how to be confident in the person she is, and to go after her dreams. SUU gave her a lot of opportunities to be herself, follow her dreams, and accomplish what she wanted to get accomplished.

One thing she learned, she says, is that “It is OK to fail as long as I have tried my best.”

The education that she received at SUU thoroughly prepared her to be a teacher because while she was in the education program at SUU, she was given a lot of hands-on, in-classroom experiences. During her practicum, also known as, “the block,” she was able to work in the classroom and really experience what it was like to be a teacher, rather than just learn about it in a textbook.

What Megan is most proud of professionally is her ability to interact and work well with others, and touch the lives of those she teaches.

“I feel like in my 11 years of teaching that I have really made a difference in the lives of other people,” she says.

 
Originally posted on suu.edu in October 2016

Alumni Spotlight: Herbert Stinson

Herbert Stinson (’75, history) is the head assistant coach and chairman of the board of directors at Aztec High School in Aztec, N.M., and was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association (NHSACA) Hall of Fame on June 28, 2016, at the Galt House in Louisville, KY.

Stinson was introduced to wrestling as a high school sophomore at Aztec High School when coach Jerry Parker persuaded him to try out for the wrestling team. He made the team, went on to wrestle  at Southern Utah University (SUU), and from there the stage was set for his high school coaching career.

“College life and wrestling for what was Southern Utah State College (SUSC) was a great experience for a small town boy from Aztec, N.M.,” said Stinson. “My short stay at SUSC was one of the best years of my life and proved to be great preparation for me toward my life-long calling of coaching and teaching.”

Twelve wrestling state championships, three runner-up and three third place teams later, Stinson retired from New Mexico schools. He coached at Bayfield High School in Colorado for the next twelve years, building a solid competitive wrestling program there.

“There were so many people at SUU who played a role in molding me into the coach I am today,” says Stinson. “Some of these individuals include Coach Joe Lapour, Coach Kathryn Berg, Coach Tom Kingsford, Dr. Bruce Osborne, Dr. Morris Shirts, Dr. Steve Lunt and Dale and Suzanne Brinkerhoff.  All of my team mates, but especially captain Ladd Holman, Ralph Harrison, Scott Teeples and Richard Tree.” 

Stinson boasts 65 individual wrestling state champions, 208 individual place winners, 18 district championships, 19 High School All Americans, and 12 Academic All Americans. He ended with a 535-92-5 life time record. His teams of the 1990’s were ranked in the top 25 in the nation nine times and as high as number three in 1995 ending that season number seven.

He’s been inducted into four coaching hall of fames including SUU’s. He was selected as National Coach of the Year, in 1991, 1995 and 2000. In New Mexico he was AAA-A Coach of the Year six times and Coach of the Year three times. He was Teacher of the Year twice, once in Aztec and once in Bayfield.

“Helping coach Lapour with Wayne Ritter, a teammate from Aztec, who played football and wrestled at SUU was memorable,” said Stinson. “Ritter is now the school board president in Aztec.”

Stinson also coached football for 39 years. He was the defensive coordinator for 10 head coaches. His defenses had 57 shutouts, and in his 33 years as a defensive coordinator, he helped put the football teams into 25 seasons of playoffs for a total of 50 extra games and 3 state finals. He coached baseball for 10 seasons and in all coached in 20 state final events combined in three different sports winning 12 state titles.

As Aztec’s chairman of the board, Stinson is currently working to raise the money to build a new 100’ x 50’ top of the line wrestling room for the future wrestlers of Aztec High School. His wife, Terry, is a second grade teacher.  They have three grown children together, Tonya, Jeremy and Travis.

Alumni Spotlight: Tiara Pulsipher

Tiara Pulsipher (’15, communication) is the floor manager for ABC 4 Utah.  The floor manager on a television crew is responsible for calling cues, given by the director in the control room, to the crew on the studio floor.

While considering which university to attend, Pulsipher checked out other communication programs. Whereas many other schools had great programs, she discovered that most students didn’t get hands-on practice until later in their education. At SUU, students are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience during their first class.

“I got my job because of the experience I gained at SUU, which included learning all positions of news, talk, sports, film, radio, advertising, public relations, and other important skills, like writing, being a team-player and solving problems,” says Pulsipher.

Professor Jon Smith was a huge influence in the development of Pulsipher’s skills in broadcasting and film. He was willing to spend extra time helping her fine-tune her resume and demo reel. Smith gave her the guidance she needed to produce her best work and demonstrate her skills on paper and in person. He always had a 'dream big' attitude that inspired her to do her best.

“Not only did I land a job that I love, but I am already training to direct, which is my dream job! I did not expect to be able to move up this quickly,” said Pulsipher.

She learned a lot about herself while at SUU, because she was able to explore the many aspects of the communication field to figure out what she was really passionate about. After taking several very different courses she eventually gravitated toward the broadcasting major.

“Taking a lot of different classes helped me to close in on the one that I could see myself doing and enjoying for the rest of my life,” said Pulsipher.

Pulsipher enjoys spending her free time in the outdoors, with friends and watching movies. She is currently single and living in Salt Lake City with her pet Betta fish, James.

Originally posted on suu.edu in March 2016

Alumni Spotlight: Tico Pringle

Vicentico ‘Tico’ Fernando Pringle Jr. (’08, interdisciplinary studies) is a realtor and founder of the Pringle Group, with Keller Williams in Las Vegas, NV.

As an agent, Pringle is constantly networking, negotiating, lead generating and promoting himself through print and digital marketing campaigns.

“I realized early in my career, ‘it’s not always what you know, but who you know.’ Fortunately, Terri Hildebrand, assistant professor of biology at SUU, encouraged me to reach out and network with more people. This helps me today to reach more clients and grow my business,” said Pringle.

He continually seeks opportunities to further educate himself in real estate, to become a better agent and offer better quality services to his clients. He has plans to expand his business into Utah in 2016.
Pringle says graduating was a real accomplishment. He didn’t walk at graduation in ’08, because he was training for a career in professional football at the time, but says he left SUU with confidence.

“At one point, my younger brother Ryan was a [football] teammate of mine, for the first time, while we attended SUU together,” said Pringle.

He and his fiancée, Hannah have two boys together, Tico III and Ty, and two dogs Athena and Zeus. They enjoy traveling as a family and are involved in their boy’s youth sports.

Pringle enjoys reading and learning of new ways to help his clients and better himself. He likes to cook and he’s good at it, too! Working out and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are also important to him.

Originally posted on suu.edu in January 2016

Alumni Spotlight: Reba Stier

Reba Stier (’91, education) is celebrating twenty-four years of teaching. She currently teaches the fourth grade at Numa Elementary School in Fallon, NV, and has also taught second and fifth grade students during the course of her career.

“I enjoy watching my students learn. The best moments of teaching are when you’ve watched a student struggle, and then they finally ‘get it’ … knowing I helped them learn and prepare for future education is such a feeling of accomplishment for me,” said Stier.

Her education courses at SUU prepared her for becoming a teacher. Through the example of her education professors she learned the importance of students, how enjoyable learning can be and what type of a teacher she aspired to be.

“It’s so rewarding when one of my students writes me a note thanking me for teaching them to read,” says Stier. “It’s those moments that make teaching worth it!”

Stier met some of her dearest friends during her educational experience at SUU. She fondly recalls laughing with friends while sitting in her elementary education block, walking the campus and feeling a sense of belonging, and all the fun she had at the spring fling activity on the upper quad.

“I was the first in my extended family to attend SUU, now it’s become a tradition in my immediate family,” said Stier.

She and her husband Michael have two children who both attend SUU. Joshua is a junior, majoring in psychology and Jessica is a sophomore, majoring in psychology with a minor in photography.

Stier feels a personal sense of accomplishment in raising her two children to be close to God, considerate of others and to value education. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and their five dogs, reading and tying blankets.

Alumni Spotlight: Marty Adair

Marty Adair (’03, Construction Management), is the President and Owner of Adair Homes.

“In 2006 I decided to start my own business … building semi-custom and custom homes, after pursuing a short career as a superintendent for a large Utah homebuilder and working as a project manager for another,” said Adair.

Construction Management Professor Boyd Fife was a great influence and had a strong impact on Adair during his experience at SUU.

“He seemed to take a personal interest in his students. I felt that he was interested in what I was doing and my accomplishments. He became a mentor for me … and was someone I really looked up to,” says Adair.

SUU is becoming somewhat of a tradition for the Adair family. His younger brother, who is now a lawyer, graduated from SUU a few years back. He has a niece who is currently attending, working toward acceptance to the radiology technician program; and another niece and nephew who will likely attend SUU in the coming year.

“I am kind of a throwback. I really love vintage things … like classic cars and music from the 60’s and 70’s. I collect vinyl records and own several payers,” said Adair.

Adair plays the guitar. He enjoys spending time with his family and the outdoors; including hunting, fishing, hiking and riding four-wheelers. He and his wife reside in St. George, they have a son who is four and an angel daughter who would have turned two in April.

Alumni Spotlight: Katie Duncan

Katie Duncan (’13, Spanish) works as a Foreign Language Production Coordinator for the Liahona Magazine, an international magazine produced by the LDS Church.

“I coordinate magazine proofs with translation offices for up to 42 languages … and send out smaller article proofs for around 60 other languages each month. Spanish was my major and I use it constantly,” says Duncan.

While a freshman and sophomore at SUU, she lived in Juniper and Cedar Halls. Her experiences there provided new opportunities to learn how to interact, work and accomplish great things with diverse people. A concept she’s still practicing today.

Assistant professor of Spanish, Rachel Kirk, was especially influential on Duncan. With a forthright teaching style and high expectations of her students, she taught with remarkable enthusiasm and patience.

“Dr. Kirk was the best teacher I ever had. I could feel her desire for our success. She was professional, yet always showed personality in her teaching, which made learning fun,” said Duncan.
Serving an LDS mission to Honduras was the most difficult life experience Duncan has encountered thus far. As much as she sometimes doubted her abilities, she now cherishes the memories and lessons learned.

She recently learned to play the Native American flute, and enjoys hiking and running. Duncan ran a half-marathon in Moab and plans to run another this fall.

Duncan’s father attended SUU and studied theatre. He often shared the fun times and good connections he had made, which played a part in her initial decision to attend SUU.

Her top five favorite SUU memories include: the plays and productions put on by the College of Performing and Visual Arts, doing homework in the Sherratt Library, early morning walks across campus to her custodial job after a winter snowfall, her sincere professors and living in Juniper Hall. Duncan is presently single and lives in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

Alumni Spotlight: Scott & Diane Hammer

Scott (Accounting, ’91) and Diane (Education, ’90) Hammer met at Southern Utah University while playing in the Scarlett & Black Ceremonial Band during the 1980’s. He played the trumpet and she the clarinet.

Today, Scott is the Owner/Agent of Andara Cruise & Travel and does some accounting and payroll for LGYC Power on the side.

“After years of working in the corporate field, I decided to start my own travel business. I help people find the perfect vacation – and live vicariously through their travel … needless to say, my bucket list is growing larger rather than smaller,” said Scott.

Scott returned home from an LDS mission unsure of what to study in college. He took Accounting 101 from David Rees and found he enjoyed working with numbers. He has since been able to apply his accounting knowledge throughout his career, but especially as a business owner and entrepreneur.

Diane returned to work in 2012, after years of being a stay-at-home-mom. She started working as a teacher’s aide, renewed her teaching certificate and began pursuing a teaching position. She has since taught Computer Technology and become a fifth grade teacher. She’ll be teaching fourth grade, at Orchard Elementary in Orem, beginning in the fall.

“I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was taking my Elementary Block classes I thoroughly enjoyed being in the classroom teaching. These experiences helped me in many teaching positions I have had at church, at home and as a career,” said Diane.

Their daughter Kasey, and a couple of Diane’s brothers, attended SUU. Her father earned an associate’s degree from SUU when it was known as the College of Southern Utah (CSU).

Scott enjoys golfing, hiking and coin collecting. Diane enjoys reading, crafting and Dutch oven cooking. Together, they have raised six children, and were recently blessed with their first granddaughter. They enjoy traveling, teasing each other and spending time barbequing with the family. Scott and Diane have been married 28 years and presently reside in Orem, Utah.

Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Thomas

Nicole Thomas (’92, English), is a Senior Search Account Manager at Yahoo.

“I manage the paid search accounts for a number of premium agencies and direct clients,” said Thomas.

She fell into the industry in 1999, after earning a second MFA in Screenwriting, from The American Film Institute.

“It was a small start-up and then a few years later, Yahoo bought us. I’ve had the pleasure of working between two amazing companies, Yahoo and Microsoft. It’s been quite a ride!” says Thomas.

During her tenure at SUU, she took classes from many stellar professors. However, Dr. David Lee and Dr. Kay Cook in the English Department really stood out. They were mentors and friends who expected nothing less than her “A” game.

“While my profession in Online Media and my degrees don’t appear on the surface to relate, they gave me a foundation of writing, critical thinking, and communication that I lean on every day,” explains Thomas.

A fun SUU memory for Thomas was borrowing lunch trays from the cafeteria and using them to slide down little hills on the quad with friends after a snowfall.

In 1995, while attending The University of Nevada, Las Vegas earning her MFA in theatre, a play she wrote, “Color of Bruise,” was selected as part of the Utah Shakespeare Festival’s New American Playwright’s Project. It later went to the 1995 Regional American College Theatre Festival.

The experience that has shaped her life most was moving to the United Kingdom ten years ago. Thomas was once interviewed by The Guardian Newspaper about a divorce party (her own) she was planning. She loves to jive dance and has a passion for mid-century clothing and furniture. Nicole lives in London, England, with her fiancé and their cat.

Originally posted on suu.edu in June 2015

Alumni Spotlight: Ron Sharp

Ron Sharp (’93, biology: ’99, M. Ed.), is the Assistant Principal at Desert Hills Middle School in St. George, UT, where he is primarily responsible for discipline.

“However, I try to stay connected with students as much as possible,” said Sharp. “Whether I am helping them with a book report, a science activity or working with them in the weight room after school, I just love seeing kids improve and experience success in their lives.”

While preparing to become a science teacher, Sharp believes he couldn’t have asked for a better education than he received at Southern Utah University (SUU).

“The entire science department at SUU was filled with professors that who loved their fields and made their lectures fun and interesting,” said Sharp.

Sharp is confident the guidance given by his education professors influences him to this day.
“I owe much of my success in education to Dr. Ward Gubler,” says Sharp. “What I liked about Dr. Gubler is that he didn’t accept mediocrity. He expected the best you could possibly give, and I made sure not to disappoint him. His knowledge of educational leadership and management helped me get to where I am today.”

Most of Sharp’s interests involve athletics. He loves all sports and tries to be as active as possible. He spends about eight hours a week in the weight room at Desert Hills Middle School. He has a goal to beat the world bench press record of 182 lbs. when he is ninety years old.

Sharp’s greatest personal achievement is raising three successful children with his wife Jenny. Some of his greatest professional accomplishments include earning the Superintendent’s Award of Excellence in the Washington County School District and being awarded Educational Leadership Student of the Year by the SUU Education Department in 2006.

Alumni Spotlight: Nic Taylor

Nichole Barney Taylor (’08, English), is working her dream job as the Social Media Specialist for Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab, Utah.

“As a work-at-home mother of three little girls under the age of three, I’m doing exactly what I’ve always wanted to do,” says Taylor. “My family is my most demanding and rewarding job.”

Taylor is an active member of the Utah Cattlewomen’s Association and has served on the board in the capacities of Public Relations, Web/Graphic Design, Historian and Membership Chair. Additionally, she runs her own art business and does book keeping for her family’s cattle ranch.

“The two SUU professors who impacted me most were Dr. Kay Cook and her husband Dr. Douglas Burger. Kay helped me find myself more than anyone else outside of my family,” said Taylor. “They both encouraged me, challenged me and taught me what I could do, which helped me become the self-confident individual I am today.”

A favorite memory of hers is walking across campus in the crisp cool air surrounded by the beautiful fall colors of autumn. No matter where she, autumn time always takes her back to fond memories of her time spent at SUU.

“Dr. Larry Ping made history come to life. I minored in history, and sitting in his class was like going to the movies, only the plot lines and narratives were better,” said Taylor. “I wish I could have taken every class he taught.”

Taylor enjoys writing, drawing, painting and taking pictures. She and her husband Ryan, a seventh generation cattle rancher, live on a cattle ranch in Moab, Utah, with their three daughters, Ashley (3) and twins Becca & Jessica, who will turn one this summer.

Alumni Spotlight: JayDEl Wilson

JayDEl Wilson (’96, Spanish; ’99, M.Ed.), is the Assistant Principal at Virgin Valley High in Mesquite, Nev. where his responsibilities vary from master scheduling to supervising athletic activities.

“I went into education administration because I had a principal in high school that was willing to do anything for me and I want to be a positive influence on the students I come in contact with,” says Wilson.

As a student and now educator, Wilson knows first-hand the importance of good relationships with students, and is grateful to SUU professors who took time to offer him assistance.

“My academic advisor in the education program, Paul Wilford, was positive and helpful throughout my undergraduate and graduate degree programs.  I knew that I could go to Paul with any problem that I had and he would help me solve it,” said Wilson.

Wilson’s word for the year is choose. “I will choose to be a better father and husband, I will choose to be happy, I will choose to be a positive influence on those around me,” he says.

He and wife Marshelle Murdock Wilson (’98, education; ’14 M.Ed.) have four children, Britton (16), Dylan (14), Abbie (10), and Connor (9). All of their children are involved in sports and both of their older sons earned Eagle Scout awards. As a family they enjoy camping, hunting and playing sports.

Alumni Spotlight: Jim & Jenny Roberts

James (Jim) Bryan Roberts (’98, Chemistry) comes from a Southern Utah University (SUU) legacy. His parents Gwena Roberts (’72, Elementary Education) and the late Bob Roberts (’74, Physical Education), both graduated from SUU back when it was Southern Utah State College.

It was here he met his wife, Jeanette (Jenny Hardy) Roberts (’99, Business Administration) who attended on a full-ride softball scholarship.

"SUU holds a special place in our hearts because it’s where we met, where we earned our degrees and where we began our married life," says Jim and Jenny.

Jim is President and co-owner of True North Mortgage, LLC as well as the co-owner of a real estate investment company. He credits his problem solving abilities to Ty Redd’s Organic Chemistry class.

"Ty Redd professed on the first day of class that his was the most difficult O-Chem class in the country," says Jim. "This class in particular pushed me to my limits and taught me problem solving skills that I use daily, even though my businesses have nothing to do with Chemistry."

As hard as he tried, Jim was never successful at getting a 100 percent on an O-Chem test, but he is proud to say that he tutored Jenny in O-Chem, and she achieved 100 percent on one of her O-Chem tests, so this became one of many shared accomplishments for them.

"My primary job is the best job – I’m a mom. In my spare time I have two professions – fitness instructor and business manager for my husband’s mortgage company," said Jenny.

Fitness is Jenny’s passion. She teaches several classes a week at her local YMCA and runs a summer boot camp. She’s ran several marathons including the St. George Marathon and the Boston Marathon. Her goal is to one day participate in an Ironman.

"I’m just a normal person, I’m not a really fast runner,” says Jenny. “I just made a goal, prepared, worked hard, sacrificed, pushed myself to my personal limits and discovered a whole new set of limits." Jenny attributes her time management abilities to juggling the task of student and athlete.
"Being a college athlete took up a lot of time and added a level of difficulty to maintaining high academic standards … from these experiences I learned not to procrastinate," says Jenny. "Today, I consider my time management skills to be one of my greatest assets."

Jim and Jenny have been happily married for seventeen years and are the proud parents of four: Tommy (14), Austin (12), Sammy (9) and Sarah (7). They enjoy volunteering their time to make a difference for their kids and the youth in their community by coaching and supporting them in team sports and leading them in the Scouting program. They currently reside in Litchfield Park, AZ.

Alumni Spotlight: Andrea Dover

Southern Utah University alumna, Andrea Dover (’02, accounting & finance) comes from an SUU legacy. Her father, Patrick Dover (’73, Industrial Arts) and her grandfather, Kent Dover (’41, AAS/University Studies) are also graduates of SUU.

"The abundant opportunities to get involved [at SUU] through student government, clubs and various other activities really helped me develop my leadership abilities and practical skills [like] communication, time management, learning to organize and run an event and how to be responsible for groups of people," says Dover.

Dover presently attends the University of Utah, as a graduate student, working toward an MBA. She works as a lead accountant for GE Capital Bank in Salt Lake City. "Some of my main responsibilities [as lead accountant] are preparing and submitting quarterly reporting required by the FDIC, preparing annual financial statements and writing footnotes. I am also responsible for all of the accounting for the Community Reinvestment Act Portfolio," says Dover.

The Community Reinvestment Act is a subset of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1977. It is a federal law designed to encourage financial institutions to meet the needs of low-income borrowers and reduce discriminatory credit practices against them, a practice known as redlining.

Dover recently received recognition for simplifying the quarterly reporting process that used to take a group of twelve people three weeks of 10-12 hour work days, including weekends, to complete.

"A group of colleagues and I were able to simplify and automate the process so that the report can be completed one week earlier than before, with only one weekend day required for half of the team, and no overtime for anyone during the week," said Dover.

She recalls such classes at SUU as Operations Research and Investments class, with Mr. Harrop, as especially memorable and valuable.

"He [Harrop] had such a passion for the material and so much experience he was willing to share, which made it an absolutely amazing class," said Dover. "I learned a lot about investing, but I also learned a lot about myself and what I did and did not want to do as a career."

Dover feels that the Operations Research class she took here gave her a solid foundation in using Microsoft Excel, which has helped her many times in her career, to advance quickly and provide more value to the companies she has worked for.

One of her favorite quotes is, "If you have a why to live for, you can bear any how." She believes that once you understand why you are doing something, figuring out how to overcome the obstacles in order to achieve the goal is the easy part. Dover always looks to understand the why in any task she undertakes.

In her spare time, Dover enjoys volunteering with Junior Achievement, a program dedicated to teaching financial literacy to elementary school students. She also volunteers on a committee for the annual Festival of Trees, a fundraiser that benefits Primary Children’s hospital.

She delights in reading non-fiction, traveling, trying new things and meeting new people. She is the favorite aunt to nine nieces and nephews, who she loves to spoil.

Alumni Spotlight: Brian Cameron

Southern Utah University (SUU) Alumnus, Brian Cameron (’12, management; ’13, MBA), believes that SUU has professors that are truly invested in their students.

Cameron says he has been helped by professors, post graduation, who have offered advice and counseled him on his career path.

"Absolutely all of my professors have impacted me, but none more than Ellen Treanor. She has been available to help me begin a career and push entrepreneurial endeavors," says Cameron.

Cameron recalls winning the best business competition two years in a row with two different innovative business concepts.

As a recently hired marketing manager, at NuSkin Enterprises, Cameron is in charge of marketing campaigns for their product lines and developing new engaging media.

Cameron says learning to speak Korean, helping to create one of the largest social groups at SUU and earning his MBA are among his accomplishments that he is most proud of.

"My favorite SUU memory is that of playing on the basketball team while being able to get an MBA and participate socially in the activities in Cedar City," said Cameron.

His interests and hobbies include sports, especially basketball and extreme sports, entrepreneurship, inventions, public speaking and world travel.

"I spend a lot of time thinking of new innovative products and doing things with friends such as boating, four-wheeling, and attending baseball games and events," says Cameron.

Cameron is from Draper, Utah. He is single and a member of the LDS church. He finds joy in taking people to do things they have never done before. Cameron has four sisters and parents that he loves very much.

Alumni Spotlight: Trevor McGlochlin

Southern Utah University (SUU) Alumnus, Trevor McGlochlin (’11, psychology), is a recent graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology, where he earned his graduate degree in Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology.

I-O Psychology is the branch of psychology that studies human behavior in the workplace and applies psychological theories and principles to business organizations.

"As a research analyst, in the research and development department of Select International Inc., I work with data sets and on statistical analysis projects for well-known corporations. Currently, I am working on projects for Verizon Wireless and General Electric," said McGlochlin.

McGlochlin believes he received great personal guidance from his psychology professors and advisers while attending SUU for his undergraduate studies.

"Professors, Corser and Barney, really sparked my interest in psychology and [led me to] my career path in I-O Psychology. I loved their style of teaching and I always looked forward to attending their class lectures," says McGlochlin.

McGlochlin recalls his college athletic involvement and how he enjoyed playing on the Men’s Volleyball club team and practicing Parkour with his buddies.

"One of the best things I ever did at SUU was help found the first Parkour team. Justin Bateman, Josh Bateman, Riley Farr, Tony Pearson and I started the group and created several YouTube videos," said McGlochlin.

Parkour is a holistic physical conditioning discipline developed from military obstacle course training where participants use their bodies and surroundings to propel themselves through the course, in the most efficient way possible, while maintaining their momentum.

It involves seeing ones environment in a new way and imagining the potential for movement around it. Parkour is a non-competitive activity that can be practiced alone or with others and usually takes place in urban settings. It may include running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, rolling and crawling, depending on the situation.


McGlochlin credits his participation in the Presidential Ambassador program as doing more for him than anything because that is where he met his wife Monica (Workman) McGlochlin (’08, biology).

"She is the one who has enabled me to be a success in life. Together, we have an extremely cute baby, who’s about to turn three, named Summer," says McGlochlin.

McGlochlin’s most memorable life experiences thus far include serving an LDS mission in Italy and Switzerland, getting married, having his daughter and earning his graduate degree.

He enjoys sports, film editing and helping his community through his church. McGlochlin and his family presently reside in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania.

Alumni Spotlight: Marsha Rowley

Marsha Rowley (’10, university studies) is an area supervisor with SUU’s Facilities Management. She worked for 15 years in the Sharwan Smith Center supervising student cleaning crews and coordinating event set-up and take down. This past fall she moved to the Sherratt Library to oversee that student crew, as well as crews and coordinators in other campus buildings.

She recently realized her goal of completing her undergraduate degree. “I feel my degree was mostly for me,” she explains. “I loved the professors and the concern they showed me, a non-traditional student, and the help I received in areas where I struggled.”

Relationships formed and memories made at SUU are important to Marsha and have helped develop her into a better person. “I have enjoyed each and every phase of being part of the SUU community. The good, and the bad, have taught me that I am capable of much more than I imagined,” she states.
Who can forget the students? In her 15 years in the Sharwan Smith Center she worked with hundreds of students and student-sponsored events. “Each day I learned new principles of living and created new memories. The important thing is I loved the students and the lessons that came with each involvement.” Marsha is still amazed as she reflects on how “her” students juggled work, school and social pressures with grace and ease. Whether it was helping with the infamous Halloween Howl, student elections, or watching students spend countless hours cramming for finals, she remains in total awe.

Marsha’s work with students has extended beyond her role with Facilities Management. She served as the advisor to the crochet club, which made blankets for Primary Children’s Hospital, as well as the advisor to the paint ball club.

Graduation is a bitter-sweet time as she watches her students leave SUU. Of graduation Marsha says, “I feel satisfaction knowing that I had a small part in their college experience. I miss each one as they leave, but I am equally excited when I receive pictures and messages from them after graduation.”
What is her greatest accomplishment at SUU? Marsha says building relationships. No doubt that hundreds of former students would agree and would count Marsha as an important mentor and friend during their SUU experience.

Marsha lives in Parowan, UT, and has done for more than 50 years. She and her high school sweetheart Craig have eight children and 15 grandchildren.

Alumni Spotlight: Matt Barton

Dr. Matt Barton (’95, communication) is an associate professor in the Department of Communication at SUU and serves as the director of the master’s program in professional communication. He completed a PhD at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2002 and earned tenure at SUU in 2007.

What does Matt enjoy most about working at SUU? “It’s definitely the students,” he states. “There are so many intelligent, motivated and inquisitive students who pursue education on this campus. They force me to think in new ways and help improve in my job performance.” Another aspect of his job that he values is the personal relationships he develops with his students and the opportunity to watch them mature, get married, have families and start careers. “When some students graduate I feel like I’m saying goodbye to my own kids.”

Matt has been recognized for his work both in and out of the classroom. He was named SUU’s Outstanding Educator in 2005 and was named a Faculty Fellow for his efforts to create a service learning initiative. At professional conferences he has received Top Paper Awards for his research in communication education and instruction, rhetoric and public address, and health communication.
Two of Matt’s favorite SUU memories while a student were meeting his wife Carlynn (’94, communication) and working at the campus radio station. Being involved on campus was key for him in getting the most out of his college experience.

SUU professor Art Challis had the most impact on Matt’s success, and has remained a friend and mentor. Matt explains, “Art saw something in me early on and gave me some opportunities to excel. Consequently, when the current job I have was open, he called and encouraged me to apply. I really couldn’t have asked for a professor more invested in my success than Art.”

Southern Utah University runs deep in Matt’s blood as his parents met at SUU when it was the Branch Agricultural College (BAC). While they were unable to finish their degrees due to military service, Matt, the youngest of five, is proud to say he is a first generation college graduate and that education was always a priority in his home while growing up.

Incidentally, Matt and Carlynn met in an interpersonal communication class. He reflects, “I guess it was fate.” They are the parents of three children.

Alumni Spotlight: Sue Houston

Sue Houston (’80, elementary education) is the Program Coordinator for the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program at Southern Utah University where she is the lead professional development partner to 19 specialists that serve 26 schools in Iron, Washington, Piute, Sevier and Beaver counties.

At the conclusion of each spring semester, Sue puts on a second hat as the assistant director for ArtsFUSION, a program offering professional development to classroom teachers, students and an interactive art camp for children.

What does she like best about working at Southern Utah University? “The people,” she responds. “We have an opportunity to reach out from the Education Department and work with every college on campus. I find it extremely interesting to speak with others from different backgrounds and find that employees here are willing to go the extra mile.” She also loves being around university students because, “They are full of hope and enthusiasm.”

Sue started her undergraduate work in the fall of 1973, took time off to start a family and returned as a single parent to complete her degree in 1979. She readily recognizes the encouragement and personal attention from her SUU professors and other staff members, including help from the financial aid office, for making it possible to earn a bachelor’s degree. One professor in particular, Dr. Kent Myers (’51), made a lasting impression with his stimulating and difficult classes. “But his actions were louder than words. His integrity was impeccable,” she states.

When it comes to accomplishments, Sue is most proud of her family. But professionally, she cherishes the times she watched her elementary school students make small improvements in overcoming hurdles. During her SUU experience, personally knowing Beverley Taylor Sorenson was a life-changing event that continues to inspire her.

Sue is married to Dennis, a chemical engineer that makes her laugh more than once each day. She is the mother of three daughters and one stepson, and grandmother to three beautiful grandchildren.

Alumni Spotlight: Wes Brinkerhoff

Wes Brinkerhoff (’89, business administration & Spanish; ’11, MBA) is the Bursar at Southern Utah University, and has been since 1995, where he manages the team in the cashiers office that oversees all student and University receivables, the T-Card system, meal plans and billing.

In 2001, Wes was recognized as the Outstanding Male Staff Member during that year’s graduation ceremonies. His colleagues nominated him for the award and said of Wes, “He is always positive, friendly and anxious to help. He is an extremely hardworking employee and one who makes SUU a better place to be because of his concern for others and enthusiasm for life.” Wes continues to exemplify those same qualities today.

What does he like about being an employee at SUU? “I love the spirit of this campus and the learning environment,” he says. “My coworkers are fantastic and I love our students because of the youthful energy they infuse in me each day.”

Learning Lives Forever is a motto Wes embraced not too long ago when he re-enrolled at SUU, this time as a graduate student in the master’s degree in business administration. While he lamented not earning a master’s degree earlier, he appreciated his classroom experience. In particular he acknowledges Dr. Steve Harrop, professional in residence in the department of economics and finance. Wes explains, “Dr. Harrop brought it all into focus. His investment class was very hands on with real money, real situations and real people. It was awesome!”

Wes has been active on campus working with the Iron County Alumni Chapter, participating with the SUU Staff Association and serving as president of the Utah Higher Education Staff Association during the 2000-2001 school year.

He enjoys volunteering with the Boys Scouts of America, and has done for nearly 20 years. He also coached little league baseball and Jr. Jazz Basketball for eight years.

Wes and his wife Kathleen (’89, business and office management) are the parents of three children.