Utah Tech University - College of Humanities and Social Sciences / CHASS

On February 21, Utah Tech University had the honor of hosting the Utah Foreign Language Association (UFLA) conference for the first time in Southern Utah. This annual gathering brought together language educators, scholars, and professionals from across the state to share insights, research, and best practices in language education. The conference featured a diverse range of presentations covering innovative teaching strategies, curriculum development, and the evolving role of language learning in a globalized world.

A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Danielle Larkin, who spoke on the importance of language education in fostering cultural understanding. Her inspiring message set the tone for a day filled with engaging discussions and professional growth opportunities. Hosting the UFLA conference at Utah Tech underscored the university’s commitment to supporting language education and connecting with educators statewide.

The Marriage and Family Therapy Master’s students were treated to a talk by Geoff Steurer Wednesday, March 6. He talked about facilitated disclosure between couples and how to accomplish it in the safest way possible. His approach is ideally run with three therapists, but realistically can be done with one. It is a slowed down version of Emotionally Focused Therapy and meets with each part of the couple individually in preparation for disclosure, being together for the disclosure, and follow up with skills to work on the relationship.

Come join us for Utah Tech Therapy Night on April 2nd, from 4:30-6:30 PM.

UT’s first Spanish B.A. graduate (2014), Kyle Rarick, has been appointed as the new Principal at Snow Canyon Middle School. We are so proud of his achievements!

Lisa Scott (Psychology) was recently interviewed about autism in the workplace on a podcast called Punk Rock HR. Some of her students on her research team supported her by reviewing the recent literature on the topic so that she could read it prior to the interview. These students are psychology majors and include Gracy Buffington, Joni Sowards, and Savannah Baldridge. They did a fantastic job and the interview went great!

On February 8th, the History, Humanities & Modern Languages Department collaborated with the International Office and the Washington County School District to host a successful community Chinese New Year celebration on campus. More than 2,000 community members attended, enjoying traditional Chinese games, crafts, and performances. A highlight of the event was our future students—high school students enrolled in CE Chinese classes—who took the lead in running booths, showcasing their language skills, and demonstrating their cultural understanding. They took great pride in serving as hosts for this special celebration.

Lucia Taylor (Spanish) finished her tenure as board member of the Utah Foreign Languages Association (UFLA) as Utah Tech University representative. She served for 11 years, and stepped down after bringing the UFLA Annual Conference to Utah Tech University—a milestone that highlighted the institution’s role in advancing language education in Utah. Hosting the conference not only showcased Utah Tech’s dedication to linguistic and cultural enrichment but also provided valuable opportunities for faculty, students, and language professionals to collaborate and share innovative teaching practices. As she stepped down from her board role, she passed the baton to He De, Chinese Assistant Professor, who will continue supporting language education in our state, and representing Utah Tech University in this association.

Stephen B. Armstrong (English) recorded an audio commentary for the forty-fifth anniversary Blu-ray edition of Rock ‘n’ Roll High School, which Shout! Factory released in December.

The Utah Tech Mock Trial team traveled to Las Vegas on January 25-26 for the Rebel Trojan Mock Trial tournament. The team competed against teams from USC, Howard University, University of Nevada - Reno, and Pepperdine University. Utah Tech won two of the four rounds. In February, the team will travel to Tempe, AZ for the AMTA Mock Trial regionals.

Join us for the Brown Bag Seminar Series featuring CPT Dalan Bennett, Assistant Professor of Military Science, on Friday, February 21 at 12:00pm in McD 209. Captain Bennett's presentation, "Visionary Leadership," will explore how true leadership is not defined by past achievements or authority, but by the ability to inspire and unite others through a compelling strategic vision. Bring your lunch and enjoy refreshments.