From Kasey Shakespear, For Iron County Today
ST. GEORGE, UT — November 13, 2024 — The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) kicked off its highly anticipated annual conference with a lively Networking Dinner and RHAU Update presentation, celebrating the extraordinary individuals and organizations that are making a profound impact on rural healthcare in Utah. This key event honored those who are leading the charge in improving healthcare access and quality across underserved rural communities.
This year, RHAU was proud to present the 2024 Rural Faculty of the Year Award to Dr. Selwyn Layton, Director of Graduate Nursing Programs at Southern Utah University (SUU). This award highlights exceptional contributions to advancing health education and is given to individuals who have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to improving health literacy and empowering others through innovative educational initiatives. Dr. Layton’s work, particularly in rural communities, has had a transformative impact on healthcare education.
Since taking on the role of Graduate Programs Director in 2024, Dr. Layton has been instrumental in developing master’s-level nursing programs at SUU, including the Master of Science in Leadership and Administration (launched in 2023) and the Master of Science in Family Nurse Practitioner program (launched in 2024). Both programs are offered online, allowing current nursing professionals — particularly those in rural areas — to continue their education and enhance their ability to serve their communities. Dr. Layton’s dedication to these programs, from curriculum development to program accreditation, has been invaluable in shaping the future of nursing education in Utah and beyond.
The Rural Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Layton by Kasey DeLynn Shakespear, RHAU’s new full-time Executive Director, along with Kurt R. Loveless, RHAU Board President, and Dr. Tony J. Oliver, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at SUU.
In addition to Dr. Layton’s recognition, RHAU also honored several other outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to rural healthcare:
– Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Terry Box, MD, University of Utah
– Rural Health Champion of the Year Award: Kurt R. Loveless, MBA, Chief Executive Officer, Kane County Hospital
– Provider of the Year Award: Dr. Colten Bracken, MD, Main Street Clinic, Enterprise, Utah
– Rural Education Partner of the Year Award: Utah State University Extension
– Visionary Advocate Award: Kasey DeLynn Shakespear, MHA, MPH, MA, Executive Director, Rural Health Association of Utah
RHAU’s annual conference continues to be a vital event for those working to improve rural healthcare, offering opportunities for networking, –
learning, and collaboration to drive positive change in healthcare delivery throughout Utah’s rural communities.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
Caption: Dr. Layton receives RHAU Award for Rural Faculty of the Year 2024