RHAU Announces Collaboration with Utah Tech University

January 15, 2025

ST GEORGE, UTAH - The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) is starting 2025 off with a big announcement. RHAU has finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Utah Tech University, formalizing a strategic collaboration between the two parties to enhance access to educational opportunities and resources in rural Utah.  

“This is a tremendous moment for both RHAU and Utah Tech University,” said Kasey Shakespear, Executive Director of the Rural Health Association of Utah. “Utah Tech has around 30 healthcare programs and a strong commitment to innovation. RHAU shares a similar growth mindset. There is so much potential for this collaboration to create real and lasting impacts across rural Utah.” 

Utah Tech University has strong ties to the community and healthcare sectors. RHAU has partners across the state, especially in the rural counties. RHAU and Utah Tech will work together with a common goal of improving the quality of life for those who chose to make rural Utah their home. Both sides believe this collaboration can each expand their respective reaches and foster new opportunities to benefit both the students, faculty, and staff at Utah Tech, and healthcare professionals across the state, especially those in rural Utah. 

Dr. Eliezer Bermudez, Dean of the College of Health Sciences at Utah Tech stated, “this strategic partnership is aimed at enhancing healthcare access and quality in Utah's rural communities. The collaboration leverages Utah Tech's academic expertise and research capabilities alongside RHAU's deep-rooted community networks and local healthcare insights. Through this synergistic relationship, both organizations will work together to develop targeted solutions for rural healthcare challenges, while preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to serve these vital communities.”

RHAU and Utah Tech have already begun working together on various projects and expect to engage in more collaborative opportunities as the new year gets started. 

You can learn more about RHAU and their partnership at Utah Tech by visiting www.rhau.org.