College of Arts & Sciences Celebrates Faculty Promotions for 2026-27

The College of Arts and Sciences at Utah State University is congratulating its faculty members who have earned a promotion in rank for the 2026-27 academic year. These promotions recognize sustained excellence in teaching, research, creative activity, outreach and service, as well as meaningful contributions to the mission of the university, college and disciplines.

The promotion and tenure process is rigorous and reflects years of dedication and achievement. ArtSci is recognizing the following faculty members for reaching this important professional milestone.

Art + Design

Fazilat Soukhakian, promoted to professor.

Biology

Scott Bernhardt, promoted to professional practice professor.

Marion Murray, promoted to professional practice extension professor.

Carl Rothfels, promoted to professor.

Chemistry & Biochemistry

Sean Johnson, promoted to professor.

Yi Rao, promoted to professor.

Communication & Media

Clinton Behunin, promoted to senior lecturer.

Chen Chen, promoted to associate professor.

Jason Gilmore, promoted to professor.

Sydney O’Shay, promoted to associate professor.

English

Amber Caron, promoted to associate professor.

Jeremy Ricketts, promoted to senior lecturer.

Russ Winn, promoted to senior lecturer.

History, Cultures & Ideas

Nichelle Frank, promoted to associate professor.

Colleen O’Neill, promoted to professor.

Rachel Robison, promoted to associate professor.

Mathematics & Statistics

Aysel Erey, promoted to associate professor.

Justin Heavilin, promoted to principal lecturer.

Yan Sun, promoted to professor.

Matthew Young, promoted to associate professor.

Physics

Maria Rodriguez, promoted to professor.

School of Social Sciences

Austin Knuppe, promoted to associate professor.

Shannon Peterson, promoted to professional practice professor.

Stephen Van Geem, promoted to associate professor.

Social Work

Jen Evers, promoted to clinical professor.

Jeff “J.C.” Sheen, promoted to associate professor.

Theatre Arts

Amanda Dawson, promoted to associate professor.

The College of Arts and Sciences applauds these faculty members for their accomplishments and thanks them for their ongoing commitment to students, scholarship and community engagement. Please join us in congratulating our colleagues on their well-deserved promotions.