USU Blanding Announces Hire of Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist

Utah State University Blanding has recently hired Kayla Atcitty to serve as the campus’ Sexual Violence Prevention Specialist.

Atcitty will help implement and increase the impact of sexual misconduct prevention efforts through online campus events, social media and various other innovative student and employee interactions.

“This position is crucial to meeting the sexual misconduct prevention and education needs of students and employees at the Blanding campus,” said Emmalee Fishburn, senior prevention specialist in the Office of Equity.

“We are excited to have Kayla leading these efforts and look forward to working with her to build on the great initiatives that have been implemented in previous years at the campus.”

According to USU policy terms, sexual misconduct includes one or more of the following types of conduct: sexual assault, sexual harassment, relationship violence and sex-based stalking.

“One of the things we strive to do at USU Blanding is create a safe and comfortable learning environment for our students,” said Kristian Olsen, USU Blanding associate vice president.

“We want to help students understand how to treat one another with respect and kindness. In her role, Kayla will help us create educational materials and trainings that will continue to move us in a positive direction.”

Atcitty comes to USU Blanding with experience in community health, education, peer support and leading social skills programs. She is hopeful about the future USU is initiating and looks forward to creating a positive impact on the USU Blanding campus.

“Sexual Violence can be a difficult issue to discuss, but it is necessary if we are going to foster a community where everyone feels welcome, safe, and respected,” Atcitty said.

Atcitty will be supported by USU’s Office of Equity. This position will strengthen USU’s sexual misconduct prevention efforts using a public health approach to promote the health and safety of USU Blanding campus’ students and employees.

“We are thrilled that Kayla has chosen to work for our campus!” said Priscilla Arungwa, USU Blanding director of students. “She will not only be an asset to our student population, but to our staff as well.” 

USU strives to create a learning and working environment free from sexual misconduct and such conduct is not tolerated by the university.

USU offers many resources and services to help those who have experienced sexual misconduct. All members of the Utah State community have a role to play in preventing sexual misconduct. Learn how to become an Upstander and about other prevention efforts at USU.

Offering residential campus housing and dining, Utah State University Blanding gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all while providing award-winning education.

With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, plus technical education offerings in Business, Technical Trades and Health Professions, USU Blanding offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities.

Learn more at blanding.usu.edu.