Jill Rasmussen Retiring as USU Brigham City Region Director of Students

Jill Rasmussen, Utah State University Brigham City Region Director of Students, has announced her retirement effective June 30. Rasmussen spent 16 years in the position, joining the campus in July 2005.

“I am so glad that the final stop of my career journey took place in this wonderful community of USU,” Rasmussen said. “I have had three marvelous directors, Dr. Andy Shinkle, Dr. Tom Lee, and Dr. Dan Black, who have mentored me and given me the autonomy to create and grow. I have had wonderful colleagues and faculty to learn from and appreciate the students and the community who have done so much to help me feel accomplished.”

Rasmussen began her career in higher education at her alma mater, Brigham Young University. She earned three degrees from BYU, earning her bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Relations and a Dual Major in Youth Leadership, and her master’s degree in Recreation Management. During her time at BYU, Rasmussen worked as the Assistant Director and later the Director of the Especially for Youth and the Especially for Parents conferences, as well as other conferences. She was also the Assistant Program Manager for the Aspen Grove Family camp.

“I worked with some fabulous counselors and teachers during these years and was richly rewarded,” she said.

Her career then took her Oswego, N.Y., as she worked at the State University of New York at Oswego. She served as the director of three different residence halls, and later became Assistant to the Dean of Students. She spent 10 years in Oswego, also participating as the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity advisor, cheerleading advisor, academic advisor and other positions.

“I had such a wonderful and vast experience with students during these years,” she said. “I had a thrilling opportunity to meet students and colleagues from all over the state of New York and learn to appreciate diversity and college life.”

Looking for a new opportunity, Rasmussen then decided on a drastic change. She applied and was hired at the American University in Bulgaria. She packed her bags and moved to Blagoevgrad, just south of the Bulgarian capitol of Sofia. She worked at the university for nine years as the Director of Campus Living, while traveling around Europe in her vacation time and weekends.

“This position was a blend of so many of my previous jobs and so many new adventures,” she said. “I worked with housing, student services, student government and got to teach as well.”

Looking to come back home, Rasmussen had two different job offers. Her parents had moved from California to Utah, so Rasmussen decided to accept the job at USU Brigham City, accepting the position as Director of Student Services. This job title expanded to become the Assistant Director to Director of Students and Operations, and now the Director of Students. She has loved all aspects of her job, especially getting to work closely with students and watch their success.

“Many of our students are post-traditional students who have full time jobs and are raising families,” Rasmussen said. “I am so proud of them and also the traditional students who are embarking on earning a degree and moving forward in life. I encourage all who may have started school and have not finished to come to USU Brigham City and see how we can help them move forward!”

Rasmussen left her mark on the campus and has received well wishes from many people she has worked with over the years.

“Jill has been an amazing part of students’ lives in the Brigham City region for years,” said Dan Black, Associate Vice President for the USU Brigham City Region. “She has made a huge difference and ensured that many have been successful in their educational goals. She is also a fantastic representative of USU to local organizations and groups. She works tirelessly to make a difference wherever she goes. We will miss her at USU Brigham City.”

Rasmussen has many plans in retirement, although she will take some time to adapt to retired life before she makes too many drastic changes. She looks forward to working on her family and personal history and hopes to write a book about it for future generations. She also looks forward to traveling and working in her garden. She also plans to serve a mission, or several, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Timothy Olsen has been named as the new Director of Students, effective July 1.