Ken Guan to Join USU Blanding Campus as New Associate Vice President

BLANDING, Utah — Utah State University has announced Ken Guan will become associate vice president for the Blanding campus. Guan will start at USU Blanding on July 1, 2026.

Guan has worked in higher ed for more than 20 years, including roles at Indiana University, Kansas State University, University of Vermont, University of Texas, and most recently serving as manager of community standards and commuter engagement at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.

"I believe I speak for the entire USU Blanding community when I say how excited I am for Ken Guan to help us continue the great work being done at our Blanding campus," said Kristian Olsen, vice president for statewide residential campuses. "His decades of higher education experience, and particularly his experience and knowledge of the land-grant mission will be invaluable."

In addition to working experience at land-grant institutions, Guan has vast experience in roles in both resident life, student engagement and curriculum.

"This opportunity to join USU, and specifically USU Blanding, is a dream come true, but more importantly, it is a privilege to serve the Blanding community,” said Guan. “I am grateful for the strong foundation laid by those who led before me, and it will be an honor to bring my experience and work alongside Tribal nations, local leaders, and our dedicated faculty and staff to strengthen student success, expand regional economic opportunity, and advance both USU’s mission and the land-grant mission in this region.”

Guan will take over for Donna Blake who has been serving as interim associate vice president since May 2025.

"We’re grateful all Donna has done for USU and the Blanding community," said Olsen. "Over the years he has workedt irelessly to improve efficiency and solve problems while overseeing campus retreats, and played a vital role in the building of the new Monument Valley Education Building."