Terry Dial Looks to Expand Learning Opportunities as Full-Time USU Moab Biology Professor

MOAB, Utah — After working for seven years in varying teaching and research capacities at Utah State University Moab, Terry Dial has been hired as a full-time teacher. Dial now has the title of assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Dial, who had been working as a professional practice assistant professor in the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, is excited to have a deeper focus in the field in which he holds his doctorate. Dial earned a doctorate degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Brown University, as well as a master’s in biology from the University of Utah and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Loyola Marymount University.

“This full-time position allows me to focus on pursuing exactly what I love to do, which is teach, work with great students and support the field of biology,” Dial said. “It solidifies my place at the Moab campus and acts as a springboard to launch new courses and take on new types of students.”

With this new focus, Dial hopes to expand on the campus’ field research and instruction at the Colorado River, as well as provide other field experiences for students. He is also looking forward to working more closely with graduate students on research both in the lab and in the field.

The new biology position at USU Moab was created after leaders identified the need for a full-time position at the campus.

“As we looked at our long-term needs, it became clear that having a dedicated full-time biology instructor was important to supporting our students and strengthening these critical academic pathways,” said Samantha Campbell, associate vice president for USU Moab. “We also recognized the unique value Terry brings to USU Moab, both through his outstanding instruction and his commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences that are rooted in place and community.”

Campbell is excited to see Dial take on this role and to see the positive impact that this newly created position will have on student success, healthcare workforce development, and experiential learning opportunities throughout the region.

“Over the past 7 years, we've seen firsthand the difference Terry makes,” Campbell said. “He is highly respected by his students, colleagues, department, and Statewide partners, and has consistently demonstrated both excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to the Moab campus. While his anatomy, physiology, and biology courses are critical to many of our students' academic pathways, his impact extends far beyond those classrooms and labs.”

Since joining the USU faculty in 2019, Dial had the goal of providing high-quality education to students who attend in Moab and engage with students from across the USU Statewide system to appreciate the natural resources in Moab. He is grateful for all his colleagues who supported him and the development of his current position.

“I am grateful to all of my colleagues who have supported the development of this position, particularly Vice Provost Pam Dupin-Bryant, Deputy Vice President Kristian Olsen, Associate Vice President Samantha Campbell, and Biology Department Head Chris Smith.”

Located in the outdoor recreation paradise of Moab and boasting one of the greenest buildings on any USU campus, Utah State University Moab offers students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university. With programs such as Nursing, Elementary Education, Recreation Resource Management and Social Work, technical education in Health Professions, Automotive and Business, and degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees, USU Moab offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at moab.usu.edu.