USU Southwest Bolsters Outreach with New Hire

Utah State University Southwest has hired Alondra Guerrero as a full-time recruiter to help with community outreach in the southwest.

“USU Statewide Campuses is excited to have Alondra join the Southwest Campuses team,” stated Vice President of Statewide Campuses, Larry Smith. “Student recruitment and support is the number one priority for Statewide Campuses and Alondra will bring additional energy to bear on that focus in a very large geographical area.”

Guerrero, who is from Cedar City, said she’s looking forward for the opportunities to give back to the communities she’s loved and lived in for most of her life.

“A lot of people in these communities were my cheerleaders when I was working on my master’s degree,” she said. When she was stressed, they were the first to offer words of encouragement. “I’m so glad I can kind of give back a small thank you and be that cheerleader for others as they begin or jump back into their education.”

Making sure everyone is aware of what USU has to offer and resources to help make education accessible are some of her biggest priorities.

“Here in the southwest, there are options for everyone,” she said. “People can take several classes close to home, or just a few classes, that works with the structure of their lives. They can build up their degree to improve their way of life without needing to jump in and spend thousands of dollars.”

Guerrero’s knowledge of the southwest region and its communities is a huge benefit for the area, said Nancy Glomb, the associate vice president for the southwest region.

“We are really excited to welcome Alondra to the team,” Glomb said. “She understands the southwest, and she has this incredible energy that is really important for this position and the ability to connect with people.”

In addition to her recruitment duties, Guerrero will also serve as the region’s exploratory advisor and oversee students on the Earned Admission path before their first semester in school.

Guerrero added others in the statewide system — from Logan to Uintah Basin — have been a huge help as she begins her role.

“I feel so supported,” she said. “Even though we’re all spread out and USU is very big and covers a lot of territory, it’s a very tight-knit community. And I’m a community person.”

About USU Southwest

With locations in Beaver, Bicknell, Cedar City, Delta, Ephraim, Junction, Kanab, Nephi, Panguitch, Richfield, and St. George, Utah State University provides higher education access to rural communities via USU Southwest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and technical education opportunities, USU offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at southwest.usu.edu.