USU Uintah Basin's Jim LaMuth Given Outstanding Public Service Award

VERNAL, Utah — Jim LaMuth, director of programs at Utah State University Uintah Basin, has been given the Outstanding Public Service Award from the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce.

The quarterly award, which is given to individuals for their contributions and commitment to the community, was announced on April 8 at the Chamber Luncheon.

“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from the Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce,” LaMuth said. “I appreciate the work that all the chamber members do to support our community.”

LaMuth has been a member of the USU Uintah Basin staff since 2021 and has worked in higher education in the Basin region for the past 10 years. In his role at USU, LaMuth leads the engagement initiatives for both the Roosevelt and Vernal campuses.

He supports USU’s Statewide Faculty-to-Student mentoring program, developing students’ sense of belonging on their educational journeys. He is dedicated to the transformative experience of higher education and engaging with students and the community to fulfill USU’s land-grant mission.

Born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, LaMuth is a community leader, a supporter of public education and an outdoor enthusiast. After returning from the Peace Corps in the Republic of Benin and working for a government planning agency, LaMuth and his family moved to the Uintah Basin, where he has spent the last 13 years making a positive impact in his community.

He has served on the Terra Academy governing board for two terms, including chairing the board for three years — where he navigated the challenges of COVID-19 and oversaw a $3 million addition. LaMuth has also volunteered as a "Weed Warrior" for Dinosaur National Monument, removing leafy spurge and tamarisk.

LaMuth loves exploring the Green, Yampa and White rivers, and hiking through the stunning landscapes of the Uintah Basin. He shares his home with his husband Dan and two Alaskan Malamutes, Aspen and Chili.

Operating campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt for more than 50 years, Utah State University Uintah Basin gives students the personalized attention and small class sizes of a small-town college with the resources of a large university, all in the backdrop of the outdoor oasis that is the Uinta Mountains and Ashley National Forest. With degree options ranging from associate to doctorate degrees and more than 125 programs available, as well as access to the renowned Bingham Research Center, USU Uintah Basin offers programs that help fuel local economies and empower individuals and their communities. Learn more at uintahbasin.usu.edu.