Faculty and Staff

Honors Director

Dr. Christie Fox

The Director of the Honors Program is Christie Fox. Dr. Fox was appointed Director in August 2005, after serving as Honors Program Coordinator for 18 months. She is an IB graduate; participated in the Honors Program at Loyola University in New Orleans; earned a Master's degree in Women's Studies from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland; and completed her PhD in folklore at Indiana University. Her research field is Irish Studies, particularly Irish drama, and she is currently completing a book-length manuscript on Irish drama and performance in the 1990s. She teaches in Honors and in English, most recently Studies in Drama and Film and Period Studies in English (on the Irish independence period).

Dr. Fox loves leading the Honors Program. She is committed to the idea of creating "world citizens," a concept with great affinity with the "citizen scholar" ideal and the Honors Program's emphasis on undergraduate research. Dr. Fox says: "One of the most exciting aspects of the position is seeing students set goals and helping them achieve them. I'm proud to be part of a program and an institution so committed to student learning and exploration." She reports that the most fun part of her job is learning about the cool things students are doing around the university.

Dr. Fox is a big fan of study abroad, enjoys meeting Honors students face to face, and is available for consulting on any and all aspects of a student's education.

Dr. Fox's vita (pdf)

Honors Program Coordinator    

Danene Dustin                                                                                                                                                            

Danene Dustin joined the Honors Program in 2004. She received her Bachelor's degree in Travel and Tourism from Brigham Young University; and earned a Master of Arts degree in American Studies from Utah State University. A serendipitous Fife Folklore Conference introduced her to the field of folklore and there's been no turning back! Danene investigated the Indian Boarding School in Brigham City, Utah. Her thesis focuses on the students' and faculty experiences as well as the outcomes of that school, including first-person narratives. She has also conducted several interviews with female marathon runners in an attempt to find a connection between the training and running of long distances and the increase in female empowerment.

Danene is married to Kevin Dustin, Associate Athletics Director over Development at Utah State. She is also the extremely proud mother of three children--Shelby, sophomore at USU; Keaton, Ski enthusiast and Riley, History buff. She is committed to education, particularly her children's, and hopes that they complete post-graduate work one day.

Danene speaks Spanish and her interests include traveling, running, gardening, snow skiing, camping, and cooking. She has completed six marathons, including the 2000 Boston Marathon, and just qualified to run in the 2010 Boston Marathon next April. Danene is also a committed Aggie fan, due in part to her husband's work in athletics.

One of the best things about Danene's work in Honors is advising students. She is the advisor to the Honors Fellows, Honors Student Council and manages all aspects of Honors graduation. She is always happy to share her opinion of all the amazing opportunities available in the Honors Program at Utah State University.

Honors Staff Assistant

Amber Summers-Graham

Amber Summers-Graham joined the Honors Program in August 2008.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from The University of North Dakota in August 2007.  Amber had the opportunity to participate in several archaeology excavation and survey projects in Nevada, North Dakota, and Minnesota.  In 2006 she spent two months doing survey and excavation in Jordan at an ancient Roman Castellum.  Amber hopes to pursue a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology in the near future but for the time being is taking classes that peak her interest.

Amber loves spending time with her husband, Matt, and miniature dachshund, Maximus.  Her interests include gardening, reading, jogging (very slowly), playing computer and Xbox games, and working on a T-bucket that she and Matt are building.

Amber loves working with students in the Honors Program.  If you have questions about Honors contracts or questions in general, she is happy to help.

Honors Student Advisor

Nikelle Holbrook 

Nikelle began working for the Honors Program in August 2008 and is expecting to officially enter the Honors Program, as a student, this semester.  She is majoring in Marketing and is considering a minor in Psychology.

Nikelle is starting her first year at Utah State University and she is so excited!  She grew up in Harrisville, Utah, and loves spending time with her family.  She also loves music, reading and spending time with her friends, when she is not working or doing homework. 

Nikelle would love to help with anything she can, so feel free to stop in and say hello!

 

!