RHAU Announces 2025 Annual Award Recipients in Celebration of National Rural Health Week

November 19, 2025 – St. George, UT — On Wednesday, November 12, 2025, the Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) proudly welcomed attendees from across Utah and the United States to the 2025 Annual RHAU Conference at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George. This year’s conference brought together leaders, practitioners, educators, and advocates committed to strengthening rural health—and it also served as the stage for several exciting updates to RHAU’s Annual Awards program.

As part of RHAU’s ongoing efforts to elevate and recognize excellence in rural healthcare, the Association announced a refreshed award structure. The Educational Partner of the Year and Rural Faculty of the Year awards have been combined into a single, more comprehensive honor: Rural Educator of the Year. In addition, two new award categories were unveiled—Rural Nurse of the Year and Rural Health Professional of the Year—reflecting RHAU’s commitment to celebrating the wide range of professionals who power Utah’s rural health system.

This year, RHAU received a record number of nominations, making the selection process both challenging and inspiring. RHAU is thrilled to announce the 2025 Awardees:

• RHAU Lifetime Achievement Award: Melissa Veater, LPS, Prevention Specialist, Southwest Behavioral Health Center

• RHAU Rural Champion of the Year: Melissa Huntington, CMHC, Executive Director, Four Corners Community Behavioral Health

• RHAU Rural Provider of the Year: Jeanne Wigant, MD, Family Medicine Physician, San Juan Health

• RHAU Rural Nurse of the Year: Sulane Knight, BSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, Blue Mountain Hospital

• RHAU Rural Health Professional of the Year: Heidi P. Dutson, LPS, Prevention Administrator/Regional Director, Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Substance Use and Mental Health

• Rural Educator of the Year: Chaz Whitbeck, PA-C, Site Director, St. George Campus, University of Utah Physician Assistant Program

  
  

More information about each award recipient is available at rhau.org/annual-awards.

In celebration of National Rural Health Week, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services Office of Primary Care and Rural Health also presented its annual Impact Awards, honoring individuals who have made notable contributions to rural health. This year’s honorees include:

• Dr. Casey McCullough, Blue Mountain Hospital

• Josie Moosman, Wayne Community Health Center

• Sharelen Cole, Heber Valley Hospital

• Timothy Smith, Garfield Memorial Hospital

• Caroline Wallin, Enterprise Valley Medical Clinic

• Jodi McKinlay, Gunnison Valley Hospital

• Danielle Pendergrass, Utah Nurse Practitioners

• Nicole Harward, Sevier Valley Hospital

  
  

The celebration continued as the Utah Education and Telehealth Network recognized Trevor Olsen, Ed.S., Student Services and Federal Programs Director at the San Juan School District and Associate Director of the University of Utah School-Based Mental Health Center, as the recipient of the 2025 Deborah LaMarche Award. This award honors his outstanding dedication to improving behavioral health outcomes for Utah students through innovative telehealth technologies.

Together, these remarkable individuals are driving meaningful progress, expanding access, and improving quality of life throughout rural Utah. Their passion and commitment truly embody the spirit of rural health—and RHAU is honored to celebrate their contributions.

You can learn more at rhau.org