RHAU Welcomes Student Doctor Mike Banasky as 2026–2027 Board Student Representative

ST. GEORGE, UTAH — The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Student Doctor Mike Banasky as its Board Student Representative for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Banasky, originally from Price, Utah, graduated summa cum laude from Southern Utah University (SUU) in 2025 with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. After attending Carbon High School, he served a two-year mission in Finland before returning to Utah to continue his education. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at Rocky Vista University.

Banasky brings a strong background in leadership, service, and mental health advocacy. He serves as Board President of Red Rock Resilience, a nonprofit focused on improving youth understanding of mental health in rural Utah. His experience includes work in a youth group home and with the Crisis Text Line, where he developed a deep appreciation for the role of connection and understanding in healing and wellness.

“We are very excited to welcome Mike to our team,” said Kasey Shakespear, Executive Director of RHAU. “He will be leading the development of our student chapter under the guidance of the board. We look forward to working with him to strengthen and expand student engagement beyond the internships, poster presentations, scholarships, we currently offer in an effort to create an even more impactful overall student experience.”

Banasky’s appointment reflects RHAU’s ongoing commitment to cultivating future healthcare leaders dedicated to improving rural health across Utah.

For more information about the Rural Health Association of Utah or the RHAU Student Chapter, please contact info@rhau.org.