Rob Behunin: directing the Uintah basin scene.

• Author: Kinder, Peri
• Position: Spotlight - Uintah Basin Applied Technology College

In Shakespeare's "Henry V," King Henry displays extraordinary resolve once he sets a goal. Using every resource available, Henry creates a remarkable force to help him carry out his objective. Henry was a leader who loved his family and felt he was doing the best he could for his subjects. Enter Robert Behunin.

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Behunin serves as assistant to the president of Utah State University, working on economic projects to bolster development in Uintah County. His characteristics and determination reflect the ideals embraced by the hero of his favorite Shakespearean play, "Henry V."

"Henry was an individual who really rises above himself," Behunin says. "He realizes that it's more about the people than it is about him."

Following that philosophy allows Behunin to work with business and development leaders to create programs intended to strengthen Uintah County. He doesn't use the term "economic upswing" or "downswing," choosing instead to call fiscal fluctuations "energy surges."

Having survived two or three energy surges in recent years, the Vernal area is banking on Behunin to diversify the local economy and bring financial consistency to a region driven by natural resources. "We need to move in different directions. We can't just focus on oil and gas," he says. "My job is to connect the dots bringing legislators, educators, businessmen and philanthropists together to meet our needs."

His first act was to extend an invitation to Utah State University (USU) and the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBATC) to get involved. The strong alliance between the two institutions has pooled educational resources and created a component where future employees for the area can be trained in research, recreation management, education and technology.

"We don't have to...