USASIE Program Leadership

Dr. Roy Kwon

Dr. Kwon began his career as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of La Verne. Since that time, he moved through the faculty ranks to earn tenure and held a number of administrative positions, including the Interim Chair of Sociology and Anthropology, Director of the Honors Program, and Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. More recently, he held different positions in the Office of the Provost, including Assistant Provost of Undergraduate Programs, Associate Provost of Faculty Affairs, Interim Provost, and Vice Provost.

Dr. Kwon received his bachelor’s from the University of California, Irvine, and his Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of California, Riverside. As a quantitative sociologist with specializations in organizations and institutions, as well as political economy and social change, his areas of teaching and research revolve around the topics of economic sociology, income inequality, and world-systems analysis.

In terms of his personal life, he enjoys quality time with his wife, Susan, and two-year-old son, Henry. Specifically, he finds himself spending much of his recent free time at playgrounds, children’s museums, and zoos.

Dr. Leigh Shaw

Leigh Shaw has been at Weber State University as a faculty member for over 20 years. She is a Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor in Psychological Science, the Psychological Science Adviser, and the Director of General Education. She holds a bachelor's degree with honors from the University of Wyoming and master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Utah. She is a developmental psychologist who teaches Child Psychology, Adolescent Psychology and capstone courses in Theories of Development and Psychology in the Media. Her research explores narrative processes in social development with adolescents and young adults. She loves teaching because she is a lifelong learner and her passion is working with students to find their passion and earn their degree.

Dr. Gail Niklason

A 25-year veteran of Weber State University (WSU), Gail Niklason has led the Office of Institutional Effectiveness since its inception in 2011. Prior to that, she led the WSU Online Instructional Design team as an Associate Dean of Continuing Education. Her first seven years at WSU were spent managing a department in the Information Technology division. Gail earned an EdD in Instructional Technologies from the University of Wyoming in 2012, has a master’s degree in Business from San Francisco State University, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Utah. Hobbies include walking/hiking, kayaking, traveling, and hanging out with the grand babies!

Dr. Eddie Hill

Eddie Hill is an associate professor in the Outdoor & Community Recreation Education program at Weber State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Utah with a focus on youth development and diabetes management. He has written multiple grants, published extensively, and delivered numerous presentations at professional conferences. Eddie has a strong record of scholarship in the area of positive youth development, outdoor recreation, health & wellness. He is the Director of REACH Weber, a year-around recreation program serving youth with type 1 diabetes. Eddie has over 25 years experience as a former challenge course facilitator, Outward Bound field staff, and middle school teacher. He also teaches wilderness medicine and rock climbing to community groups.

Eddie is a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP). He enjoys being outside with his wife and son.

Dr. Susan Matt

Susan Matt is Director of the Office of Interdisciplinary Collaborations and Presidential Distinguished Professor of History. She teaches courses in history and in interdisciplinary studies. Her research, which focuses on the history of emotions in the U.S., spans the disciplines of history, psychology, sociology, and technology studies. She is the author of Keeping Up with the Joneses: Envy in American Consumer Society, 1890-1930, Homesickness: An American History, and co-author of Bored, Lonely, Angry, Stupid: Changing Feelings about Technology, from the Telegraph to Twitter. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Slate and Salon, among other publications.

Ashley Owens

Ashley Owens has dedicated over 20 years to Weber State University (WSU), where she currently serves as the Director of First Year Experience and Learning Communities. She earned bachelor's degrees in Spanish and Professional Sales, and a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from WSU. Ashley was awarded the 2024 WSU Presidential Outstanding Staff Award and is passionate about helping students build strong foundations for both academic and personal growth. She especially loves teaching courses on mentoring and leadership. As an undergraduate student, she competed on WSU's rodeo team. Ashley enjoys finding balance in the outdoors, especially in the mountains with her husband and two daughters. She also competes in skijoring—a sport that combines her love of skiing and horses.