Health Occupations Respiratory Therapy Director Eugene Demekhin Earns KDP National Teacher of Honor

Eugene Demekhin, a senior clinical instructor and Director of Respiratory Therapy from the College of Technology, is the latest recipient of the Teacher of Honor Award from Kappa Delta Pi, the National Honor Society in Education. 

Demekhin joins a select group of educators who have been recognized with this honor. Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), founded in 1911, established the Teacher of Honor program in 2008. An educator must have teaching experience, demonstrate a commitment to integrity and high standards in the classroom; and submit evidence of professional development, leadership, community service, and exceptional contributions to the education profession. 

Demekhin is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) and a Certified Allied Health Instructor (AHI). He has quickly acquired leadership roles as a clinical director and later as the program director of respiratory therapy, including serving on committees in the Health Occupations Department and mentoring new and adjunct faculty. In late 2020, he received the Young Achiever Award in Health Sciences, a national recognition presented by Extraordinary People’s Award. He has helped many students prepare for the national respiratory therapy certification exam and maintains a high success rate. He believes that “teaching and training individuals in a health occupation field can make a positive impact into their lives so they can become competent healthcare professionals ready to serve the health needs of the community.” 

He received his associate degree from California College San Diego, where he earned the Clinical Excellence Award in Respiratory Therapy. He moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2018, and was Director of Clinical Education of Respiratory Therapy at Salt Lake Community College.  He has served as a speaker in seminars organized by the Utah State Society of American Medical Technologists. He was invited to present at the AMT National Meeting in 2020. He is an Alumni Member of Lambda Beta Society, the national honor society for respiratory therapists in the U.S. After receiving his associate degree, he continued his education to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration–Healthcare and a master’s in Business Administration. Demekhin’s additional certifications include Respiratory Care Practitioner, and Professional Healthcare Instructor.