January 2026

Institutional Update

As we begin a new semester, I hope you enjoyed the holidays and had time to rest and recharge. Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to our students and to each other. I’m grateful for our shared work and look forward to what we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead. Here are a few updates:

Our Badger140 work continues to move forward with purpose. Task force chairs will be reporting regularly to Cabinet, sharing progress at Town Halls, and meeting together to collaborate and strengthen our efforts. Thank you to everyone involved in this important work as we move toward achieving our shared goals.  For your information, task force membership is available under the “Initiative and Goals” section of the Badger140 page.

One of our key Badger140 priorities is enrollment, which includes both recruitment and retention. In a changing and increasingly competitive higher education landscape—particularly here in Utah—every interaction matters. Our new There’s No Place Like Snow campaign is now live, and each of us plays a role in fulfilling that promise. We create opportunities for students every day, and together we ensure they know this place truly is unmatched.  You can access the campaign resources on our brand website if you would like to share the message on your social media pages or other communications.

The legislative session is also beginning, marking a busy 45 days ahead. Bills are already being introduced, and we will continue to monitor and engage in the process. I encourage you to stay informed by visiting USHE’s legislative website. They will post updates, track bills, and share state and institutional responsibilities on the page. Thanks to our government relations committee for sharing information throughout the Session too!

In addition, the Utah System of Higher Education is advancing legislation to shape the future of higher education in our state. Last week, the State Board approved a motion to redesign the system framework, and that work is moving forward. While changes are ahead, we have been assured that presidents and the board will help shape the details. We are actively advocating for Snow College and carefully considering how we best align—both vertically and horizontally—within yet-to-be-determined regions. There will be much more to share as this unfolds, and we will keep you informed.

Thank you for all that you do for our students and for Snow College. Your work makes a difference every day!

Stacee

Academic Affairs

This month, Academic Affairs would like to recognize Dr. Kevin Powell of the Mathematics Department, whose dedication to teaching and student success exemplifies the College’s mission of engagement and personalized learning. Since joining Snow College in 2015, Dr. Powell has brought energy and innovation to the classroom, offering courses such as Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Discrete Mathematics. His approach emphasizes collaboration and active learning, often encouraging students to work together at the board to deepen understanding.

Dr. Powell is a strong advocate for accessible education. He has developed open educational resources—including custom textbooks, over a thousand YouTube videos, and interactive SageMath activities—so students can learn without the burden of costly materials. His work reflects a commitment to clarity and connection, helping students build “mental pictures” that reveal the beauty and structure of mathematics.

In addition to his classroom work, Dr. Powell has shared his knowledge through numerous presentations at Snow College and other academic venues, engaging faculty, students, and broader audiences in discussions about innovative teaching strategies and mathematical concepts. Dr Powell’s personal and professional growth, dedication to high-quality education, and support of colleagues are just some of the ways he makes Snow College a great place.

Finance and Administrative Services

Campus Services: Quietly Powering Snow College

Throughout the coming year, I will be highlighting the many departments within Finance and Administrative Services and the important role each plays in supporting Snow College. I begin by recognizing the Campus Services Department and the work they do every day to keep our campus operating smoothly.

I recently attended a Campus Services staff member retirement celebration and was impressed by how many employees expressed genuine pride in their work and appreciation for the opportunity to serve Snow College. That dedication and professionalism reflect a quiet commitment to excellence that benefits the entire campus community.

Campus Services supports nearly every aspect of campus life through maintenance, grounds, electrical, custodial, lock shop, motor pool, mechanical maintenance, recycling, mail services, surplus, and trade work. Much of this work happens behind the scenes and often outside of regular business hours to minimize disruption and maintain a safe, welcoming environment for students, faculty, and staff.

Their contributions may not always be visible, but they are essential. Whether responding to immediate needs or completing long-term projects, this team helps ensure that campus facilities function as they should. I appreciate the leadership of our Chief Facilities Officer, Leslee Cook, and the consistent efforts of each Campus Services staff member and the professionalism they bring to their work in support of Snow College’s mission.

Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

As we prepare for the upcoming semesters, we want to share some exciting developments from the Office of Housing and Residence Life that impact our student success ecosystem.

Facility Improvements: $10,000 Grant Secured

The Residence Life Experience

Housing applications for Summer 2026 and Fall 2026 will open in the next week, and as you work with students, please encourage them to apply early. We know that students who live on campus have a strong community to lean on as they move through their student development path. Our Resident Assistants (RAs) serve as a vital frontline support system, and they work diligently to create experiences and communities with intention and care. Our office strives to create communities and experiences that enrich the student experience academically, socially, and with personal development in mind.

Beyond community building, RAs are trained to identify students who may be struggling and connect them with campus resources, introduce them to fellow students with similar interests who could be their new best friend, and act as a listening ear and sounding board as they mentor their residents.

By living on campus, students stay more integrated in the Snow College culture, making it easier for them to attend your office hours, utilize tutoring, and participate in campus life. Please help us spread that message as you work with new and returning students.

The Richfield Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner on November 17th, and we were thrilled to show our unwavering support for the local chamber and industry. The event drew an impressive crowd of 250 community leaders eager to connect and grow together. This year, the evening featured Olympic Gold Medalist Rulon Gardner as the keynote speaker. Rulon, celebrated for his stunning upset over Alexander Karelin, captivated attendees with his tales of determination and resilience, leaving us all inspired to pursue perseverance in our own lives.

President McIff hosted two VIP tables to honor three of our wrestling community champions, Trustee Rusty Bastian, Dustin Nielsen, and Andrew Unsicker, alongside our dedicated men’s and women’s coaches, Bryan Strain and Ross Taylor. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and camaraderie, making it a fun-filled evening for everyone involved.

On a different note, we also celebrated the accomplishments of our nursing students at the pinning ceremony on Tuesday, December 9. In total, 17 students received their Associate Degree of Nursing. Graduates like Morgan Anderton, Abby Barnes, and Kacy R. Ukena shared their heartfelt reflections on their journey through the program. Ukena highlighted the strength they found in unity and the crucial support from family and friends. Each graduate received their nursing pin during a ceremony steeped in tradition, representing their official welcome to the nursing profession. They also recited the Nightingale Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the values of nursing as they prepare to embark on their careers.