SLCC West Valley Center opens

Kylie Farmer isn’t sure what area of environmental geology she will pursue when she transfers to a four-year institution, but for now she’s grateful for Salt Lake Community College’s new West Valley Center. SLCC’s newest location opened this past fall, and more than 30 different courses are being taught there for the spring 2016 semester. Farmer, who recently moved back to Utah with college credits from Washington, looked at places like University of Utah and Westminster College, but SLCC was the right fit at this point in her life. “I really go off of my gut, and SLCC really felt right,” Farmer said.

Kylie Farmer

“I like it because it’s close to home,” Farmer added. Now she lives in Magna and is attending college using military benefits earned by her father, a disabled Army vet who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I think I have half of my teachers’ phone numbers, just because they say, ‘Call if you need help with any assignments.’ They all know my name, which isn’t always the case in college. It’s a really close connection. They’re always willing to stay after class if I need to talk about anything. I really like it.”

SLCC staff and faculty welcomed community members and leaders last year to open the new location, 3460 S. 5600 West in West Valley City. A ribbon cutting was held with special guests, Utah Rep. Sophia DiCaro, Utah Sen. Luz Escamilla and West Valley City Councilman Corey Rushton. Guests were given tours of the facilities.

The ribbon is cut on the new West Valley Center.

“Our new presence in West Valley City is collaborative, intentional and according to the enrollment numbers, already successful,” said SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin. “We are proud to have worked with the local community leaders to determine the courses needed by the residents and to have created such a vibrant, welcoming place to learn.”

Whether it’s the basics, such as English or math, or more off-the-beaten path, such as astronomy or yoga, West Valley Center offers a variety of subjects to fit many goals and aspirations. The Center will also have student services for veterans, people with disabilities, and those in need of financial assistance.

A computer lab inside West Valley Center.

Close to Granger, Kearns, Hunter and Cyprus high schools, SLCC is collaborating with community, government and business leaders to ensure the West Valley Center meets the needs of the area and its residents. Just like SLCC’s many other locations in the Salt Lake Valley, the new West Valley Center gives students an affordable, convenient option for fully transferrable general education courses as well as classes for the lifelong learner.