Official SLCC Blog

  A new era of leadership officially began at Salt Lake Community College on Thursday, August 21, as the community came together to celebrate its ninth president, Dr. Greg Peterson. This was no ordinary inauguration; instead of a formal ceremony, the event was a vibrant, energetic showcase of the very people at the heart of the College’s mission: its students. Held at SLCC’s South City Campus, the celebration’s mood was, truly, celebratory. Guests were invited to move through various stations, each offering an interactive experience hosted by the college’s outstanding faculty and students. In one example, attendees could walk through a mock crime scene meticulously set up by a forensic science class, offering a firsthand look at the hands-on learning that defines an SLCC education. The feedback was clear: guests loved the chance to engage directly with the talented students who make the College what it is. The evening’s theme was a perfect reflection of President Peterson himself—a...

  Today, Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) joined the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program’s expanded Unlocking Opportunity network—an initiative designed to help community colleges reform programs in ways that improve student outcomes—ensuring students earn degrees that lead to good-paying jobs. SLCC, alongside 54 other colleges, will join 10 pilot institutions in a growing national effort to align their programs and student advising with the two most important goals of community college students: leaving college with a credential and a good job or transferring and completing a bachelor’s degree. Through three years of focused reforms, these colleges will work with Aspen to assess current programs, set goals, and implement research-based reforms to increase student success.  “We are thrilled to be selected for the Aspen Institute’s Unlocking Opportunity network. This recognition reflects a proud moment for our College and the communities we serve,” said Greg Peterson...

Staff Members Veronica Aguilera and Rob Ware figure out clues in the Markosian Library Escape Room What happens when you combine academic resources, student engagement, and a little AI mystery? At Salt Lake Community College's Markosian Library, the answer is a library-themed escape room that is changing how students feel about walking into a college library for the first time. The escape room was designed to introduce students to library services in a fun and engaging way, with clues related to library resources and research tools. It's an innovative approach to library orientation that helps students succeed by familiarizing them with free academic resources, including academic journals, books, and laptops. Where in the world is ...? The Vision Behind the Escape Room  The escape room was developed by library staff Erica Gudiño, Public Services & Outreach Librarian, and Christina Holm, Assistant Director of Library Academic Services, with the help of AI. The escape room w...

Dr. Jamie Cooper, Provost of Academic Affairs Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jamie Cooper as its new Provost of Academic Affairs, effective August 1, 2025. An experienced leader with nearly 30 years in higher education, Cooper brings a strong background in technical college programs, student and academic support services, and institutional research strategies. Cooper joins SLCC from York Technical College in South Carolina, where he served as Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. In that role, he led transformative initiatives that integrated academic programming with workforce development, including the launch of an electric vehicle (EV) service and repair program tailored to meet regional industry needs. “Colleges have a responsibility not only to educate but also to empower,” said Cooper. “That means providing students with relevant training and support while serving as active partners in community and economic development. ...

Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Jason Wood as the new Vice President of Salt Lake Technical College (SL Tech), part of SLCC dedicated to workforce development and technical education. Wood brings more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, most recently serving as President of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Under his leadership, Southwest Tech earned national recognition, including the prestigious Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The college was celebrated for its innovative approach to ensuring students graduate into careers that offer a living wage—reforming or eliminating programs that did not meet that standard. “Helping students realize they can learn, persist, and succeed—especially those who never imagined themselves in college—is the most gratifying part of my career,” said Wood. “I’ve seen firsthand how education can transform lives, and I’m excited to bring that passion to Salt Lake Co...

In commemoration of President Greg Peterson’s inaugural celebration, SLCC is staging a special retrospective of the President’s Art Show from August 11-21 at the George S. & Dolores Doré Eccles Gallery at the college’s South City campus. The exhibit celebrates the decades-long legacy of SLCC’s annual juried show while taking a look forward. The selection features works from the College’s permanent collection and highlights pieces from President’s Art Shows dating back to the late ‘90s. The timeframe spans the tenures of four former presidents, one interim president, and now — with his official inauguration over a year after he took the president’s chair — President Peterson. The show was curated by James Walton, SLCC’s art collection manager and gallery director. “Exhibiting selections from the permanent collection that span three decades gives a sense of where SLCC’s art committee has been under previous presidents,” Walton said, “while preparing us to focus our attention on wher...