Snow College, Utah Valley University, and Mountainland Technical College join forces to expand student opportunities and strengthen regional workforce pathways
PAYSON, Utah — October 13, 2026 — Executive leaders from Snow College, Utah Valley University (UVU), and Mountainland Technical College (MTECH) gathered Monday to begin implementing the Wasatch South Regional Partnership, part of the Utah Board of Higher Education’s new regional framework designed to improve college access, affordability, and educational outcomes across the state.
The summit brought academic, technical education, student affairs, and other leaders from all three institutions together to identify opportunities for collaboration and develop specific action plans. Priorities include creating clearer pathways from technical certificates through associate and bachelor’s degrees, improving transfer and student support processes, addressing program capacity and workforce needs, and coordinating outreach to students and families.
Top leaders expressed their commitment to improving the student experience. “Students should have access to meaningful educational opportunities, regardless of where they live or where they begin their education,” said Snow College President Stacee Y. McIff. “By bringing together the strengths of three institutions, we can create clearer pathways, remove unnecessary barriers, and help more students reach their goals. That’s what makes this partnership so exciting.”
“This partnership brings together the distinct strengths of UVU, Snow College, and MTECH to create greater opportunity for students and the communities we serve. It reflects our shared commitment to building clearer, connected pathways that help students move more confidently from certificates and degrees to meaningful careers. By aligning together, we are expanding access, supporting student success, and ensuring more Utahns have the opportunity to achieve their goals.”
“Mountainland Technical College is excited to strengthen our partnership with Snow College and UVU to expand opportunities for students across our region,” said Dr. Joseph Demma, MTECH Vice President. “By working together to create clear, seamless pathways and coordinated shared services, we can help students make the most of their education, save valuable time and money, and move more efficiently toward their career goals.”
A central focus of the partnership is creating a more seamless student experience. Leaders are working toward coordinated admissions, advising, financial aid, and transfer processes so students can take advantage of opportunities at all three institutions without unnecessary barriers.
The institutions will also explore shared educational pathways, collaborative grant opportunities, and strategies to better meet regional workforce needs. The summit marks an important first step in developing measurable goals, identifying responsibilities, and establishing timelines for continued collaboration.
The three institutions anticipate formalizing the partnership through a memorandum of understanding and joint signing event later this fall.
