Snow College Appoints Interim VP for Technical Education

State Funding Enables Heightened Focus on Technical Programs

August 25, 2020 - Snow College announced today that Stacee Yardley McIff has accepted the Vice President for Technical Education and Workforce Development position as a one-year appointment. McIff, a native of Panguitch, Utah, has worked at Snow College for nearly fourteen years in the Business Division, where she has taught courses and advised the student business clubs.  For the last seven years, she has served as the Business Department Chair.  During this time, the college’s business program has doubled in enrollment, the GRIT Center for Rural Entrepreneurship was created, and multiple partnerships and opportunities have been created for business students.  Last year, McIff co-chaired the Strategic Planning Task Force and this summer was asked to fill the Interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs position. One of the highlights of McIff’s leadership in this role was leading in and securing nearly $1 million for Snow College as part of the statewide Learn & Work Initiative.  McIff will continue to work with the faculty program leads on this initiative as they execute new programming this semester.

Snow College President Brad Cook said, “Given Stacee’s expertise, strong leadership, and entrepreneurial attitude, I am confident she will be effective in this role.  She knows our communities, and she knows our processes. As we create a vision for expanded offerings, you can expect great outcomes.  We invite you to join the team and be patient as we work through details and logistics.  With Stacee guiding us through these important changes to our state higher education system, Snow College will become a leader in technical education.” Cook also asked employees and stakeholders to be open-minded, progressive, share feedback, and show a growth mindset as this new initiative is implemented.

During the 2020 legislative session, the college received an appropriation specific to technical education.  At the same time, the governing board structure in Utah changed to combine the former Utah State Board of Regents and Utah Technical Colleges Board of Trustees.  After the search for a vice president at the college unexpectedly ended, McIff was appointed to fill the position.  She will work with Interim Provost Melanie Jenkins to realign duties, explore organizational best practices, and move forward with expanding all types of postsecondary education. McIff will continue to work with both the Ephraim and Richfield campuses with a renewed focus on technical education.

Of the appointment, McIff said, “We have a unique opportunity over the next year to demonstrate how we can be nimble and flexible and best determine how this position fits at Snow College.  Many people have worked tirelessly to promote our programs, and I look forward to collaborating with our faculty across all disciplines to find ways to grow our college. We will meet with industry leaders, support our outstanding faculty, revitalize our advisory boards, establish apprenticeships and partnerships, and be creative as we – together with Academic Affairs – provide additional pertinent classes, programs, and trainings.”