Southwest Technical College highlights rural workforce programs and STAC training center

Southwest Technical College presented to the Higher Education Subcommittee about its rural service region (Beaver, Garfield, Iron and Kane counties), expanded dual-enrollment partnerships with Southern Utah University, and program growth that saves students an estimated $4 million in transfer credits.

President Wood described the Southwest Tech Training Advancement Center (STAC), a hub of simulation props for first responders and industry training (mass-casualty, rubble pile, high-angle rescue, HAZMAT and an urban response storefront) and said prior state funding supported academic program growth including master esthetician training. Wood presented a reduced-scope capital request (from an earlier $5.8 million estimate to $3.5 million) focused on diesel technician capacity and lab spaces to meet regional job demand.

The college emphasized strong program outcomes — an 89% graduation rate reported on the federal college scorecard — and partnerships that include articulation agreements with SUU for nursing and other health pathways. Wood said the college uses federal Pell and FAFSA assistance actively to support students; about 49.5% of Pell-eligible students were noted in Pell-eligible programs.

Wood also described hands-on initiatives, a welding competition to engage high-school and adult learners, and increased secondary student participation (up significantly since 2022). Committee members commended the college’s regional partnerships and student-focused work.