Kelle Stephens appointed as DXATC president

04/30/2012

Kelle Stephens

The Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) announced today the selection of Kelle M. Stephens as campus president of the Dixie Applied Technology College (DXATC).

Stephens is currently the Vice President of Instruction for DXATC, where she began serving in 2006 as Director of Industry Training. Her career includes 18 years as Director of Custom Fit Training for Dixie State College, Dixie Business Alliance, and DXATC, during which she served two four-year terms as co-chair of the State Custom Fit Council.

Stephens completed undergraduate work at Brigham Young University and received a Master of Social Science with emphases in economics and human resources from Utah State University.

"President Stephens has been a significant player in the development of the Dixie Applied Technology College over many years,” said UCAT president Rob Brems. “She is a natural choice to succeed retiring President Richard VanAusdal.”

“Kelle is forward-thinking, enthusiastic and is also well-received by her UCAT colleagues across the state,” he continued. “I have great confidence in her, the DXATC Board of Directors and the excellent DXATC staff to continue meeting the needs of Southern Utah's employers for technically-skilled workers."

“It will be my privilege to continue the DXATC legacy established by President VanAusdal to make a difference in our students’ lives and in our business community,” said Stephens. “My commitment is to fill this crucial leadership role with full energy of purpose as the DXATC embarks on its exciting second decade.”

Stephens was selected by President Brems from several highly-qualified candidates after an extensive screening process, including consideration by a committee which was representative of the UCAT Board of Trustees, the DXATC Campus Board of Directors, the UCAT President’s Office staff, DXATC staff, and local business and industry. Stephens’s appointment by Brems was approved in a special meeting today of the UCAT Board of Trustees.

“Kelle Stephens has served DXATC well and we are pleased she has been appointed as its new campus president,” said Tom Bingham, UCAT Board of Trustees Chair. “Her excellent work in promoting high-quality workforce training for high school and adult students qualifies her for this position. We expect significant growth will occur at DXATC during her administration, including the establishment of a new permanent campus at the site of the former St. George airport. The Board of Trustees extends its warmest congratulations to President Stephens.”

Stephens will begin her new appointment on June 1, when current DXATC campus president Rich VanAusdal will retire.

DXATC is one of eight regional applied technology colleges comprising the Utah College of Applied Technology.

UBATC featured in news on energy & job growth...

03/08/2012

KSL-TV and the Deseret News featured Uintah Basin Applied Technology College's role in the growth of the energy industry and jobs in the Uintah Basin. A significant amount of Utah's recent job growth has been in "The Basin".

Link to news coverage in:

KSL-TV News, March 7, 2012, "Uintah Basin sees 'tremendous' job growth"

Deseret News, March 7, 2012, "Uintah Basin sees 'tremendous' job growth "

Lawmakers consider funding for high school...

02/23/2012

Changes in school district funding for technical education provided by ATCs and high schools were considered by the Utah Legislature's Public Education Appropriations Subcommittee on February 15.

Link to news articles carried in:

Deseret News, Feb. 19, 2012, "Lawmakers re-evaluate funding of tech ed for high school students"

Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 16, 2012, "State school board criticizes education budget meeting"

Trustee's company gets international honor

02/10/2012

Steve Moore's Barnes Aerospace-Ogden Division is awarded prestigious Shingo Prize.

The Utah College of Applied Technology congratulates Trustee Steve Moore, who is the Division Manager of Barnes Aerospace Ogden Division, and his company's division for being selected to receive the prestigious Shingo Prize for Operational Excellence.

According to the New York Times (Feb. 7), "the Shingo awards are one of the world’s top prizes for operational excellence and are awarded only to those businesses that demonstrate exceptional work in business improvement through the application of universally accepted principles of operational excellence that empower people and transform organizational culture. The Shingo Prize’s intent of assessing organizations is to evaluate the degrees to which organizations are aligned with the principles of operational excellence represented in the Shingo model."

The following links provide more information about Barnes Aerospace Ogden Division and the recent announcement in the New York Times:

New York Times (2/7/2012): "Barnes Group Inc. Receives One of World’s Top Awards for Operational Excellence - The Shingo Silver Medallion"

Barnes Aerospace Ogden Division Profile Sheet

Legislature: guv to have more say in higher ed...

02/03/2012

Despite a close vote, the governor and Senate will soon have a say in the hiring — or firing — of the commissioner of higher education and the president of the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT).

Link to news articles carried in:

Salt Lake Tribune, Feb. 3, 2012.

Deseret News, Feb. 3, 2012.

Bill to Restore Technical Education Funding...

02/01/2012

Lawmakers advanced a bill Tuesday to undo a change made last legislative session that some say could hurt students hoping to take technical education classes during the school day.

HB258 would reverse a decision last year to no longer fund schools for the time their students spend on Utah College of Applied Technology campuses (ATCs), which are also funded with state dollars. Some lawmakers argued last year that the state was paying twice for those students’ classes.

Click here to read more

Dixie Applied Technology College Campus President...

01/23/2012

Seeking Applications for DXATC Campus President: The president of the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT), UCAT Board of Trustees and the board of directors of the Dixie Applied Technology College are seeking applications for the position of campus president.

Richard VanAusdal, Campus President of the Dixie Applied Technology College (DXATC) has announced his retirement after distinguished and outstanding service to the College, business community, and state for over forty years. President VanAusdal has set the DXATC on a solid foundation that will allow the next president to build toward even higher levels of excellence.

Dixie Applied Technology College is a leader in developing a world-class technically-trained workforce with an annual enrollment of more than 6,000 part-time, full-time, adult, and secondary students. Located in St. George, Utah, the College has served the region by providing quality career and technical instruction since 2001. DXATC is one of eight regional campuses comprising the Utah College of Applied Technology.

DXATC Campus President Rich VanAusdal to retire

01/13/2012

Education career spans 40 years; UCAT to begin process for June 1 replacement.

For immediate release – January 13, 2012

The Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) announced today that Rich VanAusdal, Campus President for its Dixie Applied Technology College (DXATC) in Washington County, will retire on June 1. VanAusdal announced his retirement Wednesday at the regular meeting of the UCAT Board of Trustees in Salt Lake City.

UCAT President Rob Brems will meet with leaders from the DXATC campus board of directors next week to begin discussions of the process for replacing VanAusdal. Under Utah statute, UCAT campus presidents are to be appointed by the UCAT president after consultation with the campus board of directors and with the approval of the UCAT board of trustees.

“Rich VanAusdal has had a long and respected career in Utah education,” said President Brems. “Over many years at Dixie State College and Dixie Applied Technology College he has been a major innovator and builder of quality programs and services. He is a personal friend and DXATC and UCAT will miss him.”

VanAusdal began his 40-year career as a business and marketing teacher at Highland High School in Salt Lake City. He then spent 27 years working for Dixie State College, much of the time as Dean of Business and Technology, where he was responsible for the development and success of many career and technical education programs.

With the formation of UCAT and the creation of DXATC in 2001, VanAusdal was appointed as the first DXATC campus president. During his ten years of leadership, DXATC grew from 634 students served from a former grocery store building to more than 6,000 students served from a new facility in the Tonaquint area of St. George.

“The Dixie ATC team has really accomplished a lot of good things in the last ten years and built a strong foundation,” said VanAusdal. “I will be on board for the remainder of this school year, and we still have a lot of things to accomplish. But there’s a lot of great momentum going.”

“President VanAusdal has done an exceptional job in guiding the DXATC to meet the workforce training needs of Southern Utah,” said Tom Bingham, UCAT board of trustees chair and president of the Utah Manufacturers Association. “His campus has been particularly successful in the development of targeted training and education for the manufacturing industry.”

“We have appreciated Rich’s steady guidance and vision for growth,” said Mark Fahrenkamp, DXATC campus board chair. “We hope that he will stay involved with DXATC in some way as the school continues to move forward.”

###

About UCAT:

UCAT is the parent organization for Utah’s eight regional applied technology colleges (ATCs). Established by the State of Utah, UCAT provides market-driven technical education through eight ATCs meeting the needs of Utah’s employers for skilled workers.

The ATCs prepare both adult and high school students to enter or advance in the workplace. Customized training is also provided to employers for their workforce through UCAT’s Custom Fit program.

The eight ATCs are Bridgerland, Davis, Dixie, Mountainland, Ogden/Weber, Southwest, Tooele, and Uintah Basin. For more information, visit www.ucat.edu.

MATC TV Spot 2012

01/13/2012

Watch the latest MATC TV Spot!

Click here to watch the commercial!

ATC Leaders Named to COE Posts

12/22/2011

Five from four campuses to serve in national accreditation agency.

Five individuals from UCAT campuses were named by the Council on Occupational Education (COE) at its annual meeting in November to serve on various national panels. COE is the national technical education accreditation agency that accredits UCAT's eight applied technology college campuses.

Michael Bouwhuis, Campus President of Davis Applied Technology College in Kaysville, was elected as a COE Commission Member. The 20-member Commission provides oversight to COE and approves all accreditation actions, and consists of technical education administrative officers and industry representatives of COE Commission-accredited institutions throughout the United States. President Bouwhuis is the campus president for Davis Applied Technology College (DATC), headquartered in Kaysville. He replaces Paul Hacking, former campus president for Uintah Basin Applied Technology College, as a Commission member. Click here to read more at the DATC website.

Wendy Brog, Associate Vice President for Instruction at Bridgerland Applied Technology College in Logan, was selected as one of two new members of the COECouncil Committee on Accreditation Standards and Conditions. The Committee's primary purpose is to develop and revise the accreditation standards for COE. The committee is comprised of six representatives from different COE-accredited schools across the country.

Two UCAT campus presidents, Collette Mercier (Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College in Ogden) and Dana Miller (Southwest Applied Technology College in Cedar City), were appointed as members of the 45-member COE Council Appeal Panel. The Appeal Panel's role is to review and decide on appeals from member institutions on Commission actions.

Kim Ziebarth, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Instructional Quality at Davis Applied Technology College, was appointed to the COE Commission Review Committee. This committee's function is to review institutional materials, educational programs, and any other materials that relate to the standards and policies of the Commission.

Additional information about the Council on Occupational Education is available at their website: http://www.council.org/

2012 UCAT Conference - Call for Presentations

12/19/2011

Submit a proposal for a workshop presentation at the June 8 Professional Development Conference.

The Fifth Annual UCAT Professional Development Conference will be held on Friday, June 8, 2012. This year's conference will be hosted by the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College.

Faculty and staff from UCAT's Applied Technology Colleges are encouraged to submit proposals for workshops.

Click here for details.

Position Announcement - Executive Assistant

12/09/2011

The UCAT President's Office is seeking applications for the position of Executive Assistant to the President. Click here for details.

Customized Training Keeps Utah's Workforce...

11/02/2011

Customized Training Keeps Utah's Workforce Up to Speed with Business Needs, Aids Economic Growth

UCAT Professional Development Conference

06/29/2011

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.222280924463204.63828.117191174972180

UCAT Professional Development Conference

05/17/2011

Professional development for ATC faculty & staff

Click here to REGISTER NOW!!

Click here for conference poster.

Join faculty and staff from all of the applied technology colleges across the state for the Fourth Annual UCAT Professional Development Conference, hosted this year by the Mountainland Applied Technology College at their brand new Thanksgiving Point Campus in Lehi. Learn and share best practices, network with colleagues at other campuses, get inspired and energized, and find out what’s going on in our great statewide UCAT system.

Friday, June 10, 2011

9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (registration begins at 8:00)

Mountainland Applied Technology College

Thanksgiving Point Campus

2301 West Ashton Blvd., Lehi, Utah

Check with your campus on arrangements to travel to the conference.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Registration

Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Opening Session

State of UCAT

Rob Brems, President- Utah College of Applied Technology

10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Breakout Session I

(click here for sessions)

Learn and share with people from various campuses and jobs to help you

in a topic of interest. Ten sessions to choose from.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Lunch

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Breakout Session II

(click here for sessions)

Choose another topic of interest.

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Departmental Forums

(click here for listings)

Meet with people in related job functions from other campuses to discuss

best practices and topics relevant to the challenges within your department.

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Closing Session

Door prizes, wrap-up, baton-passing, and refreshments.

Mark D. Walker appointed as Uintah Basin Applied...

04/04/2011

The Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) announced today the selection of Mark D. Walker as campus president of the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBATC).

Walker is currently an executive for the Mountainland Applied Technology College, a UCAT campus with headquarters in Lehi, where he has served since 2005 as Vice President of Operations, Facilities and Custom Fit, Vice President of Student Services, and Program Director. His responsibilities have included overseeing customized training for business and industry, facilities development and management for six campus building sites, and foundation and economic development relationships with community, government and industry.

Walker’s experience also includes 25 years of private-sector business leadership as owner of a Spanish Fork company and as a regional manager in the jewelry industry. He graduated from Thomas Edison State College and received a Master of Business Administration from California Coast University.

“Mark Walker is a seasoned businessman and applied technology educator,” said UCAT president Rob Brems. “He is well-liked, energetic and definitely a ‘people-person’. His experience as an ATC administrator will be a great asset to continue moving the UBATC forward.”

“I firmly believe that what the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College is doing is absolutely critical for people and industry to be successful,” said Walker. “Together with the faculty and staff of UBATC and with the Uintah Basin community, I believe we can impact people’s lives more than anyone else.”

Walker was selected by President Brems from several highly-qualified candidates after an extensive screening process, including consideration by a committee which was representative of the UCAT Board of Trustees, the UBATC Campus Board of Directors, the UCAT President’s Office staff, UBATC faculty, staff and students, and local business and industry. Walker’s appointment by Brems was approved in a special meeting today of the UCAT Board of Trustees. An on-site meeting with Campus President Walker is scheduled for Tuesday at the UBATC campuses.

Walker will replace former UBATC Campus President Paul Hacking, who in February accepted a joint position as Associate Executive Director of the Uintah Impact Mitigation Special Service District and as Associate Vice President of Regional Development for Utah State University. Dr. Darrell K. White has been serving as acting campus president since February 17. Walker will begin his new appointment by June 1.

UBATC is one of eight regional applied technology colleges comprising the Utah College of Applied Technology.

UCAT Trustees to consider Uintah Basin campus...

04/02/2011

The Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, April 4, at 2:00 p.m. to consider the appointment of a campus president for the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBATC) by UCAT president Rob Brems. The anchor location for the meeting will be in Taylorsville, with board members accessing throughout the state by conference call.

After meeting in closed session, the board will open for public session (projected to begin approximately 2:30-3:00) in which they may approve the appointment of a campus president, or may adjourn without action. If an appointment is approved, President Brems will formally introduce the appointee to the public in the meeting, which will be telecast to the UBATC campuses in Roosevelt and Vernal via live video feed. An on-site meeting with the new campus president will follow on Tuesday at UBATC.

The appointment is being considered to replace the former UBATC campus president, Paul Hacking, who in February accepted a joint position as Associate Executive Director of the Uintah Impact Mitigation Special Service District and as Associate Vice President of Regional Development for Utah State University. Dr. Darrell K. White has been serving as acting campus president since February 17.

The board action will conclude an extensive search process by the Office of the UCAT President in consultation with the UBATC campus board of directors. Utah law calls for the UCAT president to appoint a campus president after consultation with the campus board and with the approval of the UCAT board.

The agenda and details for the Monday Board of Trustees meeting follow.

UTAH COLLEGE OF APPLIED TECHNOLOGY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING AGENDA

April 4, 2011 – 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Utah College of Applied Technology

4501 S 2700 W

SLC, UT 84116

(Anchor location for telephone conference access)

I. Introduction

A. Call to Order – Chair Bingham

B. Approval of Agenda – Chair Bingham

II. Closed Session

Board will vote to go into closed session, which will not be open to the public, pursuant to Utah Code Section 52-4-204-206, for discussion of the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of individuals.

III. Open Session

(Will also be accessible to the public by videoconference feed at the Roosevelt and Vernal campuses of the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College:

Roosevelt – 1100 E. Lagoon Street

Vernal – 450 N. 2000 W.)

A. Approval of Utah College of Applied Technology president’s appointment of new Uintah Basin Applied Technology College campus president – Pres. Brems

B. Introduction of newly appointed Uintah Basin Applied Technology College Campus President –Pres. Brems

IV. Adjourn

Public Notice of Electronic Meeting Access (UCA 52-4-207(3)): This meeting will be provided with electronic meeting access via conference/speaker telephone for Board of Trustee members only by prior arrangement with the board secretary. The Utah College of Applied Technology shall be the anchor location for public attendance.

This meeting will also be available via closed-circuit videoconference at 1100 E. Lagoon Street, Roosevelt, and 450 N. 2000 W, Vernal, starting at approximately 2:30-3:00 p.m. with agenda Item III.

Governor to sign HB 4 on Wednesday in Davis and...

03/29/2011

The Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) is pleased to announce Governor Gary Herbert will be signing House Bill 4 on Wednesday, March 30, at signing ceremonies in Davis and Tooele Counties. House Bill 4, which funds six capital facilities projects across the state, includes a new main campus building for Tooele Applied Technology College (TATC) in Tooele County and remodeled space for Davis Applied Technology College (DATC). DATC and TATC are UCAT campuses.

Details of the two signing ceremonies follow:

Davis County: Wednesday, March 30, 10:00 a.m., Weber State University Davis Campus, 2750 N. University Park Blvd. (Room 110), Layton.

Tooele County: Wednesday, March 30, 4:00 p.m., Tooele County School District Community Learning Center (CLC), 211 S. Tooele Blvd., Tooele.

The 66,750 sq. ft. TATC facility is the culmination of a community effort involving partners in economic development, education, local governments, private donors, business/industry, and the State of Utah. It will be constructed at the entrance of the Tooele County Education and Training Corridor just north of the Tooele County School District Community Learning Center. Established in 2009, TATC is Utah’s newest applied technology college, and has quickly grown out of its present 4,440 sq. ft. facility.

“We are proud of the efforts of TATC to provide quality applied technology and workforce training to the citizens of Tooele County,” said UCAT president Rob Brems. “We see a bright future for the TATC in this new facility and wish them, Tooele's employers, and the student’s success in achieving their education and job training goals.”

In Davis County, a 120,000 sq. ft. warehouse space at the Freeport Center in Clearfield will be remodeled for interagency use, including 32,000 sq ft for DATC, which is headquartered in Kaysville.

“This new space will allow the DATC to expand its services to employers and students seeking education and job training skills in the region’s critical businesses and industries,” said Brems. “DATC has been making significant contributions to the Davis and Morgan county area since 1978. It is truly an economic engine for workforce training in the region.”

UCAT reports high job placement, completion and...

03/14/2011

Local company advisory teams ensure students graduate with relevant, employable skills

Utah College of Applied Technology reports high job placement, completion and licensure for national accreditation

Job placement, program completion and professional licensing are strong at Utah’s applied technology colleges, according to annual accreditation outcomes released last month by the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT).

UCAT campuses reported that 78 percent of students who completed certificate programs were placed in related employment during 2010, significantly exceeding a national accreditation standard of 70 percent.

“With today’s high unemployment, these placement rates are a reflection of UCAT’s focus on training for the jobs and skills companies need most,” said UCAT President Rob Brems. “We have more students than ever before at our applied technology colleges, and most of them are getting jobs in their field of training. The campuses are right on track with our mission to meet the needs of Utah’s employers for technically skilled workers.”

UCAT also reported a 66 percent program completion rate and a 98 percent licensure rate. As a condition of continuing accreditation, the campuses must meet annual performance standards for program completion, job placement, and licensure established by the Council on Occupational Education, a national agency that accredits career and technical institutions.

To ensure that UCAT is offering training relevant to its students and currently needed by Utah companies, 951 employer representatives actively participated in advising UCAT programs in 2010. “That employer involvement is critical to getting students to work,” said Pres. Brems.

Dixie Applied Technology College President Rich VanAusdal agrees. “Our business community is involved with every program we offer at DXATC,” he said. “Industry experts form advisory teams to assure that each program’s curriculum is relevant and responsive to that industry’s current demand. Our programs are fluid and dynamic, changing to meet the need of employers.”

UCAT’s eight applied technology college campuses offer 291 accredited certificate programs statewide. According to the U.S. Department of Education, certificates are the fastest-growing credential in higher education nationally over the past 10 years.

Certificates and other post-secondary training at UCAT campuses will play a big role in helping Utah reach the goal recently articulated by the Governor’s Education Excellence Commission for 66 percent of Utahns to have a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2020. The commission’s goal is based on a 2010 study by The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce which projected that 66 percent of all jobs in Utah will require post-high school education by 2018.

Forty-one percent of the jobs needing postsecondary education will require the kind of certificate and skills training offered by UCAT’s applied technology colleges. The study also shows that many workers with licenses and certificates earn more than those who have traditional college/university degrees.

These education trends were apparent during the recent recession and current recovery as many workers found that they had to seek additional training, or re-training, in order to re-enter the workforce or remain competitive. UCAT’s annual report reflected that trend showing that adult students at UCAT logged a record-setting increase of 21.7% in membership hours in 2010.

Last year, 42,524 students took advantage of UCAT’s open-entry, open-exit, competency-based technical education training.

For more information about UCAT and its programs, go to www.ucat.edu.

UCAT graduates recognized in Utah Senate

02/15/2011

Programs at UCAT provide opportunities for women to excel in non-traditional occupations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Debra Hunsaker

FORTHGEAR

Phone: 801/991-1060 or 801/628-1758

E-Mail: debra [at] forthgear [dot] com

Jared Haines

Vice President of Instruction & Student Services

Utah College of Applied Technology

Phone: 801/955-2172 or 801/361-0631

E-Mail: jhaines [at] ucat [dot] edu

Programs at UCAT provide opportunities for women to excel in non-traditional occupationsUCAT graduates recognized in Utah Senate; Senator Mayne shows support for women and men in trade occupations

Salt Lake City, UT (February 14, 2011) – Three Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) graduates were among five individuals recognized on the floor of the Utah Senate today by Senator Karen Mayne (D-SL) in a show of support for non-traditional workplace skills, and particularly for women in trades.

The three UCAT graduates recognized were Isabell Navarro, Lauren Sprott and Paul Kristensen. Each graduate illustrates a different educational “pathway” that has led to their current employment, while Navarro and Sprott exemplify women who have found satisfying careers in nontraditional fields.

Upon losing her job when La-Z-Boy closed its doors in Brigham City, Navarro considered several options before enrolling in the Heavy Equipment Operator Program at Bridgerland Applied Technology College (BATC). Now employed as the first female heavy equipment operator at Nish Rock in Garland, Navarro loves her job.

“My mom can drive an excavator!” said Navarro’s 3-year-old son. “I want to be just like my mom!”

After receiving training in fork lift operation at Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College (OWATC), Sprott decided to continue her education and earned her bachelor’s degree in construction technology at Weber State University. However, upon graduation, she couldn’t find a job. She decided to re-enroll at OWATC and study welding.

“I spent four years at WSU and couldn’t get a job. I spent five months at OWATC and I found a job,” said Sprott. She said the biggest difference was that her instructors at OWATC really cared about her and were instrumental in helping her find employment. Sprott, who has worked as a welder for Barnes Aerospace and Chromolox, is now a welding instructor at OWATC.

Kristensen wasn’t initially interested in a traditional college education, so he decided to enter the electrical program at OWATC. After working as a journeyman electrician for 10 years, he decided to further his education at the University of Utah where he received a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Kristensen said that his initial education at OWATC and his previous hands-on experience were instrumental in helping him complete his degree and secure new employment at Rocky Mountain Power in smart-grid technology.

“I am very impressed with UCAT’s dedication and training in meeting the needs of today’s job market,” said Dale Cox, Political Coordinator for Operating Engineers Local No. 3. “I’ve been involved with apprenticeships for 30 years and training is essential to what goes on in the workplace.” Cox is a member of UCAT’s Board of Trustees, appointed by the governor to represent union trade organizations.

“There are incredible career opportunities for women in many non-traditional fields,” said UCAT President Rob Brems. “Our ATC campuses have many, many success stories of women who have not only entered family-sustaining occupations but have distinguished themselves above their peers.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, training offered by UCAT that would be considered nontraditional fields for women are programs in construction trades, industrial trades and transportation. The federal government (through the Utah State Office of Education) requires the tracking of training in non-traditional occupations through the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 2006.

Currently, 741 female students represent approximately 8 percent of the total students enrolled in what would be considered nontraditional programs at UCAT. The highest numbers of women are enrolled in automotive (130), welding (125), carpentry (121), cabinet making (89), and composites (72) technician programs.

Cox is complimentary of the programs offered at UCAT. “The women we have working for us in the Operating Engineers (heavy equipment) are hard workers and conscientious. Training is imperative because the more tools you have in your toolbox, the better asset you’ll be to your employer,” said Cox.

UCAT provided training to 45,524 students at its eight campuses statewide in 2010 — the highest participation rate in the system’s history. UCAT offers 291 accredited certificate programs ranging from business and computer technology to construction/industrial trades and healthcare.

For more education about UCAT and its programs, go to www.ucat.edu.

UCAT Background Information

UCAT is the parent organization for Utah’s eight regional applied technology colleges (ATCs). Established by the State of Utah, UCAT provides market-driven technical education through eight ATCs that meets the needs of Utah’s employers for skilled workers.

The ATCs prepare both adult and high school students to enter or advance in the workplace. Customized training is also provided to employers for their work force through UCAT’s Custom Fit program.

The eight ATCs are Bridgerland, Davis, Dixie, Mountainland, Ogden-Weber, Southwest, Tooele and Uintah Basin. For more information, visit www.ucat.edu.

Documents and/or Photos available for this release:

Senator Karen Mayne recognizes Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) graduates, UCAT President Rob Brems and other invited guests on the floor of the Utah Senate today in support of non-traditional workplace skills.

To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 286515

New acting president named at UBATC

02/11/2011

Dr. Darrell K. White has been appointed acting campus president of the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College. The appointment comes just days after current UBATC President Paul Hacking announced his resignation to accept a joint position as Associate Executive Director of the Uintah Impact Mitigation Special Service District and as Associate Vice President of Regional Development for Utah State University.

White will take the helm at UBATC on Feb. 17; he will serve until a new campus president can be appointed. “Darrell White is an excellent choice for interim president. His experience with public education, UCAT and the legislature make him uniquely qualified to serve in this capacity,” Hacking said.

“The Uintah Basin has an incredible treasure in its applied technology college,” White said. “The faculty and staff, along with students and industry, have built a tremendous resource that is a centerpiece to the communities it serves and a model to the nation. I am pleased to be able to serve with UBATC’s outstanding team – some of the greatest people anywhere.

”White received a master’s degree in educational administration and a doctorate in curriculum and supervision from Utah State University. He has served as director of development for UCAT since 2006. His career in public education includes service as deputy for education to Gov. Olene S. Walker, executive director of the Utah School Superintendents Association, and superintendent for four school districts. He also served as UCAT interim president in 2005-06.

Utah College of Applied Technology President Rob Brems said he appreciates Dr. White’s willingness to take on the assignment as UBATC Acting Campus President.

“He (White) is well-known, respected and appreciated among policy-makers, the applied technology colleges, school districts, and higher education,” Brems said. “Working with UBATC’s excellent executive team, the UBATC Board of Directors, and the faculty and staff, I am confident that he will keep UBATC’s momentum as they continue to meet the workforce needs of business and industry in the Uintah Basin.” Brems announced that the search for the new UBATC campus president will begin immediately and be conducted nationwide.

We expect to appoint a new UBATC president sometime in April,” he said.As required by state law, the campus president will be appointed by the UCAT president after consultation with the UBATC Board of Directors and with the approval of the UCAT board of trustees.

“New Regents policy allows credit for technical...

02/04/2011

“900-membership-hour programs at UCAT schools receive articulation to AAS degrees”

SALT LAKE CITY – After a special meeting held via conference call this afternoon, the Utah State Board of Regents has approved a policy (R473) change that will allow participating USHE institutions to establish articulation agreements with UCAT campuses for awarding credit for 900-membership-hour UCAT technical specialty programs. The policy revision will allow students completing approved and articulated 900-membership-hour programs at Utah Applied College of Technology (UCAT) campuses to receive thirty credit hours toward an A.A.S. degree in General Technology at Utah public institutions that have the A.A.S. degree and an established written articulation agreement. The change received a unanimous vote from the Regents.

Credit transfer between USHE institutions and UCAT campuses provides an opportunity for students to advance their post-secondary experience to degree completion, consistent with the goal of having 66% of Utahns with post-secondary certificates and degrees by 2020. “This policy revision allows students with advanced experience in certain technology areas to earn a credit-bearing degree,” said Bill Sederburg, Commissioner of Higher Education. “The policy will allow students to take the experience and competencies gained at a UCAT campus and advance with one of our programs.”

“I applaud the work that has been accomplished by the individuals within the Utah System of Higher Education,” said Robert Brems, President of the Utah College of Applied Technology. “This is a significant breakthrough to streamline the educational process for thousands of individuals each year who wish to continue their UCAT education to an associate degree level.”

Additional News on Credit for Technical Coursework:

Deseret News (2/4/2011):

Utah Board of Regents poised to offer college credit for job training

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705365856/Utah-Board-of-Regents-poised-to-offer-college-credit-for-job-training.html

UBATC president Paul Hacking selected for...

02/04/2011

Press Release

MATC to open Thanksgiving Point Campus 1/12/2011

01/04/2011

http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/article_461d68e9-8d5f-58bd-84ee-91052ae255fe.html

UCAT provided training to 1,283 Utah companies

12/09/2010

Utah College of Applied Technology “energizes” Utah by providing essential job training and establishing Energy Academies

Hands-on training is vital to Utah’s energy-related businesses; prevents industry disasters like the BP Gulf oil spill

Salt Lake City, UT – The Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) and its campuses statewide provide specialized training in the energy and renewable energy industries. Current programs range from geothermal and wind resources to the petroleum industry and solar power. Working closely with Utah businesses, the goal is to ensure that companies have access to highly trained professionals while also attracting other energy-related business to the state.

According to a study conducted for the American Solar Energy Society, during 2007 the combined U.S. industries of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency generated more then 9 million jobs, $1,045 billion in revenue and nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.

According to the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Utah wants to be at the forefront of this job growth and the state has charged its institutions of higher learning to offer job training for energy-related industries.

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBATC), with campuses in Vernal and Roosevelt, has responded to high local demand in the oil and natural gas industry. According to UBATC President Paul Hacking, 70-75% of all fossil fuel extraction in Utah occurs in the Uintah Basin. In 2008, the Energy Information Administration ranked Utah as the sixth largest producer of gas in the Western United States.

Last year alone, UBATC trained and certified over 150 students on a special drilling simulator — the only one of its kind in the Western United States. Approximately 3,500 people from more than 256 companies were enrolled in the 50 oil/gas-related training classes offered last year.

“We’ve had several companies call back and tell us that the training they received here helped them handle potentially disastrous situations in a safe way, that otherwise could have resulted in loss of life or environmental disasters,” said Hacking.

He gave the example of a company who called to say that they had run into H2S gas at their well and needed to know how to handle it. Although it was after 5 p.m., two instructors were sent immediately to provide training. By the end of the next day, 41 employees had been trained and certified in how to handle the deadly gas.

The campus offers entry-level to advanced training programs in petroleum technology, energy services safety (required certification for new employees in the oil/gas industry), commercial truck driving and other industry-related training. Companies that currently utilize this training include NewField Production Company, Halliburton and BJ Services.

UBATC also offers training in green construction.

Southwest Applied Technology College’s (SWATC) renewable energy training programs led to the recruitment of First Wind, Utah’s first large-scale wind farm in Beaver County. SWATC President Dana Miller said that students have gained employment in constructing and maintaining the wind farms. Renewable Energy courses originally offered only at Milford High School have now expanded to the Iron County School District.

The school, whose main campus is located in Cedar City, has also received permission from the Utah Electrical Board to teach a continuing education course on photovoltaics to electrical contractors.

Dixie Applied Technology College (DXATC) in St. George will become a “trainer to the trainers,” through a grant recently awarded thru Salt Lake Community College, establishing it as a regional training center for solar energy. Salt Lake Community College was one of nine providers nationwide selected to spearhead their region’s Solar Instructor Training Network, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Community/technical college and high school instructors will be invited to DXATC to receive training on how to become a master solar trainer. Installers will also be invited to train in a special lab that focuses on how to install solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar heating and cooling (SHC) systems.

“Our long term goal is to be recognized as one of the Rocky Mountain solar training providers in our 15-state region,” said Richard VanAusdal, campus president at DXATC. “Those providers are recognized by Solar Energy International and the Utah Solar Energy Association.”

UCAT Campuses Designated as “Energy Academies”

As part of the Department of Labor State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) grant administered through the Department of Workforces Services (DWS), Southwestern Applied Technology College(SWATC), Uintah Basin Applied Technology College(UBATC) and Davis Applied Technology College(DATC) have received recent designation as Energy Academy locations. It is hoped that the training programs will be rolled out to include other ATC campuses in the future.

Some training classes will start this fall, with the bulk starting in January 2011. The goal is to train 1,400 individuals throughout Utah.

SWATC will offer training in Renewable Energy Transmission as it relates to wind, solar, geothermal and Smart Grid. “We anticipate these training programs to be ready for student enrollment in 12-15 months,” said Miller. Through the grant, the school was able to acquire multiple lab and hands-on equipment stations.

UBATC will offer training in alternative fuels (CNG Vehicle Conversion, Hybrid Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance, and Natural Gas Measurement Technicians) and green construction.

DATC will offer classes in green construction (solar panel instruction, solar thermal water installation, hazardous materials handling, etc.), energy management and renewable energy transmission.

Individuals interested in finding out more about training and available jobs in the energy industry are urged to call their local UCAT campus or go to www.ucat.edu.

Custom Fit Program keeps companies competitive during economic down times

Salt Lake City, UT –In 2010, 16,968 people throughout Utah received custom, state-of-the-art training through Custom Fit — a dynamic partnership between the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) and local businesses. Funded through the Utah State Legislature since its inception 25 years ago, the program is seen as investment in Utah’s economy and workforce development.

Last year, the program helped provide training to 1,283 companies including Fresenius Medical Care, Procter & Gamble, Viracon, JD Machine, Uintah Basin Medical Center, Carlisle-Syntec and Energy Solutions. The customized training is available to large and small businesses alike and can be conducted on-site or at any of UCAT’s eight campuses and affiliated institutions statewide from Logan to St. George.

“UCAT does what employers need — it’s at the core of our mission,” said UCAT President Rob Brems. “Custom Fit is helping hundreds of businesses give Utah a competitive edge for today’s global marketplace. Our applied technology college campuses are ready and proud to respond quickly to company training needs.”

The varied training programs have ranged from health care and oil/gas exploration to manufacturing and the food/services industry.

The funds for Custom Fit are appropriated by the Utah State Legislature and allocated by the UCAT Board of Trustees. Companies utilizing Custom Fit training must provide a financial contribution of at least 40 percent of the direct training costs, unless otherwise approved.

New and ongoing training can often be one of the first budget items a company will cut during times of economic difficulty. However, the Custom Fit program enables companies to stay competitive by offering training to new employees or upgrading skills while not having to bear the full brunt of the costs.

State Custom Fit Co-Chairs Kelle Stephens and Dana Slaughter agree that the Custom Fit program strengthens Utah’s economic base. “Custom Fit is really an investment in Utah’s economy. It pays dividends to individuals, to companies and to communities,” said Stephens.

In 2010, the appropriated budget for Custom Fit statewide was $3,286,900, with company contributions of $1,917,404.

Custom Fit training is provided through each of UCAT’s campuses:

Bridgerland Applied Technology College (Logan)

Davis Applied Technology College (Kaysville)

Dixie Applied Technology College (St. George)

Mountainland Applied Technology College (Provo)

Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College (Ogden)

Southwestern Applied Technology College (Cedar City)

Tooele Applied Technology College (Tooele)

Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (Roosevelt)

For more information about Custom Fit or to get in touch with companies that provide training through this program, got to www.ucat.edu/business/industry or contact Debra Hunsaker at 801/991-1060 or 801/628-1758.

UCAT releases 2010 Annual Report

11/05/2010

"Facts and accomplishments for UCAT and its eight applied technology college campuses highlighted.”

The UCAT Board of Trustees Executive Committee approved the FY 2010 Annual Report on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. It was provided to the Utah State Legislature’s Education Interim Committee on November 17, and is available to the public.

The report outlines facts and accomplishments for UCAT and its eight applied technology college (ATC) campuses throughout the state of Utah. It is an excellent reference for understanding UCAT’s mission, structure, and activities.

The full report as well as past reports can be viewed online at the UCAT Website.

http://www.ucat.edu/ucat/annual-reports

UCAT Board of Trustees to meet Thursday, Sept. 30

09/27/2010

Executive Committee meets Wednesday, Sept. 29 to review capital facility needs.

For immediate release - September 27, 2010

The Board of Trustees for the Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) will hold its regularly-scheduled meeting Thursday, September 30, at 10:00 a.m. in Taylorsville.

In preparation for the Thursday meeting, the board’s executive committee will meet Wednesday, September 29, at 9:00 a.m. to review UCAT capital facilities needs.

The location and agendas for both meetings are are available at http://www.ucat.edu/ucat/board-trustees/meetings.

UCAT: "Not your dad's trade school"

07/12/2010

UCAT celebrates its 9th year with new logo, slogan, website and highest enrollment ever...

For immediate release - June 29, 2010

Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) is not your "dad's trade school;" 8 campuses serve over 40,000 students statewide....

Salt Lake City, UT - If you ask someone to name and institution of higher education in the state of Utah, a common response might be the University of Utah, Utah State University, Weber State University or a handful of other colleges and univesities. While they may not have a football team or offer bachelor degrees, Utah College of Applied Technology (UCAT) serves more students than most of the colleges/universities in Utah and is a vital part of Utah's education landscape.

In fact, UCAT President Rob Brems said that UCAT is the “best-kept secret ever” and that most people have no idea that this resource is even available, or the extent of what is offered on their campuses. Brems said his goal is to make sure Utahns know what UCAT is, what they do, and to change outdated perceptions about career and technical education.

The Utah College of Applied Technology was created in 2001 by the Utah State Legislature. Now overseen by an 18-member Board of Trustees, each of its eight statewide campuses is fully accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.

Now in its ninth year, UCAT’s administrative staff recently moved into new offices and announced the unveiling of a new logo, slogan and website that they hope will better symbolize the united campuses and educate both current and future students about the training options available.

“We had developed an original logo in 2001, but it seemed ‘dated.’ We wanted something new; something fresh that spoke to the energy of our programs. The new logo and website reflect the changes in our targeted role; what makes us different and unique,” said Brems.

The new slogan—“Your Future. Your Choice.”—emphasizes the options that are available to students with 331 certificate programs representing 75 different courses of study.

Visitors to the new website at www.ucat.edu will be able to request information and schedule a tour of the campuses and find detailed information about each campus. They can also click on each available training program to find out which campuses offer the training, the applicable tuition, length of time to complete the program, and the estimated starting wage after program completion.

“This isn’t your dad’s trade school, this is really targeted. Training can turn on a dime to meet employer’s needs,” said Brems. “I wish more people knew what was available to them, how inexpensive the training is and how quickly a student or employer can change their life, or the lives of those people they are supporting. Our training leads to good employment.”

It’s clear that many people are starting to receive that message. Record breaking student enrollment for UCAT this year has thus far totaled 40,076 students, of which 9.748 were secondary students and 30,328 were postsecondary students. Campuses reported that these same students have also registered for 10 percent more training hours in comparison to 2009. UCAT campuses currently offer 331 approved certificate programs, reflecting 75 different courses of study.

Some of those courses of study include: nursing assistant, automotive technician, business technology, pharmacy technician, culinary arts, building construction, welding, dental assisting, farm & ranch/livestock management and drafting.

Collette Mercier, president of the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College (OWATC), emphasizes that UCAT campuses are “unique in our approach to education from our focused mission to our delivery in the classroom. Our mission has been, and will remain, to provide a skilled, technically educated workforce for employers in our community. We provide hands-on instruction in a competency-based, open-entry format. Students can typically start anytime during the year and progress through their program as they demonstrate skills and knowledge. Most programs can be completed within one year.”

Affordability at the UCAT colleges is another factor for students to consider. “Tuition is only $1.50 per classroom hour and because we are state funded, it continues to be the most affordable offering for students in the state of Utah,” said Mercier.

Working closely with local business communities to ensure the best training programs is a goal of each UCAT campus. President Paul Hacking of Uintah Basin Applied Technology College (UBATC) said, “For us to meet our mission we must make sure that what we are teaching is what is needed in industry. We do this by: holding quality employer advisory committees with industry representatives; having our faculty meet with a business in their area of instruction at least three times during the year; and by designing courses which specifically meet the needs of an employer or group of employers to upgrade the skills of their current employees.”

Hacking further noted, “Through developing industry champions for our programs, last year UBATC provided training for 236 different companies and awarded 7,007 different industry-related certificates. For a rural tech college set within a community of only 40,000 citizens, I feel those numbers are significant.”

President Rich VanAusdal from Dixie Applied Technology College (DXATC) said that UCAT does more that help students develop marketable job skills. “Any of our campuses can provide a terrific boost on a student's pathway to some of the highest recognized careers,” said VanAusdal.

“If a student is interested in becoming a nurse or a physician, they should seriously consider completing a certificate in one of our medical tracks. It would give them skills to earn their way through an undergraduate program, give them hands on experience in the medical field, and boost their resume for a medical or nursing school application. Similar paths exist for many of our other certificate programs. Hands-on skill development opens doors to many exciting careers,” said VanAusdal.

Recent or ongoing enhancements to UCAT campuses include:

• The opening of Manufacturing U in January 2009 at DXATC. Graduates can transfer their coursework to Dixie State College.

• The new 88,000-square-foot LEED Gold health technology building underway at OWATC allows for expansion of their health occupation programs.

• A $1,000,000 federal grant for the welding program at OWATC is paying for a renovation of their lab with new state-of-the-art equipment and funding partial tuition for students.

• Several energy companies designed a new course at UBATC that is required to be taken by any oil or gas servicing company who comes on their well site. By the end of June 2010, over 1,000 individuals will have gone through this training.

• New Lincoln Electric Intermountain Training Center at Davis Applied Technology Center (DATC).

For more information about UCAT and its programs, go to www.ucat.edu.

UCAT Background Information

UCAT is the parent organization for Utah’s eight regional applied technology colleges (ATCs). Established by the State of Utah, UCAT provides market-driven technical education through eight ATCs that meets the needs of Utah’s employers for skilled workers.

The ATCs prepare both adult and high school students to enter or advance in the workplace. Customized training is also provided to employers for their work force through UCAT’s Custom Fit program.

The eight ATCs are Bridgerland, Davis, Dixie, Mountainland, Ogden-Weber, Southwest, Tooele and Uintah Basin. For more information, visit www.ucat.edu.

Documents and/or Photos available for this release:

New logo for the Utah College of Applied Technology

To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 261195

Media Relations Contact:

Debra Hunsaker (ForthGear), 801/991-1060 or 801/628-1758; debra [at] forthgear [dot] com

Jared Haines (UCAT) 801/955-2172 or 801/361-0631; jhaines [at] ucat [dot] edu

Brad Tanner and Dale Cox sworn in as new UCAT...

06/25/2010

Governor Gary R. Herbert has appointed Bradley V. Tanner and Dale M. Cox to the Utah College of Applied Technology Board of Trustees. The appointments fill new positions on the UCAT board representing trade programs. The Governor's appointments were confirmed by the Utah Senate, and Tanner and Cox took the oath of office June 15 in the UCAT Board of Trustees meeting.

For the complete press release, go to http://old.ucat.edu/press%20releases/NR%20-%20UCAT%20Trustee%20Appointments%20June%202010.pdf.