A Dual University-Community College Model for Workforce Readiness by Dottie Catlin

December 3, 2024

Dottie Catlin, Utah Tech University

Sixty-five percent of Utah Tech University’s enrollment is from Washington County where the City of St. George is located. The institution’s strategic enrollment plan focuses on attracting both traditional and non-traditional applicants, with a current enrollment of over 13,000 students for Fall, 2024.

As a Regional Comprehensive University (RCU), Utah Tech University serves as the university and community college of the desert region in southwest Utah. The City of St. George has a current population of over 100,000 residents. Utah Tech University’s polytechnic and career-ready graduates can locate employment in St. George after graduation. With the intent to educate and prepare graduates for the local workforce, the institution strengthens ties by developing curricula with industry partners that are mutually beneficial.

Like community colleges, RCUs are committed to their communities, thus serving as academic and economic drivers. RCUs improve the upward economic mobility for graduates and the region. At Utah Tech University, the administration has added specific academic programs to address industry needs. The Utah System of Higher Education lists Career Pathways that align with Career Clusters. There are clear charts that offer guidance on courses and majors that will lead to employment. There are several options for education and training beyond high school, depending on a student's career goals. The goal is workforce readiness.

To ensure these partnerships thrive, the external relations team at Utah Tech University focuses on inclusive internal stakeholder involvement that matches the needs of external partners in search of a continuous talent pipeline. Industry partners must rely on the institution to supply internship and early career talent for the St. George career ecosystem to thrive. University-community college systems can be highly effective in fostering community connections.

The dual university-community college model creates enhanced educational pathways for students at various stages of their educational journey. An example of this includes the Utah State Pathway Initiative, launched in 2022, It fosters collaboration, strategic planning, and workforce development by aligning educational pathways with projected occupational needs. Utah Tech University’s Nursing Ladder of Success, supported by Intermountain Health, offers stackable credentials from Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) to address the growing demand for nursing professionals.

Through concurrent enrollment in the high school years, students can take college-level classes and get started on an associate’s degree. Most students work either part-time or full-time in the community and are workforce-ready. Pathways encourage lifelong learning and help students stay engaged and on track to reach academic and career goals. Local industry partners hire from the pipeline to contribute to community stability and growth.

University-community college systems expand educational opportunities, making higher education more accessible to a broader population, including non-traditional students, working adults, and those from underserved communities. Increased accessibility and inclusivity help build a more diverse and cohesive workforce. Satellite campuses are often added, offering community-facing services to bring value to the local population, with an ability to create opportunities from challenges that arise. Innovative industry partnerships are recognized, developed, and refined to meet community needs. Strategic partnership meetings between industry and Utah Tech University's external relations team drive the development of programs based on market demand and student interest in St. George and surrounding counties.

With the community involved in building present and future workforce programming, the dual university-community college model responds to industry-driven learning and training demands. St. George is receiving an influx of residents, and companies are moving into the area, with a need to hire employees. Academic Affairs personnel have regular meetings through advisory boards and community organization events to discuss workforce readiness and goals. Collaboration between Pyramid Global and Utah Tech University in 2022 led to the creation of a Hospitality and Resort Management degree, now in its second year, with Black Desert Resort as an active hiring partner. Opening in 2025, Black Desert Resort is a state-of-the-art hospitality destination driving regional economic growth.

Programs are discussed and developed together, meeting the needs of the city. For example, local companies sponsor senior projects, allowing students to work on real-world projects, and driving business forward. Many receive job offers and can join the company with a reduced need for training, reducing the company’s cost to hire. These partnerships ensure a steady stream of job-ready candidates for the industry, bolster graduation rates and increase the area’s workforce productivity.

Dual university-community college systems create opportunities for continuous community involvement. Effective strategies include building workshops and events for the local population that serve a diverse group. A community event that draws industry employees enrolled to upskill, alumni, current traditional students and concurrently enrolled high school students, drives a conversation from multiple perspectives that highlights current challenges with potential outcomes. Classroom projects are often developed from these meetups, as well as internship options and mentoring opportunities. Conversations are driven by a mutual goal of maintaining a pipeline of work-ready employees with the ability to drive business forward continuously.

Tips for Engaging Students and Industry Partners:

1. Host Interactive Showcases: Organize events like Utah Tech University's Design Day, where STEM students display senior projects supported by industry partners. Invite the community to foster engagement, showcase talent, and boost enrollment.

2. Offer Experiential Learning Opportunities: Develop unique programs, such as the Active Learning, Active Life Experience, to provide students with hands-on opportunities. Incorporate badges and recognition to incentivize participation and enhance their academic journey.