Salt Lake Community College History, Vision, Mission and Core Themes

SLCC History

Nearly 75 years ago, the institution that would become Salt Lake Community College was formed to help post-World War II adults train to enter the changing workforce. Now, SLCC is Utah’s only comprehensive community college with the most diverse student body in the state.

The institution celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2018 and is the largest two-year college in Utah. Thousands of students are trained annually at 11 campuses and sites, as well as online. The college is a leading provider of applied technology courses and workforce programs in the Salt Lake Valley. More than 120 certificates and degrees across 8 areas of study support student exploration and choice of completion, and over 5,000 students graduate each year, the majority of which go on to pursue four-year degrees and find vibrant careers.

As an open enrollment institution, SLCC believes education should be available to all and provides a distinct gateway to the world of higher education and offers a variety of educational pathways to meet the needs of students in the Salt Lake community.

“Higher education is historically exclusive. And, by contrast, the whole goal of the community college system is that all are welcome here and that diversity is actually an asset to the learning environment. In fact, these two fundamental tenets are included in our foundational principles. Today, SLCC is the most racially and ethnically diverse higher education institution in Utah.”—Dr. Deneece G. Huftalin, President, Salt Lake Community College

SLCC celebrates 72 years of being your community college. To learn more about the school’s history, check out this comprehensive timeline.

 

Vision

Salt Lake Community College will be a model for inclusive and transformative education, strengthening the communities we serve through the success of our students.


Mission

Salt Lake Community College is your community college. We engage and support students in educational pathways leading to successful transfer and meaningful employment.

Core themes are the essential elements of the institution’s mission. They provide an overarching framework for assessment of the college performance and continual improvement. Each core theme has associated objectives with identified indicators of achievement.

The core themes of SLCC’s mission to provide quality higher education to the broader community are:

Access and Success

  • Provide accessible instructional programs and student services
  • Provide access to students underrepresented in higher education
  • Provide access to students underprepared for higher education
  • Support students to become successful and engaged learners

Transfer Education

  • Prepare students with a foundation for success in continued studies

Workforce Education

  • Prepare students with knowledge and skills meeting current industry needs
  • Provide specialized training for business and industry