Utah Valley University (UVU) and Snow College have joined forces to offer a new four-year degree program in elementary education at the Snow College campus in Ephriam, starting this fall. This partnership aims to provide more opportunities for students in rural areas to pursue higher education without having to relocate.
The program is open to Snow College students who have completed their associate degrees and wish to continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree. Classes will be taught by UVU faculty and local adjunct faculty at the Snow College campus, making it convenient for students who cannot travel to UVU or another university.
Krista Ruggle, associate professor and department chair of elementary education at UVU, emphasized the importance of face-to-face classes in teacher preparation programs. The program will offer coursework in the classroom for the first three semesters, followed by student teaching in local elementary schools.
While the initial cohort for this program will be small, officials hope to expand its reach in the future. Students who receive Snow College’s presidential scholarship will also receive a scholarship award from UVU for their third and fourth years of instruction, along with additional scholarship opportunities available at UVU.
This collaboration between UVU and Snow College exemplifies the power of partnership in higher education, aiming to produce more qualified teachers for rural schools and strengthen communities in Utah. With a focus on accessibility and quality education, this program is set to make a positive impact on the education landscape in the state.