There's no place like Snow
Nestled in the heart of Utah, we offer a tight-knit college community, affordable tuition, and academic programs that get you ready for your next big move—whether that’s transferring to a four-year university, jumping into a job, or just figuring out your direction in life. With support tailored to your needs, we’ve got your back to make sure your journey starts strong and takes you anywhere you can imagine!
Listen to some of our current and former students tell of their experience at Snow College.
Faculty Spotlight: Larry Smith
With nearly 35 years of teaching at Snow College, Larry Smith embodies the dedication, curiosity, and care that define the Snow experience. Dr. Smith is passionate about mentoring students and finds joy in seeing learning “click.” He is especially committed to helping students who may arrive underprepared gain confidence, build skills, and grow into competitive, successful learners. Dr. Smith is part of what makes Snow College—and its planetarium—a truly special place for both students and the community. His story is a powerful reminder that there truly is no place like Snow.
Vaughn's Experience
Originally from Holladay, Utah, Vaughn Wallace began his college journey at a larger university. However, he soon realized that he missed the opportunity to compete in running. After connecting with the Cross Country coach at Snow College, Vaughn decided to transfer to Snow College’s Richfield campus so he could continue pursuing his passion for running at the collegiate level.
Since transferring, Vaughn has discovered many reasons to love Snow College. He has found a welcoming community and supportive professors who are always ready to help. Vaughn believes in surrounding yourself with people who share similar goals, and he’s found that sense of connection both on his team and in his classes. He also values the opportunity he has at Snow to explore a variety of interests as he works toward selecting a major that aligns with his passions and future plans.
Faculty Spotlight: Chad Dewey
Professor Chad Dewey takes a hands-on approach to teaching. While he values the foundation built in the classroom, he knows his Natural Resources students truly thrive when they’re outside, working in nature and helping solve real-world problems.
With this philosophy in mind, Professor Dewey applied for—and received—a grant from the Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife organization. Through this grant, freshman and sophomore students gain the rare opportunity to raise and release pheasants.
This kind of hands-on experience is typically reserved for seniors or graduate students. By offering it early, Snow College Natural Resources students gain a competitive edge over their peers at other institutions, helping them secure summer jobs and internships that further strengthen their skills, confidence, and résumés.
Skye's Experience
Originally from Boise, Idaho, 2013 alumna Skye Cranney never could have imagined where her education would take her, but the experiences she had at Snow set her on a path to success. Skye was first introduced to Snow College when she attended a college fair in her hometown. Unsure of which school was right for her, Skye traveled to Utah for some campus visits. She remembers, "As soon as I stepped on Snow's campus, I knew this was where I needed to be. It just felt like home."
While at Snow, Skye received personalized attention from professors who believed in her. Reflecting on her time here, she said, "The professors really took a personal interest in me. They allowed me to ask questions and come to them with concerns." With the help of excellent mentors, she became the Editor in Chief for Snow’s literary journal, Weeds, while also working on her honors thesis. At graduation, Skye felt proud as she looked back at all she had accomplished.
After graduation, Skye transferred to Utah State, then eventually worked her way to Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where she earned her Ph.D. in history. Now working as a historian in Washington, DC, Skye still thinks of Snow College as a second home. She said, “I have fond memories of my time at Snow. It’s a special place, with outstanding professors who really cared about me.”
Faculty Spotlight: Rachel Keller
Dr. Rachel Keller approaches teaching with care, intention, and a deep respect for the students she serves. She strives to treat every student as someone’s child—recognizing that each one represents the hopes, support, and investment of others. That perspective shapes the way she teaches, mentors, and connects with her students.
Dr. Keller is drawn to Snow’s unique mission, which gives students the time and space to explore their interests and discover what brings them purpose and joy, helping them move through general education in a way that is both successful and personalized.
Ultimately, Dr. Keller’s goal is not for students to love every class, but to develop a lifelong love of learning that will serve them well beyond Snow College.
Nico's Experience
Snow College alum Nico Ziadi is an entrepreneurial leader with a passion for supporting international students and fostering innovation. Originally from Argentina, Nico won the prestigious Lorenzo Snow Award and served as President of the Business Club. He founded Global Essentials, a business dedicated to helping international students feel at home by providing food from their native countries. His entrepreneurial spirit earned him multiple wins in the Bootstrap Your Business competitions. Nico worked at the GRIT Center as a student mentor and event coordinator, guiding fellow student entrepreneurs on their paths to success.
Faculty Spotlight: Katie Justesen
Professor Katie Justesen has been teaching in the Education and Family Studies Department at Snow College for 22 years. She has a passion for helping students find success, knowing that it looks different for each individual. Professor Justesen has noticed that students at Snow have an eagerness to learn—there’s a sense of hope and excitement in the anticipation of things to come.
Amid the negativity surrounding us, Professor Justesen loves to help her students look up and find the good in the world. This desire led her to create an assignment called, simply, “Do Something Good.” The assignment is straightforward: watch what is going on around you and step in to help where you can.
Professor Justesen doesn’t expect her students to perform grand acts of service—her goal is simply to help them notice what’s happening around them and be a bright spot in someone’s day. Through this assignment, her students are focusing more on the positive aspects of the world and spreading that positivity to others.
Karla's Experience
Karla Urie graduated from Snow College in 2014 with an Associate of Applied Science and a Cosmetology Certificate, where she also served as a student leader on the Richfield Campus. Karla continued her education at Utah State University, earning her bachelor’s degree before working full-time as an academic advisor. Her journey then led her to the University of Idaho’s Law School, where she expanded her expertise through international law and legal studies in Florence, Italy. Recently, she earned her law degree and successfully passed the bar. Originally from Ferron, Utah, Karla is a proud graduate of Emery High School.