EPHRAIM, Utah — A major milestone is underway at Snow College, where a new Innovative Agriculture Center will soon take shape thanks to a $2.4 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
Announced during the college’s Founders Day celebration Wednesday, the project aims to expand hands-on agricultural education while strengthening workforce opportunities in Utah’s rural communities — particularly for residents impacted by the decline of coal-related industries.
Investing in Rural Futures
“This is a fun step forward for the agriculture department,” said Jay Olsen, Vice President of Technical Education and Workforce Development at Snow College. “It’s targeted for rural, coal-impacted areas — to retrain people who might be transitioning from mining to small-scale farming or agri-business.”
The new center will provide students with practical training in sustainable agriculture, livestock management, and agricultural technology. Olsen said the facility will help ensure that students can continue living and working in rural Utah rather than relocating to urban areas for career opportunities.
Honoring 137 Years of Agricultural Tradition
The announcement coincided with Snow College’s Founders Day, marking 137 years since the school’s founding in central Utah. The event, held at the historic Ephraim Co-op, celebrated both the college’s heritage and its ongoing mission to provide education tailored to the needs of rural communities.
Snow College President Stacee McIff said the new center reflects that mission. “We’ll have a facility to build out vet preparation courses, equine therapy, and other programs that give students a direct path to jobs,” she said. “Our goal is to help people stay in rural Utah while developing skills that are relevant to today’s workforce.”
Aligned With Utah’s Higher Education Vision
When asked whether the new project aligns with Utah’s Higher Education Strategic Reinvestment law (House Bill 265) — which ties funding to workforce development — McIff said the investment fits perfectly.
“Yes, Snow College has always been about practical education,” she said. “Whether it’s general education leading to a bachelor’s degree or certificates that lead straight into the workforce, this new center enhances both paths.”
Designed for Students — and Horses
For many students, agriculture is more than a career — it’s a lifestyle. Snow College student Trey Greenhalgh, a member of the rodeo team, called the new center “an amazing tool” for students pursuing agricultural careers.
Another student, Lydia Jones, agreed: “This definitely helps. It’s going to make a big difference for kids who want to stay connected to the land and animals they love.”
The facility will feature new horse stalls, classrooms, and training areas near the college’s existing outdoor corral and farming grounds just north of campus. “We house about 70 horses that students bring on campus,” Olsen said. “The new facilities will give them the space and support they need.”
Looking Ahead
The first phase of the Innovative Agriculture Center is set to open by Summer 2026. Once completed, the facility will host a range of courses in animal science, crop management, and agribusiness — all designed to prepare students for Utah’s evolving rural economy.
“It’s true to our roots,” McIff said. “This project honors our agricultural heritage and ensures that Snow College continues to educate the next generation of agricultural leaders in Utah.”
