Years of Service Recognition: 2023

Dr. Vance Larsen is the longest-tenured Professor on the Snow College campus. In his 35 years at Snow he has served in every imaginable capacity and committee, as a Dean, and as long-time Music Department Chair. The Eccles Center for the Performing Arts – home of The Horne School of Music and the Department of Theatre – is a lasting monument to Dr. Larsen’s determined efforts in building the performing arts programs at Snow College that now enjoy international acclaim. The Bachelor of Music Degree (with emphasis in Commercial Music) was a one-of-a-kind innovation in Utah and the West, and was Snow College’s first successful foray into Baccalaureate education. Snow College has grown measurably over the years. And Vance Larsen has been a driving force behind this historic expansion.

Lynn is an extraordinary technical services librarian who has dedicated 30 years to ensuring our college library runs smoothly and efficiently. His meticulous attention to detail and expertise in cataloging and resource management have been instrumental in building a comprehensive collection that meets the diverse needs of our students and faculty. Beyond his technical skills, Lynn's unwavering commitment to innovation and accessibility has transformed the way we approach library services, making them more user-friendly and adaptable. He is always willing to share his knowledge and support with colleagues, faculty and students and fostering a collaborative spirit within the library. Lynn’s passion for his work and his steadfast dedication to our Snow College community make him an invaluable asset, and we are truly grateful for his years of service and commitment.

When Shawn Lindow started working at Snow College, the IT department was composed of three people that took care of payroll and financial records. There was no ethernet on campus. He was hired to handle the HR module of a Series Z system. Messages (no email yet) were on the Vax minicomputer. Wherever and whenever Shawn serves, he gives his whole heart and is always going the extra mile to serve students, faculty, and staff. Shawn has vision, but he is also an engineer, so he knows how to ask the right questions, noodle on how to solve problems, and then engineer a stable, comprehensive solution. Shawn is a trusted Snow IT Jedi that wields the force wherever he is and is respected by his colleagues, and friends throughout the college and community.

Leon has been an integral part of our college community for an impressive 25 years, serving as a true asset in the housing maintenance department. Over the years, he has tackled countless plumbing issues, plunging more toilets and cleaning more hairy drains than most of us will encounter in a lifetime. Known as the "fix-it man," Leon’s expertise has not only kept our facilities running smoothly but has also saved the college a significant amount of money through his diligent repairs of equipment. His dedication and hands-on approach have made a lasting impact, ensuring that students and staff alike can rely on a comfortable living environment. We are incredibly grateful for his hard work and commitment! Congratulations on 25 years, Leon!!

Brent Reese has been a well-known person here at Snow College both in automotive as well as different extracurricular activities throughout his many years at Snow College. His passion for automotive and students is well-noticed. He works early in the morning to late into the evening making sure things get caught up and taken care of. The knowledge Brent has knowledge in automotive that is quite vast and long reaching. He is always sharing new ideas and important facts about automotive. Brent is willing to lend a hand and share real world experiences with fellow colleagues and students. Brent is a really talented person to work with and loves his place at the college. Snow College wouldn’t be the same without him, Thanks Brent!

It’s my pleasure and honor to celebrate Cozette Roberts on her 25th work anniversary at Snow. Over the years, she has been an example of dedication and passion, significantly impacting the lives of her students. Her ability to genuinely care for each student's development, both academically and personally, sets her apart as an extraordinary educator. Always striving to learn and stay ahead of the curve, she integrates the latest technology into her teaching, ensuring that her students receive the most relevant and engaging assignments. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom as she has served on numerous campus committees, demonstrating her leadership and contributions to the college. We are incredibly lucky to have such a talented and capable colleague and friend. Congratulations, Cozy!

Weston has been a cornerstone of our team for 20 years, and his dedication and expertise are truly unmatched. Now leading the Richfield campus facilities crew, he consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership and attention to detail. His proactive approach and problem-solving skills ensure that everything runs smoothly, making him an invaluable asset to the team. Colleagues appreciate his positive attitude and collaborative spirit, making him not just a great coworker, but also a mentor and friend to many. We are incredibly fortunate to have him a part of our team. Congratulations on 20 years, Weston!!

Travis Schiffman makes learning Spanish non-threatening and enjoyable. Whether he's rapping in Spanish class about tricky grammar concepts or advising students in his office, his creativity and compassion are evident. He fosters a positive, affirming learning environment leaving students feeling confident and valued. As department chair and area lead, Travis is a tireless advocate for foreign language programs and faculty. Beyond the classroom, he actively participates in numerous committees and community projects, writes for Snow Magazine, and is always ready to lift spirits with a kind word or a thoughtfully chosen Ghirardelli chocolate. Travis's kindness and selfless support make him not only a beloved teacher but also a valued colleague.

Professor Scott Allred is a key member of an Art Faculty that has earned a national reputation for excellence in creativity and instruction. Scott’s paintings and drawings are seen all over the world, and bring fresh vision to historical events, Biblical stories, and portrait subjects. He has inspired generations of young artists, many of whom have gone on to international acclaim. Professor Allred has served in numerous important faculty roles throughout his 20 years at Snow College. His seasoned perspective is highly valued in the Art Department and Fine Arts Division.

Behind every great production there is a cast of people making things work. In the athletic department that cast is mostly one person! Denise is the one that makes so many things happen that are not noticed by most people. Tickets, announcers, stats crew, clock operators, ushers, ticket takers, concessions, a singer for the national anthem, and many other things go into this production. Next time you attend, look around at all the pieces in play and know that many of them are a result of the work of Denise Duncan. Denise has a great personality for her work: she is patient, works till things are right, and has a very caring attitude about others. Congratulations and thank you Denise, for over 20 years of service to Snow College.

Joni is an integral part of both the Cashiers Office and the Financial Services team. Throughout her time here, Joni has excelled in various roles, consistently demonstrating her reliability, hard work, and kindness. She is a true friend to all and never hesitates to volunteer for any task, always completing it with a smile. Joni’s patience and kindness make her a joy to work with, and she is deeply valued by both colleagues and students. The Financial Services Office is incredibly grateful to have Joni as part of our team. Thank you, Joni, for all your hard work and dedication!

Tanya is a pillar of support and inspiration at the Little Badger Early Learning Center. Tanya started her tenure at Little Badgers as a preschool teacher where she showcased her creative storytelling, engaging art projects, and thoughtful guidance. Tanya ignited a love of learning in every child who passed through our doors. In the last few years, Tanya was asked to take on the role of the food program coordinator. Beyond serving delicious healthy meals, she has brought organization, clarity, and accountability to our program. She has proven that if we nurture children, we can help them develop into lifelong learners. Tanya’s hard work, dedication, and passion have truly made a lasting impact on our Little Badger Early Learning Center. We are grateful for her unwavering commitment and the joy she brings to our days!

April joined the Snow College Nursing faculty with many years of experience and a passion for teaching students how to be great nurses. She joined the nursing team and never looked back. She is willing to take on hard things and make them her own. She has taught several different nursing classes over the years and recently taught Healthcare Travel, which took students to Ireland giving them a global perspective of healthcare. During her 10 years of tenure here, April has mentored many new faculty as well as teaching hundreds of students to love nursing. Thank you for joining the Nursing faculty and making our department better because you are here.

For over a decade, Udambor Bumandalai has been a cornerstone of Snow’s ESL and TESL programs, transforming the lives of countless students with her unwavering dedication and compassion. In the classroom, she creates an inclusive environment where every student feels empowered to succeed. As a former ESL student herself, Udambor has a unique ability to connect with her students and offer expert mentoring drawn from her own experiences. In addition to her teaching, she supports her colleagues in various capacities, currently serving as the department chair for Languages and Linguistics. Regardless of the task at hand, Udambor consistently pursues excellence and innovation.

I have always been impressed with Fernando’s passion and dedication to the students he serves. His story of completing his education is exemplified in the way he serves and works with those who rely on him. He is wise, passionate, and invested in the success of each person that walks through his door. He is an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves and empowers others to realize their goals, by instilling hope and determination in others. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Fernando as we build out the Student Connection Center and recognize his work and vision will have lasting impact on Snow College.

Mike Lewellen joined Snow College in 2014 as a donor engagement specialist in the Office of Advancement. In 2016, Mike moved to the library, where he managed the front desk and served as an administrative assistant. While working in the library, Mike earned his bachelor's degree in software engineering from Snow and began a master’s degree in data analytics/data science at Western Governors University. In 2024, Mike joined the newly created Office of Analytics and Institutional Research as a data analyst, while, at the same time, serving as an adjunct professor of software engineering. Throughout his time at Snow, Mike has been a diligent and versatile colleague who does whatever needs to be done with competence, enthusiasm, and goodwill.

Sinapati has been willing and invested in the creation of the new Student Connection Center to better support students in a way that encapsulates the vision and goals of Snow College. I have appreciated his wisdom and dedication to creating a center reflective of the vision of Snow College for the success of our students. Sinapati has great compassion for students. He is passionate about their success and creating experiences that allow students to better understand themselves and the path to realizing their goals. It has been a pleasure to know Sinapati and l look forward to working with him in the future as we build something truly great for Snow College and our students.

Bryant Jones has one of those larger-than-life personalities which has been a great addition to Snow College. He pushes his students to exceed their own expectations and provides the support they need while entertaining them with loud and exciting classroom demonstrations. As a Chemistry instructor for IVC, he has worked diligently to build strong relationships with the high schools that the program serves by taking the time to visit each of his remote sites, often multiple times each semester. He has also forged a partnership with the BYU Chemical Engineering department that has allowed several students to participate in computational chemistry research; something that is rare for undergraduate students at junior colleges. These are just some of the great things Bryant is doing for Snow College.

John Van Orman is an educator who genuinely cares for his students and encourages their creativity. His humor and passion make learning enjoyable, and he's respected by both students and colleagues alike. He's got a full plate as Communication Department chair and Communication Lab director this year, but he makes it all work. Thanks for all you do, John!

Micah Strait is a Snow College alumnus who returned to his alma mater in 2014 after a long and fascinating career that included a stint in the Marine Corps, a church mission to Brazil, bachelor's and master's degrees from Utah State University, and a law degree from the University of Montana. Micah served as Snow’s registrar from 2014 to 2020, when he joined the Office of Institutional Effectiveness as a senior data analyst. In 2023, Micah became part of the new Office of Analytics and Institutional Research where he plays a major role in Snow’s effort to make informed, data-driven decisions. Micah is a diligent worker, a beloved colleague, and an extremely intelligent analyst who constantly goes above and beyond the requirements of his job to help move Snow College forward.

Working with Landon Peterson, our Director of Academic Advising has been my privilege. Landon’s easy-going and cheerful disposition makes him a joy to work with. His positive attitude and willingness to consider new ideas and opportunities have greatly benefited the college. Thank you for your years of service, Landon.

Bree Nielson is a hardworking, dependable person who gives 110% plus to her job as an Instructional Technology Specialist. She helps manage the video conferencing system on the Ephraim campus and looks for ways to improve the IVC (Interactive Video Conferencing) department. Bree is a key team player in the department and has developed and implemented training courses in Canvas for our IVC student facilitators. Bree helps troubleshoot and fix equipment problems in the IVC classrooms on the Ephraim campus, making sure the rooms are operating as well as possible. Bree also goes out of her way to help those around her, whether they are students, faculty, or staff. Bree is a pleasure to work with and be around, and our department would not be where it is today if it weren’t for Bree.

In the decade since Kade Parry joined the Snow College faculty, he has emerged as a dynamic advocate for teaching excellence on campus. His commitment is particularly evident through his work as Assistant Provost, where he refined alternative modes of instruction. As the creator and chair of the Online Excellence and Concurrent Enrollment committees, he collaborated with fellow faculty members to establish guidelines for course development and faculty training, ensuring that courses uphold Snow’s reputation for quality instruction. In his own classes, Kade skillfully engages students and fosters critical thinking through relevant content. With his great sense of humor and genuine concern for his students’ learning, Kade truly embodies the spirit of dedicated education.

Professor Trent Bean is the Scenic Designer in the Department of Theatre. His designs have graced theatrical stages all over the U.S. and his sets have been a huge element in the establishment of the stellar reputation enjoyed by Snow College’s theatrical productions. Trent also served as Technical Director at Snow College and has given marketable stage/theatrical tech instruction to hundreds of theatre students throughout his ten years at Snow College. A highlight of his time at Snow was directing a highly successful 2018 production of Stephen Sondheim’s INTO THE WOODS.

Sannali is amazing! Sannali is one of the brightest faculty members in the Chemistry department and commands a wealth of knowledge in her field. She is also well-versed in pedagogy. In our discussions as a department, she has tremendous insights on what to teach and how to teach it. Where Sannali really shines is in organization. This was especially evident during her time as department chair. This also gives her an amazing ability to take complex chemistry topics, and the myriads of nuances involved and distill them down into clear concise organized discussion topics. Her classroom, course development, and her board work are a thing of beauty. This may be aided by her gift with art. She is a dedicated, compassionate, and caring teacher, and an integral member of the division and Snow College.

Kellyanne Ure embraces every challenge as an opportunity for growth. Over her 10 years at Snow, she has taught a diverse range of courses and seized multiple opportunities to serve, including roles as Honors director, Curriculum Committee chair, and currently as chair of the English and Philosophy Department. Her commitment to continuous improvement is evident in her dedication to reading, researching, and implementing innovative ideas across various fields, from pedagogy to literature and leadership. A former student remarked, “She challenges us to be better,” and those of us fortunate enough to know and work with Kellyanne wholeheartedly agree.

Dennis Schugk is an engaging and enthusiastic professor of Criminal Justice in the Social and Behavioral Science Division. He is a positive force within the Division, always ready to help in any way, and always treating his colleagues and students with kindness. His catchphrase, “keep smiling”, is left with each person he talks with, along with his own smile and laugh. Dennis has served on numerous committees, including the Faculty Senate, and was a longtime department chair, exemplifying his dedication to Snow College. His main focus is to help students succeed and believe in themselves. Thanks for all you do Dennis!

When Terrence joined the Snow College faculty as a CIS instructor, he brought with him years of industry experience. Previously, he worked for the US Airforce where he spent much of his career working as a Tech Sgt. on various aircraft on the flight line. After retiring from the military, Terrence decided to make a career change and entered the CIS program in Computer Networking. After his studies, he began teaching at Snow College. He has since completed his master's degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from WGU, as well as completing several IT certifications. He currently serves as the TEIT Department Chair and serves on committees within the college. Students and faculty at Snow College are the beneficiaries of his experience and vision.

Andrew Bahlmann’s contributions as a full-time faculty member at Snow College have been significant. In the English and Philosophy Department, his student-centered approach to teaching fosters open dialogue and collaboration, earning him the respect and admiration of his students. Beyond the classroom, Andy has shared his acting talents in many of Snow College’s public theatre productions and has actively participated in various committees, including Faculty Senate and Community Engagement. A year ago, he stepped in to lead the Theatre Department following the sudden departure of the previous chair. In this role, he has skillfully mentored new faculty, helping them establish effective departmental practices and procedures for future success. We deeply appreciate his dedication and passion.

Professor Kathy Fellers embodies a genuine love of literature and learning, which she enthusiastically shares with her students. With a keen ability to assess and address their needs, she fosters a classroom environment that encourages deeper engagement. A self-proclaimed “army brat,” Kathy employs a direct yet empathetic teaching style that profoundly impacts her students. As chair of the Faculty Development Committee, she played an important role in organizing Snow’s Pedagogy and Practice Conferences, highlighting her commitment to educational excellence. Her collaborative spirit and scholarly approach make her a generous colleague, while her engaging presence and humor forge lasting connections with all.

Professor Brian Stucki brings international renown to the Voice Area at Snow College. He has sung operatic tenor roles all over the world, garnering critical praise. He is also a world-class cellist. His opera productions at Snow College have maximized minimal resources while showcasing Snow’s young vocal artists. Graduates of the Vocal program at Snow have gone on to earn graduate degrees from elite opera programs such as Yale and Baylor University. A current student recently sang opera in Austria. One of his grads is now in New York. Another is the lead singer for The Airmen of Note (U.S. Air Force Band) in Washington D.C. Others are carving out careers as singers and teachers all around the country, in genres that span from opera to musical theatre to the most contemporary popular music.

Chrissy Ray has been an invaluable asset to the Registration Office. As an alumnus and former athlete at Snow College, her commitment to the institution and students is evident in everything she does. With a strong work ethic, Chrissy is a self-starter and a compassionate advocate for both students and co-workers. She is kind, funny, empathetic, patient, attentive, adventurous, and service-oriented. As a huge Disney fan, Chrissy embodies a spirit of magic and creativity that brings people together. As a Chicago Cubs fan, Chrissy exhibits the characteristics of loyalty and perseverance that influence and uplift everyone around her. The high-level of customer service she provides is unparalleled. She consistently exceeds expectations with her keen attention to detail and passionate approach for helping others.

Spencer has taken the Snow College training program and made it one of the best two-year programs in the nation. The students are well-trained and able to assist in many aspects of treatment. He has developed classes and training to prepare students to succeed in this field of study and work. In addition to his training duties, he has also been the impetus in developing the Exercise Science program. The athletic department thanks Spencer and his family for their tireless work in building this program. We appreciate the quality of care and concern he has for the success of our teams. As the department continues to grow and needs increase, we are sure that Spencer will continue to lead and build the program to meet the growing demands in this ever-changing world. Thank you, Spencer Mack!!

Don Mackey is the ideal employee. He has a great attitude and work ethic. He is always on top of his responsibilities. He takes care of cleaning up after events and games. He often finds out about schedule changes before I do. If Don sees something that isn’t getting cleaned or maintained he will jump in and take care of it right away. He never makes excuses and always puts his best foot forward. He adjusts his schedule according to the college needs. It has been an honor to work with Don and I have learned a lot from him. He is truly an irreplaceable asset to our team.

Becky brings a sharp mind, a creative genius, and an invaluable presence to our office. Over the past ten years, she has helped transform payroll into an automated and transparent process, ensuring we all benefit—because who doesn’t love getting paid? She handles a heavy workload with grace and quiet determination, and her wisdom and creative problem-solving are appreciated every day. Becky always knows the right thing to say when it’s needed most, and her empathetic communication is truly one of her greatest strengths. We could all learn from the way she makes people feel heard and supported. Becky is a true team player who values her work and her colleagues, and we are lucky to have her.

Staci is a rock star! She works in a field where the average tenure is quite short. Ten years in Title IX and Risk Management is definitely something to be proud of. Staci keeps us out of trouble and is an integral part of student success at Snow College. She is one of the most caring individuals I know and spends countless hours advocating for the needs of everyone. Staci has taught me so much. Snow College is lucky to have Staci and I’m lucky to be able to work with her. Thank you for your dedicated service!

We all know that for businesses to survive in today’s world, every business needs to live in an online world. With all the bad actors on the Internet, it’s great to know that Snow College has an employee like James Blackburn to help keep us all safe!  James works as the Senior Security Analyst for Snow, spending countless hours scanning log files and sorting through myriads of alerts looking for potential problems. It’s not uncommon to find James working early in the morning or even late into the evening, and sometimes even into the night looking for security issues. James also works with a team of USHE auditors that go to other schools throughout the state auditing their security practices and making recommendations. Thanks James, for all your hard work!  Snow College is a safer place because of you!

Anyone who works with Jeff recognizes his capability, his collegiality, and his calm demeanor. He has worked in Student Affairs and now directs the Testing Center. In that role, he balances the importance of academic integrity with the stress, even anxiety, of the students taking tests. He ensures the former and is compassionate about the latter. While Jeff Savage is being recognized for ten years of service, his contribution to Snow is more extensive; he served at Snow for six years early in his career, worked elsewhere, and then returned ten years ago. Through all of his work at Snow, Jeff has shown constant integrity, professionalism, and grace. Congratulations, Jeff, on your 10 years plus 6.