Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah broke ground last Thursday on a joint $57 million campus in Herriman. The new 90-acre campus will open in 2023 and provide convenient access to higher education for residents of the fast-growing cities of Herriman, Riverton and Draper.
It will serve more than 2,000 students in its first year and nearly 7,000 by 2025. Students who study at the campus will be able to earn an associate’s degree from SLCC and then attend the University of Utah to earn a bachelor’s degree, all at one location.
SLCC and the U have long worked together to support student success. SLCC students account for about 40 percent of transfer students to the U each year, and last year, made up about one third of the U’s bachelor degree recipients. This new campus will make it even easier for these students who choose to transfer to and complete their degrees at the U.
“This partnership between SLCC and the University of Utah will help maintain the state’s high quality of life,” said SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin. “Education allows people to build prosperity and a bright future for themselves and their families. The Juniper Canyon Campus will play a key role in making college more accessible to those who call this area home.”
Programs that will be offered are in high-demand industries, including teaching, health care, information systems, business, social work, criminal justice, engineering, and mathematics. Essential student services for both schools will also be available, including admissions, advising, disability support, financial aid, transfer support and tutoring.
“The Juniper Canyons Campus is coming just in time to help meet the demand for education and employment created by the incredible growth of the southwest area of the Salt Lake valley,” said U Interim President Michael L. Good. “We are enthusiastic about and committed to the success of this project and look forward to this campus opening pathways for more Utahns to complete degrees.”
Funding for the building was appropriated by the Utah State Legislature in 2021, with additional support from SLCC, the University of Utah, private donors and infrastructure investments from Herriman City.
The joint project was envisioned by President Huftalin and former U President Ruth Watkins. Much of the groundwork was laid by them, their leadership teams, and many others including deans and faculty at both institutions who have worked together to remove barriers, increase access, and create a seamless transition between the schools.