Best of State Awards

Snow College Recognized as "Best of State"

Snow College can now add gold medalist to its list of many accolades. In the 2021 Best of State Awards, Snow received not just one, but four, gold medals. Additionally, Snow College took home the BOSS® award, the top recognition in the education category.

Three of the medals went to individual faculty and staff, while the fourth was awarded to a Snow College program.

Stacee McIff -- Higher Education Administrator

McIff is the Vice President for Technical Education and Workforce Development. She has led several programs at Snow, including the Learn and Work in Utah initiative, the creation of the GRIT Entrepreneurship program, and business student travel seminars. Her work in the community expands into church service, educational boards, and political campaigns.

Barb Dalene – Educational Advisor

Dalene is best known for her willingness to go above and beyond to help her students. As the fine arts advisor, she has spearheaded multiple programs to help students, such as peer mentoring, study groups, and jam sessions. She helps students in any way she can, including everything from giving them food to letting students borrow her dog to walk.

Jay Olsen – College/University Teacher

As director of the Snow College Agriculture Department, Olsen has greatly expanded the agriculture program, gaining new students and introducing multiple programs. He has also used his agricultural experience to teach local family farms how to better manage their farms and financial decisions. Olsen became the dean of the Division of Business and Technology in July 2021.

Learn and Work Program –Curriculum Development

The Learn and Work at Snow College program was designed to provide free training to members of the community who may have lost work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were able to choose from multiple short-term training programs. The programs helped students earn certificates or credentials, allowing them to quickly get back to work. “We couldn’t be more proud that our staff and faculty at Snow College were recognized by not only winning four gold medals but by winning the elite BOSS® award as best in the education category,” said President Brad Cook. “This [category] covers all institutions of higher education: K-12, private schools, charters, colleges and universities. This is a big deal and it is terrific that the state is recognizing the jewel Snow College is. Snow College is on the march!”

At the Best of State Awards Gala on July 14, Snow College received four gold medals and the BOSS® award. From left to right: Jay Olsen, President Brad Cook, Jen Cook, Melanie Jenkins, Barb Dalene, and Stacee McIff.