Founded in 1948 Salt Lake Community College wasn’t always the sprawling educational hub it is today. It began humbly as the Salt Lake Area Vocational School. Just 246 students and 23 faculty members filled the former Troy Laundry building. Their makeshift classrooms were a far cry from the impressive Taylorsville Redwood Campus we see before us. This main campus boasts twelve academic buildings spanning two city blocks. It houses a library containing approximately 90000 volumes an amphitheater and a student union.
Salt Lake Community College didn’t always offer associate degrees. In its early years it focused on vocational training. Think welding auto mechanics and nursing. These practical skills were vital for the post-World War II era. The college played a crucial role in helping veterans transition back into civilian life. Over time the college evolved. It expanded its offerings. It became more than just a vocational school. In 1959 it changed its name to Salt Lake Trade Technical Institute. It continued to grow. The name changed again in 1967 to Utah Technical College. Finally in 1987 it became the Salt Lake Community College we know today.
This growth is visible in its multiple campuses. The South City Campus for instance. It’s housed in the former South High School. It’s home to the Grand Theatre and the impressive Historic Fashion Collection. This collection showcases nearly 2000 costumes. They range from the 1890s to the present. This campus also boasts the Center for Arts and Media. The Jordan Campus opened in 2001. It offers a library a food court and even a dental clinic. There’s also Cate Field where the SLCC baseball team plays. The Miller Campus also opened in 2001. A gift from the late Larry H Miller owner of the Utah Jazz and the Salt Lake Bees. It’s home to the Culinary Institute. It also houses continuing education programs. The college didn’t stop growing. The Herriman Campus opened in 2023. A collaboration with the University of Utah it aims to provide a seamless transition for students.
Salt Lake Community College’s success is also reflected in its athletics. The SLCC Bruins compete in the NJCAA. They field men’s and women’s teams in various sports. The men’s basketball team boasts two national championships. Their men’s soccer team also secured a national title. Many notable professional athletes honed their skills at SLCC before launching successful careers. The college’s mascot is Brutus the Bruin Bear. He even has his own Facebook page.
Salt Lake Community College isn’t just bricks and mortar. It’s a legacy of growth adaptation and achievement. It’s a community college that has served tens of thousands of students and continues to shape the future of Utah.