On March 26, 2022, the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce held its annual gala to award recipients of the Best of Cedar City Awards. Southwest Technical College was honored to receive the ‘Innovative Business of the Year’ award for the second time within the past four years. Brennan Wood, President of Southwest Technical College, stated, “Southwest Tech is humbled and excited about the recognition from the chamber of commerce and the business community. Thank you!” Some of the changes that Southwest Technical College has accomplished in the past year include the launch of the Cedar City Business & Innovation Center, new welding booths for students, better access to student services and financial aid, and the new pharmacy technician program. They are also adding a new student navigation center, a fire academy, and a paramedic program. Scott Leavitt noted, “Southwest Tech strives to be at the forefront of change, and is always looking for ways to improve our curriculum and delivery methods.”
Along with this award, Rachel Stewart, one of Southwest Tech’s EMT/AEMT faculty, was awarded the ‘Educator of the Year’ award. Charlie Gray stated, “ There are good teachers, there are great teachers, and then there is Rachel Stewart.” Her students know that she is passionate about teaching them life-saving skills, and they enjoy taking classes from her. Teaching, according to Rachel, “doesn’t feel like work, it feels like play and it’s very rewarding.”
Lastly, Southwest Tech was excited to note that alumni, James Bowman, and his family were awarded ‘Best Restaurant of the Year’ for Bowman’s Cowboy Kitchen. James attended the culinary arts program at Southwest Technical College where he wanted to learn everything he could to make the best quality food for Bowman’s restaurant. While in the culinary arts program he was given the ‘Student of the Year’ award for his hard work and drive to learn all that he could.
These recipients were honored at the 72nd Cedar City Chamber of Commerce Gala.