San Juan College ushered in a season of progress this fall with two significant ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
These events celebrated the opening of new facilities designed to enhance student learning, improve campus operations and support the region’s evolving workforce needs. Together, the new spaces represent the SJC’s ongoing investment in high-quality education, community partnerships and long-term growth.
South Hutton Campus Welcomes a Modern Classroom Facility
On Friday, October 17, SJC opened a new classroom facility at its South Hutton Campus, inviting students, employees and community members to enjoy demonstrations, giveaways, games and fall refreshments. The celebration marked the completion of a project that began in January 2025 and wrapped up in September 2025.
The 2,050-square-foot addition includes:
- A modern classroom with seating for 37 students
- A welcoming lobby
- Restrooms and accessible amenities
Designed by FBT Architects and built by Jaynes Corporation, the $1.4 million project was funded through an appropriation approved by the New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED), with additional support from the State of New Mexico and San Juan College.
This new facility will directly support two in-demand programs: the Heavy Equipment Operator program and the Fire Science program. Heavy Equipment students will use the space during the day, while Fire Science students will train there in the evenings, maximizing access and reinforcing SJC’s commitment to meeting workforce needs across multiple industries.
Board of Trustees Chair Valerie Uselman highlighted the programs’ community impact:
“Both Heavy Equipment and Fire Science are vital to the economic growth and safety of our region. Through partnerships with the state and our community, we’re ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and graduate with globally recognized credentials. The result is a stronger workforce and a safer community.”
A “Spooktacular” Celebration for the New Physical Plant Facility
Just two weeks later, on October 31, the celebration continued on SJC’s main campus with a festive and “Spooktacular” ribbon cutting for the new Physical Plant facility. The event brought together college leaders, Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett and project partners from FBT Architects and Jaynes Corporation.
Executive Vice President Edward DesPlas, fully costumed as a Kiss drummer, welcomed attendees with gratitude and enthusiasm.
“Today, we celebrate an important step in our ongoing commitment to serving students, supporting our employees and strengthening our community,” he said.
The Physical Plant project was funded largely through the 2022 General Obligation Bond, which allocated $5.5 million, with an additional $101,000 from the State of New Mexico used to remove the previous facility.
The new Physical Plant complex includes:
- A 2,646-square-foot administration building
- A 1,178-square-foot shipping and receiving addition
- A 4,000-square-foot equipment storage facility
- Expanded yard space
- A redesigned north entrance for improved delivery efficiency and safety
Physical Plant Senior Director Chris Harrelson emphasized the project’s purpose:
“This isn’t just about new buildings. It’s about building capacity, efficiency and pride in the essential work our team does every day. Together, these spaces create a true operations hub that reflects both functionality and foresight.”
Building for Today and for the Future
Whether training future firefighters and heavy equipment operators or ensuring seamless campus operations, these two new facilities underscore SJC’s commitment to innovation, partnership and community pride. Each project reflects thoughtful investment in students, employees and the region.
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