Tooele Technical College announced that Paul Hacking will retire as president on Nov. 15, 2025, after eight and a half years of dedicated leadership that have seen the institution through a period of unprecedented growth and transformation. His retirement marks the culmination of a distinguished 30-year career in technical education dedicated to expanding opportunities for students across Utah.
President Hacking’s tenure at Tooele Tech has been defined by visionary leadership and a steadfast commitment to student success and community partnership. Under his guidance, the college has achieved remarkable milestones that have reshaped its campus and its role in the region. As a cornerstone of his legacy, he worked closely with state leaders to secure the Utah Legislature’s generous investment of over $28 million for a multi-year project culminating in a historic campus expansion that doubled the college’s instructional space and paved the way for future growth.
During his presidency, Tooele Tech experienced a dramatic and sustained increase in enrollment of over 108% since he was hired, including a 32% surge in a single year. This growth was driven by strategic initiatives to increase accessibility, such as the modernization of the college’s operational core with a full transition to a credit-based system and the strengthening of a powerful K-16 Alliance with the local school district and university partners.
“Being president of Tooele Tech has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” said President Hacking. “I am proud of what my team and I have accomplished along with the trust and support of our Board of Trustees and local elected officials. The college is in great shape to keep elevating the lives of Tooele citizens for many years to come.”
Prior to his role at Tooele Technical College, President Hacking dedicated sixteen years to the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College, serving eight years as its president and eight years as vice president from 1995 to 2011. His extensive experience and deep-rooted passion for technical education have left an indelible mark on thousands of students and the communities he has served.
President Hacking’s leadership also fostered a campus culture centered on comprehensive student support, including the implementation of the college’s first Mental Health and Wellness Plan. He championed a new era of industry and community engagement and established a robust philanthropic foundation to support student scholarships.
“President Hacking’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative for Tooele Technical College,” said Lori Haines-Little, chair of the Tooele Tech Board of Trustees. “He has laid a strong and lasting foundation for our future, from the monumental campus expansion to a relentless commitment to our students’ success and well-being. We are immensely grateful for his dedicated service and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
In his parting words, President Hacking expressed his deep appreciation for the college community. “I will miss the students and the great employees who make good things happen at the college every day. It has been an immense honor to serve as president of this vital public institution and to witness firsthand the power of technical education to change lives.”
“We have been very fortunate to have President Hacking leading Tooele Technical College for the last eight and a half years,” said Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward. “His leadership has expanded opportunities for students, strengthened connections with industry and prepared countless skilled graduates, filling an essential need in Utah’s workforce. We wish Paul the very best in his retirement.”