Contact
Kathy Tran-Peters, MA
Coordinator of Honors and Interdisciplinary Studies
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Kathy is the Coordinator for Honors and Interdisciplinary Studies. As an alumna of Taylorsville High School and a college graduate from SLCC, Kathy is excited to be able to return to and serve the same neighborhood and community that her family immigrated to. She graduated from the University of Utah with Honors Bachelors of Arts in both History and Gender & Sexuality Studies, as well as a Master of Arts in History. Because of her experiences as a first-generation student and woman of color, she understands that there are many barriers to accessing and succeeding in higher education. Her experiences influence her passion for challenging, unlearning, and rethinking higher education’s core practices and policies in order to best serve the most diverse study body in Utah. You’ll also find her hiking and trail running with her dogs, Netflix marathoning, climbing, drinking tea, and eating at and supporting BIPOC-owned restaurants.
Michael Young, MA
Associate Dean of General Education, Interdisciplinary Studies and Honors
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Michael Young has over ten years of experience in higher education in both instruction and academic leadership positions. He is currently the Associate Dean of General Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Honors at Salt Lake Community College. Prior to this position, Michael was a full-time tenured Sociology Instructor for Bay College in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and has taught adjunct courses at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He taught courses using a variety of formats and technologies including hybrid, online, and traditional. He has also held various leadership positions at Bay College that include being a Team Leader of Michigan Guided Pathways Initiative, Chair of the Curriculum Committee, Faculty Association President, and Human Services Program Coordinator.
Michael’s academic and career goals began as a community college student where he received an AAS in Human Services. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Arts in Sociology. It has been his lifelong passion to become a leader in education and help students become successful in life and their career. Michael’s experience in higher education has allowed him to work with faculty, staff, and administration to advance the revolutionary and structural changes taking place within academia. He also enjoys working across the campus with leaders to promote General Education as a fundamental and integrative program at SLCC.
Michael’s hobbies and interests include art, music, movies, time in nature, chess, poker, and reading.
Yana Yan, M.A.
Administrative Asst. I of Academic Operations/General Education
Yana Yan is the administrative assistant of Michael Young. With a decade of experience in the Cultural industry in China, Yana has significantly contributed to introducing over 50 TV shows, documentaries, and films to audiences in Shanghai. Her passion for the creative arts is complemented by her educational background, holding a Master’s degree in Creative Industries and Cultural Assets from Hong Kong Metropolitan University and a bachelor's degree in journalism from Qiqihar University.
Originally from the picturesque Southwest of China, Yana's love for nature is evident in her appreciation for the region's stunning mountains. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time on the trail with her family. Guided by the Chinese proverb, "In a party of three, there must be one who can be my teacher," Yana embraces a lifelong learning philosophy. This outlook fuels her excitement about working at SLCC, where she eagerly contributes diverse cultural perspectives and absorbs knowledge from the rich college environment. As a lifelong learner, Yana believes that maintaining curiosity and passion is key to fostering a positive and joyful work environment.