Southern Utah University Community & Workforce Development Welcomes New Executive Director
Published: March 03, 2025 | Author: Southern Utah University | Read Time: 2 minutes
The Southern Utah University Community & Workforce Development (CWD) department is pleased to announce the appointment of Melinda Pfundstein as its new executive director. With a distinguished background in leadership, business, and community development, Pfundstein is poised to lead CWD into its next phase of growth and impact.
Launched in 2019, SUU Community & Workforce Development offers short-term, skills-focused courses that provide alternative credentials such as certificates and digital badges. CWD is also home to the SUU Leadership Institute. These programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of industry partners and empower adult learners with immediate skills for career advancement and credits that may apply toward future degrees.
As executive director, Pfundstein will oversee strategic initiatives that engage SUU with regional partners and align government, industry, and non-profit organizations in developing responsive professional education programming. Primary initiatives include guiding the SUU Leadership Institute and FutureReady Utah. Launched in 2023, FutureReady Utah is a regional workforce investment initiative that brings together 11 counties, Tribal Lands, two economic development districts, and three higher education institutions (SUU, Snow College, and Utah Tech University) to build a responsive workforce education ecosystem and guide local residents toward living-wage jobs through short-term skills programming.
“We are thrilled to welcome Melinda to her new role and look forward to the impact she will make,” said Melynda Thorpe, assistant vice president for the Office of Workforce and Educational Opportunity at SUU. “She brings a wealth of professional experience and passion for her local community that position her to make invaluable and inspiring contributions to the lives of emerging civic and workplace leaders.”
Previously, Pfundstein co-founded and served as executive director of StateraArts, where she expanded its reach to 36 countries, led four national conferences, and a groundbreaking national mentorship program. A certified professional coach, she has a proven track record in executive consulting, transformational leadership, and strengths-based development. Her career includes more than 25 years with the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and she is a certified Change Leader through Utah Arts and Museums. She holds a Master’s in Arts Administration from SUU and previously served on the faculty of the university’s theatre arts department. She is an active leader in the community, serving on the Board of Trustees for Southwest Technical College and as Board President of Canyon Creek Services. She champions creativity, community impact, and meaningful connections in all circles of contribution.
“Assuming the role of executive director of Community and Workforce Development has been an incredible privilege,” said Pfundstein. “Every day, I get to do the work I love—creating real solutions, building meaningful partnerships, and helping people connect with their greater purpose through education. The impact is immediate, the mission is inspiring, and the team I have the honor of working alongside is deeply talented, driven, and committed to making a difference. I couldn't be more excited for what’s ahead.”
More information about SUU Community & Workforce Development and its programs.
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Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
brookeheath1@suu.edu