New Leadership, Renewed Vision In a time when architectural education is rapidly evolving to address new pedagogical, technological and professional demands, Salt Lake Community College’s (SLCC) Architecture Department stands as a case study in responsive and visionary transformation. At the helm of this evolution are Shelley Bodily, AIA, and Monica Chandler, AIA — two licensed architects, educators and mothers who are reshaping what a community college architecture education can look like in the 21st century. Together, Bodily and Chandler are leading a multi-dimensional reinvention of SLCC’s program, addressing everything from curriculum structure to national engagement, technological integration and institutional visibility. Their work is transforming the department into a model of accessibility, academic excellence and design relevance. A Career Path Rooted in Experience and Innovation Shelley Bodily’s route into architecture — and architectural education — was not linear. Like many of her students, she began her academic journey in a different discipline, originally majoring in engineering before discovering a passion for design. That shift ultimately led her to SLCC, and later to the University of Utah, where she completed her formal architectural education. After more than ten years in professional practice — including time with respected local firms such as Sparano + Mooney, ajc architects, Method Studio and collaborations with Louise Hill Design — Bodily transitioned into academia. Her years as an adjunct were marked by dedication to teaching core technical skills, especially in software instruction. She spearheaded updates to the Revit curriculum, authored the course manual, and created a companion video series to support a diverse range of learners. She also contributed significantly to the department’s early efforts at curriculum alignment with transfer institutions, helping to shape an educational foundation that was both rigorous and flexible. Bodily’s impact expanded when she became the first woman in the department to be hired as full-time faculty. She later earned tenure, and in 2023, was promoted to associate dean of the Visual Art & Design Division (VAD) within SLCC’s School of Arts, Communication & Media (SACM) — the first architecture professor at the college to hold such a position. In 2024, Bodily stepped into the role of interim dean of SACM, where she now advocates for design excellence across all visual disciplines and works to create interdisciplinary opportunities that benefit students and faculty alike. Beyond administrative leadership, Bodily has continually advocated for hands-on student learning. Her successful Perkins grant writing efforts secured the department’s laser cutters, 3D powder printers and improved computing labs. She also led initiatives such as the development of SLCC’s Design Foundations Workshops I-III and initiated early discussions for a proposed home design degree. She was instrumental in reinstating the Architecture Club — though the pandemic disrupted that progress — and continues to champion projects to refresh classroom environments. How Two Architects Are Reshaping SLCC’s Architecture Department for the Next Generation Shelley Bodily, AIA, Monica Chandler, AIA; SLCC Department of Architecture 25
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