Mike McKee honored as UBTech Champion
Mike McKee, a man whose life exemplifies tireless service, was honored recently by Uintah Basin Technical College as the 2025 UBTech Champion.
A father of 12, McKee has balanced family life, farming, church service, and numerous leadership roles, including serving on the UBTech Board of Trustees, the Uintah School Board, and as a Uintah County Commissioner for 14 years. His impact extends to testifying before Congress, heading the 7-County Oil and Gas Coalition, and helping build the framework to bring a railroad to the Uintah Basin.
“Mike’s commitment to his community is unwavering,” said UBTech President Aaron Weight.
McKee was born to Devon and Lorna McKee, the fourth of nine children and raised in Tridell. Mike and his wife Karen also raised their large family in Tridell.
“Mike is thought of as a ‘leader and an equal to all,’” said Weight. “As a decision maker it wasn’t the bottom line that was important to him, it was how the bottom line impacted the people he served.”
The transformation of what at the time was the Uintah Basin Applied Technology College in Uintah County stands as a tribute to the power of collaboration, vision, and unwavering support from community leaders. At the forefront of this transformation was Mike McKee, Weight said.
Thanks to his vision and leadership, what would have been a modest facility for the technical college in Vernal grew into a state-of-the-art building that ultimately expanded from an initial $14.5 million budget to $27.5 million, providing invaluable resources for students.
“Mike was a pivotal figure whose dedication and leadership were instrumental in positioning UBATC as a vital educational resource,” said former UBATC President Paul Hacking.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s McKee came to the rescue of what was then known as UBATC’s proposed Vernal building. His insights and experiences, particularly from witnessing the successful partnership between UBATC and Duchesne County, were critical, according to Hacking.
“Mike served on our (UBATC) board and he could see how we could be bigger in Uintah County than we were. He could see the partnership UBATC had with educational partners in Duchesne County,” said Hacking.
At the same time McKee was also a Uintah School District Board member. He got his counterparts on that board to see the need for a bigger technical education presence in Vernal, said Hacking.
McKee also played a crucial role in addressing budget challenges that threatened the project’s viability.
As a county commissioner McKee was instrumental in advocating for Uintah County’s commitment of $4.5 million.
“A decision that became the cornerstone for securing the necessary funding,” Hacking explained.
“He had the ability to navigate a complex legal situation, showcasing his commitment not only to the college but also to the broader community,” said Hacking.
Hacking said nothing happens in a vacuum and others were also highly influential in pushing to make the Vernal building a reality, but McKee’s efforts stand out.
“The building in Vernal would simply not have been possible without Mike’s support, including the creation of the Uintah Impact Mitigation District which provided the vehicle to get funding for the building as well as much-needed equipment, CDL trucks, a nursing program, a drilling simulator and even building the CDL driving range at the Roosevelt campus,” said Hacking.
“Mike’s dedication to public service, his tireless efforts to improve the Uintah Basin, and his commitment to his faith and family make him a true champion,” said Weight.
“His legacy will be felt for many years to come, as the projects he helped bring to fruition continue to benefit the community. UBTech is honored to recognize Mike with the Presidents UBTech Champion award, a fitting tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to making the Uintah Basin a better place for all,” Weight said.
UBTech President Aaron Weight (right) presented former Uintah County Commissioner Mike McKee with the annual UBTech Champion Award. McKee was recognized as a tireless advocate for UBTech was whose efforts succeeded in making the current UBTech Vernal campus what it is today.
Recipients of the UBTech Way annual award are pictured with President Aaron Weight (right) at the college’s annual Champion Gala night. Left to right are: Joann Cowan, who was honored as a long-time Vernal educator and civic leader; December Hatch, recognized for her addiction recovery and community service leadership; and Jason Hoffman, Vernal Walmart manager was commended for donations made to UBTech’s Titan Support Center, which assists students in need.
Mike McKee spoke briefly after being honored as a UBTech Champion during a recent gala at the college. He gave credit to God for helping him along the way as he has served his community.
