USU Eastern News Release
Utah State University Eastern’s Cosmetology program blends hands-on training, creative exploration, and a supportive college environment to prepare students for meaningful, career-ready futures in the beauty industry. With access to real clients, multiple certification pathways, and instructors who bring decades of professional experience, students graduate with both technical skill and confidence.
For Kaiya Manzanares, a second-year student from Price, staying close to home made USU Eastern the right fit, but the program’s depth is what has kept her inspired.
“In my second year, we have more clinical hours working with clients, and that gives us so much more experience,” Manzanares said.
As students progress through the program, they are exposed to a wide range of services, allowing them to explore different specialties and discover where they thrive.
“Because we offer such a variety of services, it’s been so fun watching everyone find their niche,” Manzanares added.
After graduation, Manzanares hopes to move into booth rental while continuing her education, with the long-term goal of becoming a salon owner.
Aubrey Colson of Sandy, Utah, was drawn to USU Eastern for its comprehensive approach to cosmetology education. Rather than limiting students to one focus area, the program offers multiple certifications under one roof, including hair, skin, nails, waxing, eyelash services, and spray tanning.
“It was amazing to find one program with so many different certifications in one place,” Colson said.
Beyond the technical opportunities, Colson credits the program’s culture for her success.
“It’s like going to school with many best friends every day, and the instructors really know how to motivate you to perform your best,” she shared.
For Bethany Stocks from American Fork, USU Eastern offered something she had not found elsewhere—a traditional college experience combined with cosmetology training. Having dreamed of becoming a cosmetologist her entire life, she says the program has allowed her to fulfill that goal while also giving back to the community.
“It’s been really heartwarming to travel to local care and rehabilitation centers to do residents’ hair and nails,” Stocks said.
She also values opportunities to work with youth in local schools, helping teach the importance of hygiene and self-esteem—an experience that reflects the program’s emphasis on service and connection.
The program’s success is driven in large part by its instructors. Patty Smith, a CEU—now USU Eastern—graduate, brings more than 21 years of salon ownership into her fourth year of teaching. Her approach blends technical instruction with encouragement, creativity, and industry-ready preparation.
“Watching students grow, push through challenges, and discover their strengths is one of my greatest joys as an instructor,” Smith said.
Smith believes the program’s hands-on structure and supportive environment allow students to build professional readiness through live practice.
“Every day, students get the chance to build skills through real practice and meaningful guidance, which helps them grow confident in their abilities,” she added.
Instructor Heidi Jewkes, also a USU Eastern alum, specializes in nail services and brings over two decades of industry experience to the classroom. After discovering her passion for nails early in her career, she returned to USU Eastern to teach the next generation of beauty professionals.
“There’s something special about witnessing a student light up when they finally master a skill they’ve been working so hard on,” Jewkes said.
She notes that the college-based structure of the program sets it apart.
“Students gain real-world experience through lab courses and clinical practice long before stepping into a full-time salon job,” she said.
Graduates of the USU Eastern Cosmetology program go on to careers in hairstyling, coloring, nails, esthetics, makeup artistry, salon ownership, and education. Through experiential learning, community engagement, and personalized mentorship, the program continues to empower students to turn creativity into confident, successful careers.