President’s Report 2018-19
LEARNING ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Focusing on Dixie State University’s institutional themes – Learning, Engagement, and Opportunity – I’m excited to share the highlights of our 2018-2019 academic year with you and offer a glimpse of what’s ahead. Entering the last year of our current strategic plan, Dixie 2020: Status to Stature, I am so proud of all that we’ve accomplished together. We are on track to meet or exceed our current goals and, to capitalize on this remarkable momentum, we will soon begin developing our next strategic plan, to be unveiled in 2020. DSU is flourishing as a dual-mission university, adding more graduate programs and bachelor’s degrees, while also serving as an open-access institution with growing online offerings and various associate degrees and certificate programs for students to choose from. With 40% of our students being first-generation students, we offer added support and resources to ensure every DSU student has the opportunity to succeed. Our small classrooms, caring faculty, and commitment to active learning opportunities provide the ideal recipe for a transformative journey on campus and beyond. As our student body continues to grow, our facilities must also keep pace with their needs. Maximizing our limited space, we continue to make tremendous progress in building or renovating facilities to meet the needs of students as well as address the workforce demands of a growing region. We are also working to ensure all athletic facilities are ready for our transition to the Division I Western Athletic Conference in 2020. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary institution and for helping us shape our students into innovative, engaged, prepared contributors to an ever-evolving workforce. Together, we are blazing the trails of tomorrow and we couldn’t do it without your support and commitment today. Sincerely,
DSU President Richard B. Williams
THE TRAIL FROM STATUS TO STATURE
ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST 2018 DSU welcomes 9,950 students to campus, an increase in student enrollment for the third consecutive year DSU welcomes first graduate students in the Master of Accountancy program DSU welcomes first class of mechanical engineering students
SEPTEMBER 2018 DSU adds an east grandstand to Trailblazer Stadium to seat 10,000 fans and accommodate more community events
DECEMBER 2018 The iconic “D” on the Hill upgrades to a full-color lighting system
JANUARY 2019 DSU publicly announces its decision to join the Western Athletic Conference, moving to NCAA Division I Athletics in 2020
MARCH 2019 Southern Utah’s largest public entrepreneurial makerspace opens at Atwood Innovation Plaza
APRIL 2019 Lyman Southwest Goesciences Center established through a $1 million donation from Denis and Diane Lyman
MAY 2019 DSU confers 2,103 degrees to 1,927 students at the institution’s 108th Commencement Ceremony
LEARNIN
DSU promotes a campus-wide culture of learning, delivers excellent teaching, and prepares knowledgeable and competent students who achieve and exceed their educational goals.
NG
Added 16 academic programs Graduated DSU’s first ever master’s class – Master of Accountancy Awarded the highest number of bachelor’s degrees in DSU’s history Launched DSU’s first online programs My favorite thing about Dixie is that it is large enough to offer all the academic and recreational opportunities anyone could want, yet small enough to balance the two and have a more rewarding college experience than many students at other institutions are able to enjoy. Mei Brennan Integrated Studies graduate Emphasis in Digital Design & Marketing
DSU ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
As part of DSU’s dual mission, the addition of numerous academic programs provides varied pathways to meet the diverse needs of all students, preparing them for career success. Academic offerings include:
4 Master’s Degrees
42 Minors
45 Bachelor’s Degrees
68 Emphases
11 Associate Degrees
19 Certificates/Endorsements
ACADEMIC ADDITIONS THIS YEAR • Master of Athletic Training • Master of Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric • Master of Marriage & Family Therapy • BS in Applied and Computational Mathematics • BA/BS in Marketing • Bachelor of Applied Science – Health Sciences • BA/BS in Design • BS in Molecular Biology-Biochemistry
• Minor in Health Care Administration • Minor in Long Term Care Administration • Minor in Public Health • Minor in Nonprofit Management • Minor in Physics • Certificate in Biotechnology • Certificate in Computing Fundamentals • Certificate in Design
NEW DEGREES CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT • Master of Science in Applied Kinesiology • BS Computer Engineering • BS Electrical Engineering • BS Respiratory Therapy • BS Information Technology
• BS Earth, Energy & Environmental Science • Minor in Geoscience • Minor in Family Studies and Human Development • Certificate in Gerontology
“Our faculty are continually developing new degree and certificate programs that prepare our students for rapidly changing career opportunities and employer needs. This past year we developed and gained approval for 16 new programs that will provide students with the credentials needed to secure high demand, high wage jobs.” Michael Lacourse, PhD Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
ONLINE EDUCATION • Launched first online program – RN-BSN • Approved BAS – Health Sciences • Developed 17 new online courses • Created Amazon Web Services Certification Program
ONLINE PROGRAMS IN DEVELOPMENT
• Early Childhood Education • Business Technology • General Studies
Certificates
• Retail Management • Business/Tech Entrepreneurship • Library Science
2018
Associate
• Individualized Studies • Marketing • Respiratory Studies
2013
Bachelor’s
8,147
9,950
22.6% increase in student enrollment over 6 years
active learning. active life. Dixie State University is committed to creating meaningful, memorable learning opportunities for all students. The educational environment at DSU is fast-paced, fun, supportive, personally engaging, and focused on achieving specific learning outcomes.
As part of DSU’s “active learning. active life” approach to education, students can: • Create and submit their own film or be part of the film selection process for DOCUTAH, DSU’s International Documentary Film Festival.
• Master the skill of starting an IV or establishing an airway while bumping down the road in the EMS program’s new ambulance.
• Extract evidence from digital devices like cell phones in the Digital Forensics Crime Lab.
• Imagine, develop, build, and test a new invention in the Makerspace at DSU’s Atwood Innovation Plaza.
• Manage a $200,000 portfolio as part of the Student Managed Investment Fund.
• Stay and study in Zion National Park as part of DSU’s Experiential Learning program.
According to the spring 2019 data from the National Survey of Student Engagement, 86% of first-year students and 89% of seniors rated their overall experience at DSU as Excellent or Good.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR SUCCESS AFTER DIXIE DSU’s Career Services offers free support to transform college students into career-ready professionals so they can enter the real world successfully. • 97% of DSU graduates are employed or entering graduate school within 18 months of graduation. • During the 2018-19 academic year 1,847 DSU students participated in internships for credit, clinicals or student teaching.
“The people you meet here on campus are really focused on giving you the best college experience possible. Our professors are really handson, we have so many different outlets to find support, and the student life is amazing.” Elleiana Habibian Sophomore, Biomedical Science major
ENGAGEM
DSU maintains strong relationships between students, faculty, staff, and the community to foster citizenship; a continuum of educational, cultural, and recreational enrichment; and economic and civic growth. Opened the state-of-the art Makerspace at Atwood Innovation Plaza Celebrated Trailblazer Engagement Center open house Implemented Mentoring Matters program Completed and submitted Carnegie Engaged University Classification Application Accepted an invitation to join the Western Athletic Conference – NCAA Division I Athletics
MENT
"DSU is a valuable asset to the community. It offers education, athletics, entertainment and social attributes to the entire population, young and old alike. Keep up the great work!" Community Member Community Perception Study
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
TRAILBLAZER ENGAGEMENT CENTER DSU’s Trailblazer Engagement Center is the community hub for local service opportunities. Each year, the DSU family dedicates more than 200,000 hours of service to the community through at least 150 service projects. Dixie State University offers numerous ways to foster strong connections with the community and enrich the lives of students.
• Students volunteered at an orphanage in Belize and helped rebuild communities affected by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans as part of the Alternative Breaks program. • Nearly 500 community members mentored DSU students in business, education, health sciences and more to prepare them for a successful career experience. • As part of the Multicultural & Inclusion Center’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, volunteers dedicated 100 hours to spending time with the elderly, planting a community garden, painting and cleaning community facilities, and more. • 61 students and 10 faculty enhanced their global perspectives in seven locations around the world as part of DSU’s Study Abroad programs.
CONNECTING TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH EVENTS Throughout the year, Dixie State University hosts hundreds of events, drawing thousands of community members to campus. This year, nearly 70,000 participants attended DSU’s major community events including the State of the University Address, Trailblazer Nation Tree Lighting Celebration, Fire & Ice Gala, Commencement, and more.
TRAILBLAZER ART IN THE CITY Working hand in hand with the City of St. George, the Trailblazer Art in the City project showcases 18 hand-painted Trailblazer statues placed around town. This project helps promote Dixie State University, local businesses, and the arts, while beautifying our city and creating a greater university town environment. To become a sponsor of one of the four remaining bison statues, visit umac.dixie.edu/art-in-the-city/.
INNOVATION
At DSU’s Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Center, qualified business counselors, mentors and investors help students and community members conceptualize, launch and grow their own business. During the 2018-2019 year, 650 aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators were served through the Business Resource Center, the Makerspace and the Innovation, Guidance and Solutions Center. More than 35 businesses have been launched and 91 patents filed thanks to the resources and support offered through DSU’s Atwood Innovation Plaza. Through 30 different business education events, more than 2,300 individuals have received hands-on training to help them in running their business. “St. George and its surrounding communities are quickly becoming a mecca for entrepreneurs, and Innovation Plaza is the home base for them to learn, launch, and grow. From business education to forming a corporation; prototyping to patent support; marketing strategies to acquisition; Innovation Plaza is truly a one-stop shop for every business need.” Don Willie, Executive Director TIE Center & Business Resource Center
STEM PIPELINE Kicking off the new Engineering program in the fall of 2018, Dixie State University continues to grow the technology, biotech and engineering student pipelines to develop the right talent in key industrial spaces. DSU’s STEM Pipeline programs offer engaging educational opportunities for students and community members in southern Utah to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to fill the coming shortage of workers in STEM fields. For example, DSU’s Computer & Information Technology department partners with local businesses to offer Code School, a free, intensive course to help students jump-start their web programming careers. Many participants are placed in internships and jobs within the software and web industries upon completion.
ATHLETICS
DIVISION I ATHLETICS DSU is joining the Western Athletic Conference in 2020, moving to NCAA Division I Athletics.
Average, NCAA-era record high GPA as of spring 2019 – 3.18
INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CHAMPIONS • Men’s Golf – 2019 NCAA South Central/West Regional Champions • Volleyball – 2018 RMAC Champions • Tennis – 2019 RMAC Tournament Champions • Softball – 2019 RMAC Tournament Champions
2018-2019 NCAA REGIONAL TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES • Men’s Golf — 11 straight appearances
• Volleyball — 4th appearance in 6 years
• Softball — 11 straight appearances
• Men’s and Women’s Cross Country "From my experience, wins are a byproduct of implementing these four leadership principles: trust, accountablity, toughness, and hard work." DSU Football Coach Paul Peterson
2019 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP APPEARANCES/RESULTS
Billie Hatch
Men's Golf Team
13th place in 10,000-meter race – NCAA DII Outdoor Track & Field Championships
9th place and first-ever national appearance – NCAA DII Men’s Golf Championships
MORE ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS Dixie State University women’s swimming team Selected as a Scholar All-America team
Jake Engel
First baseball player in DSU’s NCAA era to earn NCAA Division II First Team All-America honors
Jayden Murray
Selected by the Tampa Bay Rays of the 2019 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft
Robyn Felder
Recipient of the 2018-2019 American Volleyball Coaches Association Academic Award
Mariam Gonzalez
Honorable Mention Scholar All-America Selection
OPPORTUN
DSU values the professional and personal development of individuals and facilitates a culture of ethics, collaboration, creativity, inclusion, and service. Opened the Human Performance Center, offering optimal space for academic and recreational excellence Created “You Will Be Found” music video cover to spread a powerful message of hope to those facing mental health challenges Conducted the first-ever Campus Climate Survey, establishing a baseline for growing DSU’s culture of inclusion
“The Human Performance Center is the perfect place for everything to come together – the social, physical, and educational. I feel like the general population of students will see an improvement in overall health and wellness as a result.”
NITY
Jesse Clingman Senior, Exercise Science major
CAMPUS EXPANSION
Human Performance Center This six story, state-of-the-art building includes 155,000 square feet of both academic and recreational space to allow students to stretch their minds and bodies in one convenient location. Highlights of the building include an Olympic-size swimming pool as well as a 65-foot rock climbing wall, the tallest on any college campus in the state of Utah.
Innovation Plaza Makerspace Students and community members can tap into their entrepreneurial skills in this state-of-the-art makerspace and prototyping lab. This new space, located in the Atwood Innovation Plaza, is open to the community and includes equipment and supplies that support printing, prototyping and small-run manufacturing.
Trailblazer Stadium East Grandstand DSU’s Trailblazer Stadium doubled its capacity to 10,000 with the addition of an east grandstand, complete with new locker rooms and concessions.
Pizza Hut
Chick-fil-A
Tennis Courts
Director's Club
UPCOMING PROJECTS
Science, Engineering & Technology Building To accommodate the growing student body and workforce demand for STEM professionals, DSU will begin construction this year on an innovative, 120,000-square-foot Science, Engineering & Technology Building with an anticipated opening of Fall Semester 2021.
Graff Building Expansion
Softball Stadium
Phase III of Trailblazer Stadium
Campus View Suites – Phase II In response to increased enrollment, DSU plans to construct an additional on-campus residence hall, with 450 beds, modeled after the existing Campus View Suites. This 130,000-square-foot addition will replace Shiloh Hall and is intended to open Fall Semester 2021.
Innovation Plaza Included in this renovated facility is a 6,000-square-foot entrepreneurial makerspace, a 10,000-square-foot biotechnology lab, and classroom space for aspiring computer programmers, designers, and developers.
INCLUSION
This year, DSU participated in the first-ever Campus Climate Survey. The launch of the survey was a culminating event for the re-established Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council. This committee of faculty, staff, and students worked together to select the correct instrument and refine the method for clear, useful findings. Results will be presented over the coming semester.
OTHER ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS Religious Fair Working with the St. George Interfaith Council, DSU’s Multicultural Inclusion Center expanded the understanding of inclusion beyond race and ethnicity at its first Religious Fair.
Taste Around the World This year the DSU campus and Washington County community came together with the largest-ever attendance to explore other countries through food.
“I’ve found that you can connect with anybody on campus because they are genuine enough to let their personalities shine. It’s so inclusive and to me that is what the Dixie Spirit is.” Guillem Parra, Sophomore Accounting major International student from Barcelona, Spain
INTERNATIONALIZING CAMPUS DSU has diversified its recruitment of international students, with 38 countries represented from around the globe. International student growth from 2018 to 2019:
54% growth in number of applicants 35% growth in students admitted 32% growth in students registered Established seven new international university partnerships 61 students studied abroad
STUDENT HEALTH & WELLNESS
In light of the mental health epidemic sweeping college campuses throughout the nation, DSU offers a variety of resources to ensure all students have a safety net of support to thrive in school and in life. DSU’s health and counseling center, the Booth Wellness Center, offers free medical and mental health appointments with no waiting lists. They also provide QPR Training to faculty, staff and student leaders to help recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and refer someone to help. This year, more than 500 individuals from DSU earned QPR certification for increased suicide awareness and prevention.
YOU WILL BE FOUND This year, to raise awareness and spread a message of acceptance, Dixie State University’s Marketing & Communication office teamed up with DSU’s song and dance performance team, Raging Red, to create the “You Will Be Found” music video cover. This video illustrates that hope and healing can be found by seeking help, creating connections, and staying strong. To watch the music video and to learn more about the stories of the students involved, visit: dixie.edu/found
“We are doing the absolute best that we can to support our students in their mental wellness. I’m really happy that we have made such progress in a short amount of time. We are really leading out in the state of Utah on how we are addressing these issues.” Del Beatty Dean of Students
MORE TRAILS TO BLAZE
Develop a new Strategic Plan – coming in the fall of 2020 Increase academic offerings to continue to fulfill DSU’s dual mission and meet the needs of a growing student body Join the Western Athletic Conference – moving to NCAA Division I Athletics Attain the Carnegie Community Engaged Campus designation Expand DSU’s online credit course offerings for working adults Construct the Science, Engineering & Technology Building and add student housing to meet student needs Based on findings from the Campus Climate Survey, implement strategies on campus to grow DSU’s culture of inclusion Secure additional land for future University growth