Trailblazer Nation: Letter from the President

Happy New Year! Although 2020 brought a few unforeseen I am thrilled to announce that as part of a landmark challenges, we came together as Trailblazers, adapted quickly, and partnership, Dixie State University and the Greater Zion grew stronger through it all. Now, we are eagerly leaning into this Convention & Tourism Office have entered into a strategic fresh new year with so much to be proud of as a university community. I’d first like to commend our 109th graduating class, the largest class in our institution’s history, for earning 3,228 degrees collectively. It was an honor to celebrate these graduates in December at the marketing agreement that will result in Greater Zion receiving more than $2 million in annual marketing exposure and Trailblazer Stadium being renamed Greater Zion Stadium. 109th Commencement Ceremony held in Greater Zion Stadium The 20-year, $10 million agreement maximizes revenue on Dixie State’s campus. These Trailblazers have truly embodied generated by visitors—not Washington County taxpayers—to the spirit of Dixie, working hard to achieve their goals and staying optimistic as they reached a significant educational milestone in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. I am confident they will continue to carry on DSU’s tradition of excellence as they venture out into the world well prepared and poised for success, blazing new trails well create a superior experience for both visitors and residents. The partnership is truly a win-win-win situation for everyone; it promotes the area nationally, builds the community, and fuels economic growth by bringing more people to our gorgeous into the future. corner of the world. I’m also excited to share that we recently launched our 2020–As part of this effort, the Tourism Office will establish a visitor 2025 strategic plan, Trailblazing Distinction, which will guide our institution as we grow into an open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university. This road map to our future will not only elevate the University’s offerings and set us apart from any other institution in the nation, but it will also help us implement initiatives center at the stadium and information kiosks at other key locations on campus to showcase visitor activities to all those who attend events on the Dixie State campus. Additionally, Dixie State will better be able to tell prospective students what an amazing backyard full of abundant recreational opportunities they will have when they attend DSU. The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more perfect, as it will assist Dixie State during our transition to NCAA that will greatly benefit our students. Western Athletic Conference As part of this plan, DSU is making starting this July, Dixie State learning accessible by removing will take on competitors based barriers and providing access to everyone in an effort to serve the needs of our community. We are also providing active and applied learning everywhere from Washington, California, Arizona, and New Mexico to Illinois, Missouri, and experiences in education, science, Texas. This will give Greater Zion technology, engineering, health access to audiences it would sciences, humanities, business, and otherwise leave unreached. the arts to offer a comprehensive polytechnic education that will Plus, partnering with Greater prepare our graduates to make a Zion is a natural fit for Dixie significant impact on our world. To State University. The Tourism read the complete strategic plan, Office’s vision to “Inspire Greater. visit strategicplanning.dixie.edu. As you can see, great things are on the horizon for Dixie State University! Thank you for joining us on this journey and for your Experience Greater. Live Greater.” aligns perfectly with Dixie State’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education. Both philosophies take advantage of the Richard “Biff” Williams President of Dixie State University continued support and commitment to our remarkable students and beautiful, world-renowned destination we live in by encouraging their long-term success. Together, we will continue to work hard to ensure that every day is a great day to be a Trailblazer. students, visitors, and residents alike to learn by exploring. Here at the University, we recognize that valuable learning experiences take place inside and outside of the classroom. By taking advantage of experiences available in Greater Zion, we St. George Health & Wellness Magazine | January/February 2021all can grow academically, actively, and holistically. 11