Letter from the President

As we enter the new year, Dixie State University continues to make progress on our strategic goal to be the nation’s first and only open, inclusive, comprehensive polytechnic university. This academic mission supports our ongoing efforts to offer students active learning opportunities that prepare them to graduate career ready. This past November, the Utah State Legislature and Governor Spencer J. Cox helped us make progress on this goal by voting in favor of and approving the recommendation that our institution’s new name be Utah Tech University starting July 1, 2022. While the “Tech” in the name isn’t short for anything, it does represent the comprehensive polytechnic mission we have been implementing for the last six years. In short, this focus prepares students in all programs to be prepared to enter the workforce on day one. By providing a variety of active learning experiences such as internships, co-ops, and mentorship opportunities, we offer a high-quality education at an affordable price. For example, our finance students manage a $200,000 portfolio for real clients, and design students produce print, web, and multimedia projects for community partners. Dental hygiene students provide free dental services to community members while education majors teach in K–12 classrooms beginning their freshman year. Across campus, music majors work in studio settings, and English majors write grant proposals that support nonprofits in our community. These experiences not only prepare our students for their careers, they also train students to meet regional workforce demands. Before implementing this focus, other DSU administrators and I met with area business and community leaders to learn what they needed from their local university. What we discovered was a huge demand for employees to fill roles in high-paying fields such as STEM, business,

I am thrilled to announce that as part of a landmark and healthcare. We went to work, partnership, Dixie State University and the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office have entered into a strategic and the result was our comprehensive polytechnic model, which maintains our programs in a diverse assortment marketing agreement that will result in Greater Zion receiving of academic disciplines such as more than $2 million in annual marketing exposure and humanities, education, and the arts

Trailblazer Stadium being renamed Greater Zion Stadium. while placing a concentrated focus on STEM, healthcare, and business.

The 20-year, $10 million agreement maximizes revenue In line with this mission, we have generated by visitors—not Washington County taxpayers—to added over a hundred programs in create a superior experience for both visitors and residents. the last five years and more than 80

The partnership is truly a win-win-win situation for everyone; it promotes the area nationally, builds the community, and fuels percent of them have fallen in these in-demand industries. To prepare students for their economic growth by bringing more people to our gorgeous careers every step of the way, we also corner of the world. developed a 4 in 4 initiative in which students can earn a certification

As part of this effort, the Tourism Office will establish a visitor each year of their undergraduate center at the stadium and information kiosks at other key experience. Specifically, in their first year, students can earn a locations on campus to showcase visitor activities to all those certificate relevant to their field of study, followed by an associate who attend events on the Dixie State campus. Additionally, degree after year two, an advance certificate after their junior year,

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. and finally, a bachelor’s degree after four years. This way, if students have to temporarily pause their education for any reason, they have training that will help them secure a job in their chosen discipline in the meantime.

The timing of this partnership couldn’t be more perfect, as it will assist Dixie State during our transition to NCAA Seeing students benefit from this comprehensive polytechnic model over the last six years has been a great indicator that this active approach to education is best for our students, our university,

Division I status through opportunities to expand athletic and our community. Helping students graduate career ready makes facilities. The university plans on adding state-of-the-art every day a great day to be a Trailblazer. press boxes and comfortable event space to the existing westside grandstands, which will help attract more athletic, entertainment, and community events. As a member of the Western Athletic Conference starting this July, Dixie State will take on competitors based everywhere from Washington, California, Arizona, and New Mexico to Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. This will give Greater Zion access to audiences it would otherwise leave unreached. 10 www.saintgeorgewellness.com www.sghealthandwellnessmagazine.com Plus, partnering with Greater Zion is a natural fit for Dixie State University. The Tourism Office’s vision to “Inspire Greater. Experience Greater. Live Greater.” aligns perfectly with Dixie State’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education. Both philosophies take advantage of the beautiful, world-renowned destination we live in by encouraging 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 all can grow academically, actively, and holistically. This unique, trailblazing partnership certainly will enhance our community for years to come. I can’t wait to see you at upcoming games, concerts, and community events in Greater Zion Stadium!

Richard “Biff” Williams President of Dixie State University