DSU President's Report 2020-21

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY

Dear Trailblazer Nation,

Despite the obstacles that 2020 set forth, the year that will forever be known for ushering in a global pandemic also offered remarkable growth and educational opportunities here at Dixie State University. While Dixie State wasn’t immune to the myriad of difficulties that made headlines worldwide, we did find silver linings in the challenges. That’s what Trailblazers do.

The 2020-21academic year presented great growth and development opportunities for our University, and we’d like to share a few of our accomplishments with you.

As we introduced our 2020-2025 strategic plan, Trailblazing Distinction, to you, we made significant progress in laying the ground work toward becoming the United States’ first and only open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university. As part of this effort, we expanded our ability to offer the entire Southern Utah community second-to-none active learning opportunities while preparing our students to enter the careers of their dreams.

Also under Trailblazing Distinction, Dixie State experienced incredible growth during the 2020-21 academic year. We once again welcomed more students to Trailblazer Nation than ever before and added academic programs and facilities to meet the needs of our student body. Students are quickly learning of the immense value a Dixie State education offers.

Focused on extending learning opportunities outside of the classroom and sharing our educational resources with you, the community, we also placed concentrated efforts on helping those most in need during the ongoing pandemic, partnering with the City of St. George, and creating global connections beyond our corner of the world.

Although we have achieved incredible accomplishments this year, our work isn’t over. By continuing to expand Dixie State University’s offerings for the benefit of our students and community, we truly will make every day a great day to be a Trailblazer.

Sincerely,

Richard B. Williams Dixie State University President

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION

Through our 2020-2025 strategic plan, Trailblazing Distinction, Dixie State is working toward becoming the first open, inclusive, comprehensive, polytechnic university in the entire nation. We are actively creating educational opportunities for all learners, adding academic programs in a variety of disciplines, and increasing hands-on learning experiences for our Trailblazers.

As an open enrollment-institution, we offer a quality, accessible educational experience for all who want to learn and grow. More than a quarter of our students are first-generation college students, and we are committed to offering the resources and support to help every student succeed.

Four-Year, Four-Award Model

Our four-year, four-award model provides pathways for students to seamlessly move between the workforce and higher education when opportunities arise. This model gives students the opportunity to earn an industry certificate and an associate degree in their first two years as well as an advanced industry certificate and bachelor’s degree in their second two years. This encourages students to work toward specific certificates and degrees while also allowing the flexibility to customize a career path that best meets their needs.

60 CREDITS

120 CREDITS

Expanded Education Centers

We have satellite education centers in Hurricane, Kanab, and Hildale. The newest center, Water Canyon Center in Hildale, offers virtual and in-person classes in the following career-focused certificate programs:

Certified Nursing Assistant

Computing Fundamentals

Design

Information Technology

2+2 Articulations

Emergency Management Technician

Photography & Digital Imaging

Entrepreneurship

General Education

We want to make it as easy as possible for students to transfer from community colleges after earning their associate degrees. With 2+2 articulations, prospective students can transfer their 60 credits earned and pursue their bachelor’s degrees as Trailblazers. This year, we have developed articulation partnerships with:

Salt Lake Community College (17 degrees)

Snow College (1 degree)

College of Southern Nevada (13 degrees)

We have also built an equitable and responsive student transfer system with our local institutional partner, Dixie Technical College. Thanks to this collaboration, and the academic articulation agreement we created together, Dixie Tech graduates can seamlessly transfer to DSU if they want to continue their educational journey in St. George, Utah.

INCLUSIVE

Our campus community continues to grow and become more diverse, bringing together students from a variety of backgrounds and cultures with a shared appetite for learning and commitment to success. In Trailblazer Nation, we are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment where all students know they belong.

Inclusive Excellence Initiative

In partnership with the Association of American Colleges and Universities, we were selected to be part of an initiative to help promote inclusive excellence on campus in support of the pillars of our strategic plan. This opportunity involves training as well as gaining a deeper understanding of how to embrace differences and advance the vitality of our diverse campus.

Lifelong Learning

We are committed to growing program options for working adults and have expanded our online offerings to include 9 digital format programs through DSU Online.

Associate degree in Management

Bachelor’s degree in Enterprise Management

Bachelor’s degree in Individualized Studies

Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies

Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, Applied Leadership

Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies, Health Communication

Bachelor’s degree in Digital Design

Bachelor’s degree in Integrated Studies (with seven emphases)

Bachelor’s degree in Management

In addition, unique CARES programs were offered at a low cost or no cost to those economically impacted by the pandemic to help them further their education and enhance their career possibilities.

Accounting and Information Systems Certificate

Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Certificate

Career Exploration Certificate

Design Certificate

Health Communication Certificate

Information Technology Certificate

Marketing Certificate

Medical Lab Assistant Technology Certificate

COMPREHENSIVE

With more than 200 academic programs, 29 of which were added this past year alone, we offer a variety of degree and certificate options to satisfy student interests and meet industry demands. With our “active learning. active life.” approach to education, students can experience hands-on learning in every major.

Active Learning Focus for All

Film and Theatre students recently experienced a life-changing filming opportunity on location in Ireland. Sixteen students and five faculty members worked for a month alongside a professional crew in the midst of a stunning and complex environment. Students immersed themselves in creating the television series “Groundbreaking,” a massive undertaking they will never forget.

Accounting students assist with annual tax return preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. This not only serves those in need but also allows students to hone their skills before entering the workforce.

American Sign Language student-interpreters travel to Disneyland to provide ASL interpreting for guests at the resort.

Early Childhood Education students learn first hand how to promote the curiosity and development of young children by working in the DSU Preschool.

Dental Hygiene students participate in community outreach through the DSU Mobile Dental Hygiene Clinic, providing children, the elderly, and other community members oral healthcare services while getting experience in the field.

POLYTECHNIC

Trailblazers experience active learning opportunities coupled with a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences to prepare them for a successful career.

Career Focused

Through internships, cooperative education, clinical experiences, and hands-on training, students are ready for successful careers after graduation.

Active and Applied Learning

As part of DSU’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education, students engage with real-world problems in real work settings.

Industry Collaboration

DSU’s degree programs are designed with expertise from a variety of industry partners. This opens doors for students to gain experience with partners in their fields of interest. For example, by partnering with Tech Ridge, a burgeoning local hub of technology, DSU will help fill the pipeline for industry need well into the future.

Integrated Liberal Arts & Sciences with Stem-Intensive Programming

DSU’s comprehensive academic programs offer basic professional skills while providing a focused set of degree programs in STEM fields.

95% of graduates are employed or entering graduate school or the military within six months of graduation.

100% of Surgical Technology, Dental Hygiene, Medical Radiography, and Physical Therapist Assistant graduates passed their national credentialing exams on the first attempt.

3,060 DSU students participated in internships relevant to their field of study for credit last year.

A THRIVING UNIVERSITY

In the past year, DSU has grown in both depth and breadth. From fostering enrollment growth for the fifth consecutive year to adding facilities and academic programs to accommodate our expanding student body, Dixie State is preparing the workforce of tomorrow.

#1 Utah’s most affordable university tuition

#4 Military Times Best for Vets: Colleges in the West

#7 Best Regional Public College in the West – U.S. News & World Report

#11 Most Affordable Colleges with High Acceptance Rates Nationwide – Great Value Colleges

#12 Top Performer on Social Mobility – U.S. News & World Report

#24 Best Overall Regional College in the West – U.S. News & World Report

#26 Safest Small College/University in America

EXPANDING TRAILBLAZER NATION

Trailblazer Testimonial

“I graduated from high school early and was initially convinced I was going to go to Dixie and get my associate degree and then be done and go into the workforce. Then I came to Dixie and, not even halfway through my first semester, I was in love with Dixie and in love with college. Dixie made me want to get my bachelor’s and now I even want to get my master’s.

I love that our University offers a lot of community outreach. Working in the nursing field, there are a lot of ties to the community, which creates connections and provides opportunities for students to find jobs in the community, further their career, and be more successful.”

Brekel Draper Nursing Major St. George, Utah

A PROGRAM FOR EVERYONE

DSU has added 29 new programs in the 2020-2021 academic year. One example of our unique degree options is our Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, in which students select their own educational pathways. With a series of certificates available to them, students participate in a customized educational experience that will catapult them to success in their careers.

New Programs:

Bachelor’s Degrees

Enterprise Management

Technology Innovation

Professional Studies

Certificates

3D Animation

2D Animation

Marketing

Supply Chain Management

Accounting & Information Systems

Advanced Information Technology

Advanced Design

Web Design & Development

Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Medical Lab Assistant Technology

Professional & Career Communication

Minors

Biomedical Science

Associate Degrees

Laboratory Studies

Information Technology

Pharmacy Preparation

Leadership

Visual Culture & Society

Critical Reasoning Diversity

Global Perspectives

Community and Social Change

Ethical Judgment

Applied Statistics I

Applied Statistics II

Music Technology

Wellness Coaching

A GROWING CAMPUS

Campus View Suites II

This 144,000 square-foot housing facility is home to 534 students and is the largest housing structure in the institution’s history. This five-floor complex features a variety of bedroom options as well as shared living spaces, kitchenettes, a large courtyard, pickleball courts, an outdoor hammock garden, a fitness room, lounges, and community kitchens.

Science, Engineering & Technology Building

This five-story state-of-the-art facility offers 27 labs and eight classrooms in 120,000 square feet. This building houses the specialized equipment students need for active learning opportunities that will prepare them to meet workforce demands upon graduating.

Trailblazer Sports Medicine Facility

In partnership with Intermountain Healthcare, DSU’s old fitness center has been completely transformed into a state-of-the-art sports medicine center that offers Dixie State’s student-athletes NCAA Division I-level medical care, screenings, sports psychology services, rehabilitation, and more.

CAMPUS VIEW SUITES II

Dental Hygiene Clinic

Our recently renovated dental clinic now includes the University of Utah School of Dentistry’s full dental clinic in addition to the DSU Dental Hygiene Clinic services. As a result, students get quality hands-on learning experiences while offering discounted dental care to underserved populations in our community.

Greater Zion Stadium Expansion

In partnership with the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office, we are expanding our stadium, adding state-of-the-art press boxes, locker rooms, and other amenities to the west-side grandstands. These enhanced facilities will elevate the game day experience for both fans and student-athletes.

AWARD-WINNING HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER

DSU’s 155,000 square-foot Human Performance Center has received multiple awards this past year and is recognized as an outstanding facility across the nation. This state-ofthe-art building offers both academic and recreational space including an Olympic-size swimming pool and 65-foot rock climbing wall.

RECOGNITION

ORGANIZATION

Facility of Merit Athletic Business

Best Project, Higher Education/Research

Project of the Year, Finalist

Sports Stadiums/Athletic Facilities, Citation

Dedication to Lifesaving Training

Outstanding Sports Facilities Award

Engineering News-Record Intermountain Region

Engineering News-Record Mountain States

American School & University Architectural Portfolio

American Red Cross Examiners Service

NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation

STAYING SAFE

Campus safety is critical to the success of our students. DSU Police continues to implement new practices and proceedures to keep a vigilant watch over the campus community and provide parents and loved ones with peace of mind.

We launched the DSU Safe App to provide information about safety and emergency resources to students within minutes of any occurrence.

Dixie State University Vice President of Administrative Affairs Paul Morris was honored with the 2020-21 Award for Innovations in Community Oriented Policing from the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators.

HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC

It’s no secret that 2020 was a difficult year, but we didn’t only survive, we thrived. With increased need across the community, students participated in active learning experiences unique to the pandemic as campus stakeholders banded together to make it possible for students to safely learn in the classroom.

TURNING UNFORESEEN CHALLENGES INTO ACTIVE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Education students had opportunities to serve K-12 students in the classroom in new ways due to exceptional COVID-related circumstances. DSU students supported K-12 students and their teaching teams throughout the year, serving as substitutes when teachers had to quarantine or schools were otherwise short-staffed.

“Washington County School District was generous in allowing our students to work in classrooms during the unique 2020-21 school year, and we were happy to provide support to the district in return. Our students largely welcomed this. It gave them more confidence in their teaching and management skills and more opportunity to work directly with K-12 students in the classroom. We’ve always had a good partnership with WCSD, but 2020-21 made it a great partnership.”

Dr. Adriana Melnyk Brandt Chair, Department of Education

Students and faculty from the Nursing Department contributed more than 3,000 volunteer hours during the pandemic, providing community members with COVID-19 testing and vaccination services throughout Washington and Iron counties.

In the midst of uncertainty, the campus community pivoted quickly to enable students to continue their education without interruption. By increasing technology in classrooms and offering a hybrid learning format that featured both virtual and in-person instruction, students and faculty worked together to stay on course.

The Institute of Continued Learning and Community Education reached homebound participants, virtually offering numerous educational opportunities to keep our lifelong learners thriving.

NAME RECOMMENDATION PROCESS

In July 2020, Dixie State University announced we would study the impacts our institutional name is having on the University community. What followed was a year of research, listening, and learning that eventually resulted in recommending a new institutional name.

RECOMMENDATION

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COMPREHENSIVE PROCESS

The name recommendation process at DSU has been a spirited yet pivotal moment for our community and institution. Discussions involving our university name have been ongoing for decades and the Name Recommendation Committee recently oversaw a thorough and far-reaching process to truly understand the impacts of the Dixie State University name.

The yearlong process included nearly 20,000 responses through surveys, interviews, focus groups, listening meetings, and more. In addition, the Name Recommendation Committee considered countless factors such as trademarks, acronyms, availability, double meanings, stakeholder feedback, and DSU’s new academic focus. Learn more about the process at dixie.edu/nameprocess.

Name Study Responses

67 focus groups

102 in-depth interviews

17,704 survey responses

NAME REFLECTS THE NEW MISSION

Considering our workforce needs, DSU adopted a polytechnic mission that offers career readiness for all students and adds much-needed programs in the STEM and healthcare fields. Learn more about this focus at dixie.edu/polytech.

Industry Collaboration

Students have access to more than 43,000 jobs and internships nationally each year

Career Focused Active and Applied Learning

100% of students participate in applied learning

All colleges will have an Industry Advisory Board

Integrated liberal arts and sciences with STEM-intensive programming

Added 111 programs since fall 2015 with 85% in STEM and healthcare fields

UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY

Based on the work and research completed by the Name Recommendation Committee, the DSU Board of Trustees voted to move forward with recommending the name Utah Tech University for our institution. The name recommendation draws attention to our comprehensive polytechnic mission and is similar to other prestigious state-funded comprehensive, polytechnic, and technological universities across the nation like Texas Tech, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech, and Cal Poly. Utah Tech University is a strong, authentic, and aspirational name for our institution moving foward. Of the top 100 ranked universities in the U.S., more than 60 include the name of their state and many are technological or polytechnic institutions.

These dots represent Institutes of Technology/Polytechnics nationwide. Until DSU adopted this academic focus, none existed in Utah or the surrounding region.

HERITAGE

DSU will continue to support the local name of Dixie and has plans to create a special committee to honor our legacy and maintain our traditions, should the name change. A Utah Tech Trailblazer will recognize the contributions of our pioneers while creating a thriving future for generations to come.

ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY

The Dixie Spirit is alive and well as the University and community continue to come together to support our students and enrich the lives of the residents of Southern Utah and beyond.

ENGAGEMENT EFFORTS

Tens of thousands of community members experienced the Dixie Life by participating in campus events and festivities throughout the year. Among the most popular community events we host every year are:

Dixie Power Kite Festival

St. George’s Independence Day Celebration

Trailblazer Nation Spring Fest

Trailblazer Tricks & Treats Night

DSU CITY ALLIANCE

Homecoming & D-Week Events

Institute of Politics Forums

Celebrity Concert Series DOCUTAH

We recently launched the DSU City Alliance, a mutually beneficial initiative creating economically strong and socially vibrant futures for city residents. This year, we worked with the City of St. George and identified key projects that will not only help the city but will also offer students meaningful hands-on experience. Projects include:

Managing city growth

Cost of living analysis and economic development

Filling city personnel needs

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Policing collaboration

Fostering community spirit

Facilities collaboration

Despite the travel obstacles brought on by the pandemic, we continue to grow our international student body with new students arriving from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Germany, Spain, and beyond. Additionally, we have four new global partners:

Gakushuin University

Tokyo, Japan

Universidad de San Francisco de Quito

Quito, Ecuador

Zheng Zhou University

Zheng Zhou, Henan Province, China

Universidad Tecnológica Regional del Sur

Tekax, Yucatán, Mexico

Our 55,000-square-foot entrepreneurship center offers resources for innovating and growing businesses. Successes include:

158 patents filed, more than 78 granted

608 business consultations provided

120 new jobs created

20 new startup companies incubated

New K-12 STEM Outreach Center opened

ATWOOD INNOVATION PLAZA SUPPORTING OUR STUDENTS

Gold-standard quarterly pitch competition established Weekly Launch Series offering business development training to entrepreneurs created

86% of our students are offered scholarships, grants, or other financial aid. This added financial support is critical to the success of our Trailblazers and wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our donors and corporate partners. This year we saw a:

56% increase in our Annual Giving donations

15% increase in Employee Giving program contributions

131% increase in corporate partnership revenue

Trailblazer Testimonial

“My scholarships are the reason I’m able to be here and follow my dreams of getting a great education.

Coming to Dixie State, I really like that fact that it’s big enough to have all the resources we need but not so big that you don’t get to know your professors. The professors actually know you and you get to talk to them and get to know them. They are all great people and they help you grow and make connections.”

Ricardo Lupiano Business Management Major São Paulo, Brazil

TRAILBLAZER ATHLETICS

Dixie State’s student-athletes continue to give the Southern Utah community something to cheer about as they excel on and off the field. Our Trailblazers’ commitment to excellence makes it possible for our teams to be strong competitors on the Division-I level and accomplish impressive feats in the classroom.

TAKING OUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Dixie State Athletics completed its first season of NCAA Division I competition as a member of the Western Athletic Conference. While the pandemic altered season schedules, particularly with fall sports, we enjoyed success and put the WAC and other opponents on notice that we were ready for this new challenge.

Fourteen of DSU’s 15 athletic programs posted at least a 3.0 GPA. The entire department recorded a 3.25 GPA overall.

150 Trailblazer student-athletes were named Academic All-WAC.

Trailblazer Football won its first D-I game with a 26-14 victory against Tarleton State.

The Women’s Volleyball team was honored with the 2021 American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award and posted an overall winning record.

Men’s Basketball won its first three D-I games.

Trailblazer Baseball went 24-32 in its D-I debut, including a fourth-place WAC finish with a 21-15 record. DSU notched victories over both BYU and Utah, and a major upset win at then-No. 6 Arizona, which won the PAC-12 title and went to the 2021 College World Series.

Women’s Golf landed three student-athletes on the 2020-21 Women Golf Coaches Association All-America Scholars list.

DSU Athletics inducted six new members into its Athletic Hall of Fame.

Trailblazer Testimonial

“It’s always been my dream to be a Division I athlete. Like most kids growing up playing basketball, that’s kind of the goal. It’s been a great opportunity to come to Dixie State and be a part of the transition to Division I, to be in that first lead-in group to join the WAC and join Division I, and help set the standard for Dixie State Basketball for years to come. I’ve enjoyed going out there, being one of the leaders, and being able to compete against these big-time schools and big-time players, as well as to be able to make an impact.”

Hunter Schofield

DSU Men’s Basketball

Exercise Science Major

Spanish Fork, Utah

MORE TRAILS TO BLAZE

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Continue Program Growth

As part of our commitment to helping meet industry needs, we will continue building out STEM, health, and business program offerings.

Desert Color Campus

We will work toward hiring a master planner and developing property to meet our growing needs.

General Classroom Building

Campus is ready for a general classroom building, and the first step we need to take is to secure resources for this important project. This facility will include flexible classroom space to accommodate continued student enrollment and faculty growth and prevent soft caps on students enrolling in classes.

Campus View Suites III

With more and more students on campus each year, it is time to secure the plans and resources to build another housing facility.

DSU City Alliance

As we complete current DSU City Alliance projects with this year’s partner, St. George City, we will recruit a second city partner for next year as part of this collaboration that provides cities with support and students with active learning opportunities.

Articulation Agreements

To help students successfully transfer to DSU after earning their associate degree elsewhere, we will develop transfer agreements with the College of Eastern Idaho as well as California community colleges.