Dixie State University's 2019 Academic Report

Academic Report 2019

DSU ACADEMIC REPORT Editor-in-Chief Dr. Cheri Crenshaw Lead Designer Erin Smith Photography Alex Santiago

PUBLICATION BOARD Dr. Michael Lacourse Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Joy McMurrin Assistant Professor of English Dr. Jordon Sharp Chief Marketing & Communication Officer Jyl Hall Director of Public Relations Stacy Schmidt Public Relations/ Publications Coordinator Jared Madsen Creative & Visual Services Production Manager Scott Garrett Design and Photography Specialist

IN THIS REPORT 3

6

Features

Human Performance Center: Accelerating DSU from Status to Stature College of Science, Engineering & Technology: Mechanical Engineering Program Kicks Off, New Building in the Works

16

The First Graduate Program at DSU: Master of Accountancy

24

Atwood Innovation Plaza: The Gathering Place of Brilliance

28

Soft Cell Research: Public-Private Partnership at DSU Leads to Groundbreaking Discoveries

17

Kevin Barrett: DSU's Founding Father of the Baccalaureate Accounting Program

26

Bioinformatics: Program Prepares Students for Vital, Evolving Career Field

14

Faculty Spotlights Dr. Travis Ficklin

14

Dr. Jeremy Young

20

Dr. Sarah Bell

15

Dr. Rico Del Sesto

21

Dr. Macey Buker

49

Dr. Ace Pilkington: Prolific Scholar, Accomplished Director, Beloved English and History Professor

Student Spotlights

32

Emily Flores

33

Derek Brazeau

32

Jordyn Chambers

34

Student Perspectives

4

8

active learning. active life.

Degrees by College

Experiential Learning: Students Participate in Real-World Learning Activities

10

Digital and Extended Learning: Advancing the University's Online Offerings

12

OxySwitch: Innovation in Respiratory Therapy

18

Global Education: International Experiences Reveal New Ideas, Perspectives

22

Art Without Borders: La Frontera Project

11

Digital Forensics Crime Lab: Ahead of the Curve

13

Geographic Information Systems: Tackling Real-World Problems

19 The Train Kiln: Raw, Ancient, and Authentic 30

Undergraduate Research at DSU: Students Foray into the Unknown

35

Students Helping Students: SHELL Tutors Reach out to International Students

36

DSU G ra n t s an d Recognition, Publications, and Research

Message from the Provost constructed, and new state-of-art equipment has been pur-

chased to provide students with extraordinary learning experiences. Students are increasingly studying abroad,

participating in faculty-led research and publishing their

works, serving the community, and gaining admissions to highly ranked post-graduate programs in medicine, health sciences, business, and applied sciences.

Three years ago, we adopted a new philosophy for

teaching and learning at DSU that we call “active learning. active life.” Students who attend DSU now learn mostly

by doing, rather than listening. In other words, DSU students are expected and supported to make, build, design,

create, compose, and produce; not to attend, sit, listen, and take notes.

Students are expected to acquire new skills and knowl-

edge in their academic area, while becoming responsible

citizens and professionals who are innovative and persevere It is with great pride that I present this inaugural edition of

the annual Dixie State University Academic Report, high-

lighting and recognizing the scholarly activities, innovations, programs, and accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff from this past year. I am particularly proud that the

stories you will read have all been written by our students.

Six years ago, Utah Governor Gary Herbert officially

re-designated our institution from Dixie State College to Dixie State University, allowing DSU to better serve the

to achieve their goals. Built into each academic program of

study is our general education core courses, where students acquire skills such as critical thinking, communications, col-

laboration, and creativity, all critical in preparing for careers in what is now being called the fourth industrial revolution.

Dixie State University faculty embrace the teacher-scholar

model and provide students with personal mentoring in

small classes, a strategy critical to students’ learning and achieving their goals.

I invite you to explore this Academic Report, and learn

growing educational needs of the Southern Utah region and

more about the quality of our academic programs and fac-

DSU is now rapidly becoming a university of first choice

provided to learn by doing. I think you will be surprised to

the state. Much has happened since that historic event and based on the quality of our growing academic programs.

Since becoming a university, I am proud to report that

ulty, as well as the extraordinary opportunities students are learn how much DSU has grown and changed!

26 new bachelor’s degree programs in science, technology,

engineering, health sciences, arts, business, humanities, social sciences, and education have been added, graduate education has begun and master’s degrees are quickly

Dr. Michael Lacourse

faculty have been hired, facilities have been enhanced or

michael.lacourse@dixie.edu

being developed. More than 100 new terminally degreed

2

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

The Human Performance Center, set to open during the fall 2019 semester, will house academic classrooms and labs as well as student recreation facilities.

Human Performance Center: Accelerating DSU from Status to Stature

by Braxton Thornley, Senior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis

S

cheduled for completion during the fall of 2019 (with

Science, Recreation and Sport Management, Population

the academic wing opening in time for the beginning

Health, Athletic Training, Applied Performance Kinesiology,

of the fall 2019 semester), the Human Performance Center

Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Biomechanics

has a large goal: marrying the students’ recreational needs

will each be housed in the four-story wing, and have access

with an academically engaging teaching facility.

to abundant lab space.

The recreation portion of the Human Performance

Susan Hart, Health and Human Performance Depart-

Center will sport over 150,000 square feet of usable space;

ment Chair, notes that the new building will allow faculty

a ten-lane, Olympic-sized pool; a 65-foot rock climbing

to all be housed in the same location, “which is always

wall; multiple running tracks; two full-sized basketball

conducive for collaboration and working with students.”

courts; four full-sized locker rooms; fitness equipment on

Hart also emphasizes the importance of the new lab facil-

every floor; and other state-of-the-art recreation amenities.

ities: “The new building will have laboratory spaces with

Not only will these facilities be available for students to

state-of-the-art equipment for facilitating active learning as

use on their own, but they will also facilitate many of the

well as research opportunities in Exercise Physiology and

university’s non-academic activity classes, such as yoga

Biomechanics, with clinical and performance application.”

and ballroom dancing.

Additionally, the Human Performance Center will boast an entire wing dedicated entirely to academics. Exercise

The combination of the recreation and academic spaces, Hart says, will allow the university to truly “showcase our academic programs and our activities.”

Academic Report 2019



| Dixie State University

3

DEGREES BY COLLEGE DSU offers 4 master's degrees*, 45 bachelor's degrees*, 11 associate's degrees, 42 minors, 19 certificates and 67 emphases.

BUSINESS & COMMUNICATION

SCIENCE, ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

MASTER'S DEGREE

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

MASTER'S DEGREES

Accountancy

BS Applied and Computational Mathematics

Marriage & Family Therapy *

Actuarial Science

BACHELOR'S DEGREES BS Accounting

Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric

Data Analytics

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

Scientific Computing

BS Business Administration Management Information Systems BS Communication Studies

BS Bioinformatics

BA/BS Applied Sociology

BS Biology

BA/BS English

Biology Education

Creative Writing

Applied Leadership

Biological Sciences

English Education

Health Communication

Biomedical Sciences

Literary Studies

Organization & Leadership

Natural Sciences

Professional & Technical Writing

BS Finance

BS Biology with Integrated Science

BA/BS History

BS Information Systems & Analytics

BS Chemistry

BA/BS Marketing

BS Computer Science

BA/BS Psychology

BS Media Studies

BS Computer & Information Technology

BA Spanish

History and Social Science Teaching

Broadcasting

Information Technology

Spanish Education

Multimedia Journalism

Software Development

BA/BS Criminal Justice

Public Relations

Web Design & Development

Social Media

BA/BS Design

Criminology Digital Defense and Security

Digital Design

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES

Graphic Design

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES

AAS General Technology: Business

Interaction Design

AS Criminal Justice

BA/BS Mathematics

MINORS

BA/BS Mathematics Education

MINORS

Accounting

BS Mechanical Engineering

American Sign Language

Communication Studies

BS Molecular Biology-Biochemistry

Creative Writing

Economics

BS Physical Science Composite Teaching

Criminology

Management

Digital Defense and Security

Marketing

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES

English Education

Media Studies

Associate of Pre-Engineering

General English Global Studies

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY

MINORS

Health Psychology

Biology

Computer Science

History

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE

Biology Education

Digital Design

Humanities & Philosophy

AA/AS General Studies

Chemistry

Information Tech.

Nonprofit Management

Chemistry Education

Web Design & Dev.

Professional & Technical Writing

Mathematics

Physics *

Psychology

Mathematics Ed.

Sociology Social Justice Spanish

* Pending approval

4

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

EDUCATION

HEALTH SCIENCES

ARTS

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

MASTER'S DEGREE

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

BS Elementary Education

Athletic Training

BA/BS Art

Bachelor of Individualized Studies

Art Education

BACHELOR'S DEGREES & EMPHASES

Entertainment/Arts/Animation

Dance

BS Dental Hygiene

Painting / Drawing/Illustration

Music

BS Exercise Science

Photography / Digital Imagery

Integrated Studies

Theater Art

Pre-Occupational Therapy

3-D / Sculpture / Ceramics

Pre-Physical Therapy

BFA Studio Art

Digital Film Production

BAS Health Sciences *

Bachelor of Music in Performance

Recreation Management

BS Medical Laboratory Science

BA/BS Dance

Health Care Administration

BS Nursing

BS Digital Film

Public Health

BS Population Health

BA/BS Music

Long Term Care Administration

Health Care Administration

BS Music Education

Management

Long Term Care Administration

BA/BS Theatre

Marketing

Public Health

BA/BS Theatre Education

Business

BS Recreation & Sport Management

Media Studies

Experience Industry Management

MINORS

Communication Studies

Corporate Recreation & Wellness

Art

Criminal Justice

Sport Management

Art History

English

Dance

History

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES

Music

Psychology

AAS Emergency Medical Services

Photography

Sociology

AAS Medical Radiography

Theatre

Spanish

AAS Physical Therapist Assistant

American Sign Language Interpreter

AAS Respiratory Therapy

Humanities & Philosophy

AAS Surgical Technology

Global Studies Chemistry

MINORS

Earth Science

Public Health

Mathematical Science

Healthcare Administration

Biology

Long Term Care Administration

Computer Science Design Information Technology Web Design and Development

ASSOCIATE'S DEGREES AAS Early Childhood Education AA/AS Early Childhood Education

CERTIFICATES & ENDORSEMENTS Utah Math

Paramedic

Social Research Methods

Elementary STEM

Phlebotomy

Strategic Communication

ESL Proficiency

Media Production

Biotechnology

Secondary Ed. Licensure

Multimedia Journalism

Computing Fundamentals

Advanced Emergency Medical Tech. Professional Writing

Design

Emergency Medical Technician

Retail Management

Maker

Nurse Assistant

Social Media

General Education

* Pending approval

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

5

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. David Christensen helps students with a project in the prototyping and coding lab.

College of Science, Engineering, & Technology: Mechanical Engineering Program Kicks Off, New Building in the Works

by Autumn Nuzman, Sophomore, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis, Sociology Minor

In the fall of 2018, DSU started its Mechanical Engineering

molding, vacuum forming, welding, casting, electroplating,

program. This exciting new program offers a Maker Certifi-

composite laying, and post-processing techniques for

cate, an Associate of Science in Pre-Engineering (APE), and

3D prints. They even learn to program microcontrollers

a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME).

to take data from sensors, process that data, and move

“The best thing about these degrees is that they stack

motors. Essentially, students learn to take their ideas and

onto each other,” said David Christensen, Assistant Pro-

make a prototype.”

fessor of Mechanical Engineering. The Maker Certificate

The Mechanical Engineering program has a heavy

focuses on 12.5 credits of coding and design classes, all

focus on robotics, also known as mechatronics, and man-

of which can be applied toward the APE degree, and

ufacturing. On April 23, 2019, engineering and maker

classes from the APE degree can be applied toward the

students will showcase their knowledge and abilities in

BSME degree.

these areas at Dixie Design Day with activities such as a

Christensen said, “[As part of the Maker Certificate,

robotic golf demonstration.

students] learn how to design 3D objects in the computer

The robotic golf demonstration is part of the freshman

using SolidWorks. They learn how to design linkages,

project attached to MECH 1200/1205 and involves students

gear trains, and cams. They also learn to prototype their

teaming up to design and prototype robotic obstacles that

designs using various machines and processes such as 3D

interact with the golf ball in order to provide an enter-

printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, vinyl cutters, injection

taining experience for golfers. Each team starts with three

6

dixie.edu |

Features

modular and customizable mini golf course panels with modular terrain, and each sub-team is assigned to a panel.

Each team must arrange the panels and terrain to form a mini golf course hole and agree on a cohesive theme to which the obstacles of each sub-team must conform.

Christensen said, “As an example, a sub-team with a seashore or bay theme could prototype a continuously rocking ship that launches the golf ball out of its cannon if the golf ball reaches the ship’s deck. On Dixie Design Day, the public will be invited to play on and rate the miniature golf courses.”

For final project competitions at the end of the semester, students work in teams of four to design and prototype a water-powered conveyor system to move game balls from pipe 1 to the goal. The conveyor system is comprised of four subsystems: a water power converter, mechanism one, mechanism two, and mechanism three.

The water power converter captures the energy from water being pumped from the water bucket with a water wheel or turbine to turn a three-stage gear train. The gear train attaches to and powers mechanisms 1, 2, and 3 via a timing belt. Mechanisms 1, 2, and 3 move the game ball from pipe 1 to pipe 2, pipe 2 to pipe 3, and pipe 3 to the goal bucket, respectively.

A lot of expansion has occurred within the program and some of it is still ongoing. For instance, the prototyping

and coding lab, introduced in the spring of 2019, is home to 23 3D printers and was expanded over winter break with soldering stations for MECH 1200/1205.

“We acquired 11 3D printers prior to spring 2018 and 12 more prior to fall 2018,” Christensen said.“3D printers are one of the many tools that makers and engineers use to prototype.”

These 3D printers aren’t just used for making engineering-related projects, though. Some students have made more artistic objects such as vases and topographical maps of the Grand Canyon and Idaho.

In the fall of 2019, a circuits lab will be added that houses equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, and bench-top digital multimeters. The capabilities of this lab will be expanded in spring 2020 with data acquisition units and comprehensive materials testers.

Also, a new Science, Engineering, & Technology (SET) building is currently being designed and if the Utah Legislature appropriates funding to the project, construction is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2019. The SET building will be home to engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, and geology labs and classrooms.

Exciting new things are in the works for DSU’s Mechanical Engineering program, and all of the classes in the Maker Certificate are open to students of any major as well as to the public.



DSU has asked the Utah State Legislature for funding to build a Science, Engineering & Technology building to house the University's growing programs.

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

7

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: Students Participate in Real-World Learning Activities

by Brooke Garceau, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis

T

he tagline “active learning. active life.” encompasses the goals, expectations, and

pursuits of Dixie State University faculty and

students. Departments across campus have embraced active, or experiential, learning

in their classrooms, in our community, and around the world.

Dr. Kelly Bringhurst, Director of Community

Engaged Learning at DSU, says that “experiential education provides opportunities for students to participate and learn from experiences that

mirror activities that are similar to real-world activities.” He also says that reflecting on those

experiences “transforms a simple experience to a learning experience.”

Accounting students help community mem-

bers file their taxes free of charge every year through the volunteer Income Tax Assistance

program. Students in Human Development courses volunteer at DSU’s on-site preschool

several times throughout the semester, working with the kids and learning about their develop-

ment in this stage of life. Film and media students work with professors to produce videos for DSU’s Marketing Department and commercials for

private clients. Nursing students volunteer

at St. George’s homeless shelter, Switchpoint, providing basic checkups and vaccines for under-

privileged citizens in the community. Students in the English Department write grants on behalf

of nonprofit organizations, publish poetry, short stories, and newsworthy articles, and create

podcasts and documentaries from start to finish.

In the Science Department, faculty strive

to provide as many real-world experiences as

possible for their students. In basic geology Dr. Kelly Bringhurst leads students on an experiential learning field trip at Zion National Park.

8

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

courses, students take six-hour field trips around

St. George during the semester to study the layers in red sandstone or the dinosaur tracks near the Virgin River. Students in introductory biology courses explore Zion National Park with their professor, studying animal habitats, different forms of plant life, and water quality.

Other students take special excursions to Catalina Island

where they study environmental science. In the first year

“ Experiential education provides opportunities for students to participate and learn from experiences that mirror activities that are similar to real-world activities.”

-Dr. Kelly Bringhurst

Upper-division Spanish students participated in another

that Bringhurst took a class to Catalina Island, none of his

incredible career-building experience in January of 2019. The

hands-on experiences testing and comparing water quality

and physical therapy doctoral students from Wheeling Jesuit

30 students were considering a career in science. After their in rural and urban areas and studying colorful ocean-

dwellers, six decided to pursue careers in oceanography or marine biology. In addition, seven students from that

original class returned to Catalina Island to serve as youth mentors at science camps on the island.

This kind of professional development and service to

others results from the reflective process students go through

students traveled to Yucatan, Mexico to interpret for patients

University in West Virginia and were supervised and men-

tored by Dr. Luis Arévalo, Assistant Professor and Director

of Global Education. Arévalo started taking students with him on this trip three years ago. The students spend seven days translating and teaching the physical therapy students to speak enough Spanish to run their own sessions.

Arévalo says that these trips provide students both pro-

after participating in experiential learning experiences like

fessional and global humanities insights. One student who

they see it applied in real situations and realize how pow-

medicine and decided to pursue physical therapy after

this. Students feel excited about what they’re learning when

erfully they can influence others for good when they use the skills their college education provides.

In the Spanish Department, students plan a special

activity each year where they, their peers, and students

translated on a previous trip knew she wanted to study

seeing the therapists working so closely with patients and improving their lives. Her experiential learning narrowed and illuminated her career path.

Many other students, whether on volunteer trips or study

from local high schools can actively practice their Span-

abroad excursions, feel overwhelmed by the humility of the

and restaurants where students play language games and

days when they see the poverty of the people they have

ish. They set up a miniature town with pretend shops interact with “shopkeepers” using only Spanish. A volunteer police officer even “arrests” anyone caught speaking English throughout the day. To escape jail and return to

the fun, students must complete challenges like correctly

people they meet. They often shed tears during those first

come to serve and learn from. As time goes on, they find

themselves connecting with the people and in awe of their innovation and powerful culture.

At DSU, active, experiential learning combines cru-

conjugating a Spanish verb.

cial skills like respecting other cultures and volunteering

full immersion into a Spanish-speaking world, expediting

pursuits like committing to a field of study. Students who

If only for a few hours, everyone involved experiences

the learning process. The students who help plan and put

on the activity also gain valuable organizational and teaching skills that can easily transfer to any career.

to serve people in need with more obvious professional embrace active learning prepare to live active lives. They

contribute to their communities in powerful ways, both professional and personal.



Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

9

DIGITAL AND EXTENDED LEARNING: Advancing the University's Online Offerings

by Amy Greene, Senior, English Major, Emphasis in Secondary Education

C

reated in January 2017, the Office of

Digital & Extended Learning at Dixie

State University has a vision of “advancing,

promoting, and developing digital offerings at the university,” says director Ryan Hobbs.

Despite working in rather uncharted terri-

tory, Hobbs’ passion for expanding our school’s

academic reach is evident in the list of accomplishments and goals he has created for himself and

his team. Hobbs recognizes that online learning is “a space that the university is still trying to figure

out,” but he believes that doing so will give Dixie State University an “opportunity to do some

things in a different way than other institutions.”

Instead of offering digital learning in tradi-

tional ways like many other institutions, Hobbs

aspires to provide innovative online and blended courses for every type of student that chooses to attend DSU.

“Life isn’t semester-based,” says Hobbs, “and

learning shouldn’t be either.” This idea drives

Ryan Hobbs, Director for the Office of Digital and Extended Learning

Hobbs estimates that “30,000 people in Washington County alone

Hobbs toward the goal of repackaging services

have started college but don’t have a degree, and these people have

make them available to students around the clock,

Along with his team, Hobbs is continuing to work on offering

and learning opportunities in a way that would

become a main focus of the university.”

on campus or online.

a variety of degrees online, including the first Bachelor of Applied

modified learning environment this year with the

to foster management and leadership skills in those already in the

Dixie took a huge step toward its goal of a

introduction of the first online degree completion program for registered nurses in need of their Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The increase of online degrees and services is important to every-

Science in the state of Utah. This BAS in Health Sciences is designed healthcare workforce. By forming partnerships with businesses in

the community, current employees will be sure to feel the benefits of DSU’s new programs.

DSU’s future seems bright in Ryan Hobbs’ view, having the potential

one at DSU because Dixie’s many nontraditional

for “visionary and active leadership” with the ideas that he has brought

these opportunities would allow.

to focus on “active learning” as much as it focuses on “active life.”

students would benefit from the flexibility that

10

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

to the table. The university is already looking ahead to 2025, with aims



Digital Forensics Crime Lab: Ahead of the Curve

by Emily Mildenhall, Junior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis

S

ince being established 8 years ago, the Digital Forensics Crime Lab (DFCL) at DSU has been recognized for

its specialization in mobile device research and work on live investigative cases. As both a stand-alone unit and a part of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, the DFCL is available to students and law enforcement alike.

According to director Mark Spooner, the lab works on 700-800 cases per year (some international) and has completed cases from about 40 different states. While the lab primarily is known for its breakthroughs on cell phones, it has also started to explore automobile forensics, information from drones, home assistants such as Alexa and Amazon Echo, and cybersecurity.

According to Spooner, the lab is “expanding a lot and we’re always very busy. We attend most major conferences—we’ve even exhibited at the International

A DSU student uses Chip-Off technology in the Digital Forensics Crime Lab.

Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference before

puter Crime Institute Assistant Director, specializes in using

and we’ll be exhibiting there again next year. For a little

such equipment and adapting to new technologies. Runs

school, we’re pretty well known.”

Through says, “For the first five years, it was mostly Chip-

In 2010, Dixie State University received a $1 million

Offs used on phones, but cell phones change pretty often.

earmark from the federal government that funded the

A lot of them are starting to use encryption, so they have

DFCL building, a state-of-the-art evidence facility, and

to be shorted out as they start up, instead.” Runs Through

continuously upgraded equipment.

also teaches Digital Forensics classes in the lab geared

One machine the lab uses, called a Chip-Off, helps safely

toward Criminal Justice and Information Technology majors.

remove desoldered memory chips from cellular phones. A

As crime in technology continues to advance, the Dixie

more recent addition to the lab is a new password breaker

State University Digital Forensics Crime Lab continues to

specifically for computers. Joan Runs Through, the Com-

stay ahead of the curve.



Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

11

OxySwitch: Innovation in Respiratory Therapy

by Lizzie Cawley, Senior, English Major, Literature Emphasis

F

aculty at Dixie State University's Atwood Innovation

ance will switch from one respiratory source to another in

Plaza are empowering and supporting students’ ideas

an instant without requiring a therapist to change the gear.

by supplying them with guidance, solutions, and resources

Currently, if oxygen levels drop, the delivery system has

to build thriving businesses to market viable ideas.

to be changed manually. With OxySwitch, the change is

After mentoring students in Las Vegas and founding

instantaneous—a therapist can switch from a canula to a

Teens Kicking Cancer, Dr. Wayne Provost, Director of

mask immediately. “We built the prototype and have proof

Innovation Guidance Solutions, moved to St. George

that it works. We did a demonstration with therapists at

to continue to devote his life to helping others. He has

Intermountain Healthcare, and they loved it,” said Provost.

retired five times, yet with his experience building busi-

The respiratory specialists consider it incredibly innovative.

nesses based on patents he applied for, he is continually

The team is currently waiting for the approval of the

drawn to helping students develop their ideas into prac-

patent; they hope to receive it in a few months. Provost

tical businesses. Being an innovator for over 45 years has

said, “It’s a great idea. It’s so simple but nobody has ever

only increased his desire to help.

thought about it.” Detailed information about the mecha-

Students who approach Provost with an idea are

nism is limited due to the pending patent, but Wintch has

treated with enthusiasm, advice, and legal protection.

a mentor who is financially helping her build the company.

After researching to see if it is commercially available and

The acceptance of Wintch’s invention is phenomenal.

make sure it hasn’t been developed before, Provost checks

Provost strives to help students believe in themselves

for a patent. If there isn’t one, he works with the student

and pursue their ideas. In his 24 months at Dixie State,

to build a prototype and tries to patent it immediately.

he has helped file 83 patents—25 are from students and

DSU alumna Majere Wintch designed the OxySwitch,

five are from faculty and the rest are from community

to enhance respiratory therapy. During a crisis, the appli-

members. Committed to the philosophy that “there’s no such thing as a stupid idea,” faculty members encourage students to think creatively and problem-solve to build sustainable businesses.

Within this short period, 11 businesses have started from those patents. Provost notes that all students from every academic discipline are welcome and encouraged to participate and work toward a patent. Innovation Plaza is not just for technology students. Everybody has good ideas, and athletes, English majors, and dance students are applying for patents as well.

OxySwitch, and the potential it has to alter respiratory therapy, is a direct result of state-of-the-art collaboration between Wintch and the faculty members at Innovation Plaza. Striving for success and tangible results, Provost

DSU Alumna Majere Wintch invented the OxySwitch with the help of Atwood Innovation Plaza faculty.

12

dixie.edu | active learning. active life.

works with students to foster a safe, productive environment to pursue their ideas.



Geographic Information Systems: Tackling Real-World Problems

by Parker Bridges, Junior, Business Major, Management Information System Emphasis

G

eographic

Information

Systems

(GIS)

are

frameworks for gathering and analyzing the infra-

structures that permeate our daily lives. We rely on GIS for GPS navigation, weather forecasts, and seismic

predictions. The applications for GIS seem endless, and

now Dixie State University students have the opportunity to learn how to capture, manage, and analyze spatial or

geographic data using GIS technologies. Dr. Zhenyu Jin, Visiting Assistant Professor of Geography, teaches two introductory courses in GIS.

Jin explains that, as the name suggests, GIS has three

components: geography, information, and system. Geogra-

phy, in this sense, simply means location, anything from a

highway, to a campus building, to the middle of the desert.

The next component is information, which is any attribute the location has, such as the speed limit of a road, when a building was last renovated, or the average nightly tem-

perature of a desert. The final component, the system, is a

A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) image of the St. George area

these three components creates a spatial database with

students, Hugo Angeles, an engineer-in-training said, “[Jin’s]

A spatial database, the first functioning aspect of GIS,

a great deal of understanding for [GIS’s] use and…endless

way to store the geographic information data. Combining visualization and spatial analysis.

refers to how the geography and information data is stored and organized within the computer. The spatial database

vast experience and knowledge have helped me to achieve possibilities to solve complex problems in my industry.”

Anyone interested in learning the foundations of GIS

allows users to visualize the data. The visualization tools

can enroll in Jin’s concurrent two-part course: Introduc-

more efficient decisions. The final aspect of GIS—analy-

the lab (GEO 3605). In the lecture (3600), students learn

simplify complex data and thus facilitate better informed,

sis—makes it useful and versatile. Spatial analysis tools operate with and analyze the geographic data to gather new, useful information to help people solve an array of real-world problems.

Because the applications for GIS are so broad, Jin said

GIS is a useful tool for nearly any discipline. GIS provides

a different perspective to see the world from and a new

approach to solving problems. GIS is not only useful for geographers and geologists, but also for healthcare pro-

fessionals, environmental scientists, property developers, and more. For example, mapped data can help healthcare

professionals better understand outbreaks and help sociol-

ogists understand human behavior. One of Jin’s previous

tion to Geographic Information Systems (GEO 3600) and

the basic principles and concepts of GIS, such as the basic data model used by the system. Students also learn spatial analysis so that data can be properly entered into the

system and manipulated to provide relevant and useful information. The lecture works hand-in-hand with the lab (3605), which is a weekly project-based, intensive three-hour

block during which students tackle real-world scenar-

ios. Initially, students learn the basic techniques, such as operating the software, and then build up to proposing a

real-world problem and solving it with GIS. The goal of the class is to provide students with another tool to tackle

real world problems as they move forward in their education and careers.



Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

13

FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

Dr. Travis Ficklin: Innovative Biomechanics Lab Promotes Research, Gives Students an Edge

by Sallie Sullivan, Senior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis

For most undergraduates, researching in a lab is just a dream. But thanks to Dr. Travis Ficklin, this dream has become a reality for many of his students at DSU. Shortly after coming to Dixie, Ficklin created an informal research group known as the Biomechanics and Sports Science Lab, or BASS. BASS enables students to receive guidance on research projects, collect data, and perform statistical analyses.

Through BASS, Ficklin helps students study the mechanics of hitting and pitching in softball and baseball, sprint mechanics, Olympic weightlifting, and rock climbing. Embracing Dixie’s “active learning. active life.” motto Ficklin feels that “one of the best ways to participate

in active learning is to conduct your own research, collect your own data, and then present your findings.” Several of his students have presented at undergraduate and national research conferences.

BASS also gives students an edge when applying for graduate school. These students “distinguish themselves above others,” Ficklin explains. “It is unique for undergraduates to get to work this closely with faculty and to be able to do this level of research.” Former student Sutherland Wyatt says Ficklin was “incredibly impactful in my educational journey. I would not be in physical therapy school without his continual encouragement to push my limits of knowledge.” Because of her experience with BASS, Macy Urrutia was offered a graduate student assistantship at Northern Arizona University. Ficklin and his students are anxiously awaiting the completion of Dixie’s Human Performance Center, which will give BASS a state-of-the-art lab space.



Dr. Jeremy Young: Taking to Twitter to Share Insights on the Angry Mob

by Braxton Thornley, Senior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis

Dr. Jeremy Young knows a thing or two about

and a re-tweet from Nate Silver of 538. And when the Kavanaugh

angry mobs—or at least about the use of the

hearings began to build into a crescendo, Young’s insights garnered

term as a political bludgeon. As an Assistant

nearly 11,500 re-tweets and over 26,000 likes.

Professor of History and Political Science, Young

Young’s work also exists in more academic realms. Having recently

has seen the term deployed throughout Amer-

published a book through Cambridge University Press titled The

ican politics.

Age of Charisma: Leaders, Followers, and Emotions in American

For this reason, when President Trump used

Society, 1870-1940, Young is quick to note that his popular work and

the term during the Brett Kavanaugh hearings

his academic work are just two pieces of who he is as an individual.

to describe his appointee’s accusers—and the

Perhaps most notably, though, Young sees himself as more than

accusers’ supporters—Young felt the need to

an expert and a scholar. He also sees himself as a teacher: “[Dixie

weigh in. Ultimately, this “weighing in” resulted

State] is a very good fit for me. I really enjoy the opportunity to

in Young writing his third op-ed for The Wash-

work closely with undergraduate students… this is a school where

ington Post.

many students are very hungry for knowledge and very interested

But The Post isn’t Young’s only platform; he

in learning.”

also sports over 9,000 followers and wide rec-

And although Young believes that “weighing in is a part of [his]

ognition on Twitter. Last January when Young

teaching mission,” he’s quick to note that he keeps “partisanship

tweeted about a potential presidential run by

out of the classroom.”

Oprah Winfrey, he received over 1,500 likes

Follow Jeremy Young on Twitter: @jeremycyoung

14

dixie.edu |

Faculty Spotlights



Dr. Rico Del Sesto: A Chemistry Professor in His Element

by Brittany Bennett, Senior, History and English Major, Literature Emphasis

Entering his seventh year of teaching at Dixie State University, Dr. Rico Del Sesto, Associate Professor of Chemistry and former Boston native, has much to show for time spent in the western U.S. An active campus community organizer, instructor, and mentor with plenty of hands-on experience in his field, Del Sesto describes himself first and foremost as a collaborator.

A chemist by training, Del Sesto spends most of his teaching hours instructing students in organic chemistry offered as physical science course sequences. Completing this coursework is required for most science majors and students pursuing careers in clinical medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, or pharmacy.

He is also keen to point out that students possess individualized skill sets that instructors do not necessarily instill in them. As an instructor, he feels obligated to help students by showing them how to tap into their own capabilities. He admits that most students in his courses will not acquire an in-depth knowledge of organic chemistry, but points out that “what they do need to know is more of a situational awareness. So rather than memorizing information, they can approach a situation and analyze it from many different perspectives to come up with the best solution for each scenario.”

Del Sesto also serves as the Director of the Undergraduate Research Committee at DSU. Passionate about experiential learning and invested in supporting students throughout the research process, he says, “With research… there is no textbook, there are no guidelines.”

Before 2012, Del Sesto worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico where he pursued ongoing independent research projects and experiments with direct, real-world

applications. Through this experience, he found that progressing in research endeavors is the result of self-determination, access to the correct tools, and confidence in oneself.

He finds this attitude of self-determination more relevant than ever in his recent teaching and research experiences at DSU. “Students don’t know what to expect, and when they ask me questions I don’t know the answers to, it’s eye-opening for them to both explore something that’s new but also for them to realize that I don’t have the answers either.”

Earlier in 2018, Del Sesto received a grant from the state initiative Utah Science Technology and Research to develop an antimicrobial treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. A physical science grant of this nature is the first one received at DSU and marks a shift in the young four-year university’s trajectory. The products of his efforts will no doubt continue to manifest during his time at DSU.



Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

15

The First Graduate Program at DSU: Master of Accountancy

by Emily Mildenhall, Junior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis

In January 2018, the Board of Trustees at DSU approved the first

The 30-credit degree provides a necessary

graduate program: a Master of Accountancy. The first group of

foundation for accounting careers in public

23 students enrolled in Fall 2018, and 5 more have registered for

and private sectors, including classes on finan-

Spring 2019. Approximately 16 students will graduate in time to

cial statement modeling, leadership, teaching

participate in the May Commencement Ceremony.

theory and fundamental principles, and taxes.

The Accounting Department is creating more courses to add to the program, such as Forensic Accounting and Data Analytics.

After successful completion of the degree, students may become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and/or Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) through passing the required exams. Moreover, certification as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is also possible with a Master of Accountancy.

In honor of the approval of the new degree, 200 red and white balloons were released outside after the board meeting, and Dr. Kyle Wells, Dean of the College of Business & Communication, led a Master’s hood signing to commemorate the event.

In addition to the new graduate program, DSU built a new Accounting Lab in memory of Dr. Kevin Barrett, a teacher who dedicated his life to students and the field.

The development of the program involved a great deal of input from experts in accounting, specifically from the Accounting Education Advisory Board, which is made up of local, regional, and national representation. Such collaborations determine the curriculum, culture, and academic environment for the program.

President Richard B. Williams signs a Master of Accountancy hood in honor of the Board of Trustees approving the university's first graduate program.

16

dixie.edu |

Features

One crucial member on the Accounting Education Advisory Board is Dr. Steve Albrecht,

an Andersen Alumni Professor of Accountancy at BYU. As a member of the board and a CPA, CIA, and CFE, he was particularly instrumental in assisting with the advancement of the Master in Accountancy degree.

This new program is not only significant to DSU as an institution, but also to accounting as a field of practice. According to Dr. Nate L. Staheli, the Department Chair for Accounting, there is high demand for accountants with a limited supply, and more students have been wanting to get their Master’s degree in the subject. Staheli said, “In accounting, the day-to-day recording of economic events, much of it has become automated. As it gets into new frontiers with new technology, white collar crime gains momentum, like with stolen credit cards and bank information, and that’s another place where people need good accountants. Accountants must have an understanding of how to interpret the data and communicate it to the users, like with bank statements, and in doing that, they can help develop strategies to improve in the areas where it’s needed. In essence, it really is just quantitative story telling.”

While the Master of Accountancy is only in its first year, it has great potential to grow and thrive at DSU. The program is taking steps needed to meet the criteria for AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) Accreditation, a gold standard for accreditation in the academic community.

The graduate program for Accounting is a momentous achievement for DSU, paving the way for more graduate programs to come.



DR. KEVIN BARRETT:

DSU’s Founding Father of the Baccalaureate Accounting Program

by Jullianna Franco, Senior, Communication Major Honoring the founding father of Dixie State’s four-year accounting program, the College of Business & Com-

munication dedicated the renovated Accounting Lab to late Professor Kevin Barrett, who passed away on June 30, 2017.

Dr. Barrett’s love for his students started in 2002,

when he began his tenure at the university. He was

instrumental in establishing DSU’s baccalaureate accounting degree. During this time, he always expected the best from his students and taught in innovative ways.

In fact, Barrett’s teaching style earned him the university’s Teacher of the Year honor in 2012.

Barrett also served the community for more than 10

years by running the Volunteer Individual Tax Assis-

tance program with his students to offer community members free tax preparation assistance every spring.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony that took place

immediately after the Board of Trustees approved the

Master of Accountancy program, Barrett’s wife Venna said, “Kevin would have loved this because he loved Dixie, and he especially loved his students.”

Academic Report 2019



| Dixie State University

17

Global Education: International Experiences Reveal New Ideas, Perspectives

By Emma D. Lee, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis

A global perspective is quickly becoming a required trait

many others. These relationships facilitate the exchange

to stay competitive in the modern job market. Because

of faculty, allowing professors to go abroad for teaching

of advancements in technology, industries are becoming

opportunities where they are able to expand their own

more international, and relations between different coun-

horizons, form bonds with colleagues, and explore research

tries across the globe are becoming more interdependent.

opportunities with the hope that they will be able to return

Although the U.S. has historically maintained an inward-

to these places abroad with students.

looking perspective, that is beginning to change.

Students also have opportunities to go abroad,

As a result, Dixie State is making steps toward becoming

whether for cultural immersion, research opportunities,

a campus that fosters opportunities for globalization

or service trips. For instance, Arévalo soon will lead a ser-

of its students. Dr. Luis Arévalo, the Director of Global

vice trip to Mexico. For the last nine years, Arévalo has

Education at DSU, notes, “We are living in different times.

been visiting a clinic for the economically disadvantaged

Those who don’t have global ideas and perspectives on

in the Yucatan. Every year, he and a group of language

life will be competing with those who already have that

students accompany a group of physical therapy and

under their belts.” The Global Engagement Committee

medical students from Wheeling Jesuit University to act

has been working toward exposing students to global

as interpreters in the clinic.

ideas and perspectives using a few different modes, the



most important being the increase of offered courses that include these themes.

In addition to creating courses that specifically correlate with global education, the inclusion of global themes in general education is equally—if not more—important.

For example, a general education biology course might already be concerned with an outbreak of a rare and deadly disease overseas, and they may discuss the microbiology and the risks associated, but what about the implications?

Travel becomes dangerous, commerce may get bogged down, and relations between governments may get a little dicey. These what-if scenarios are teaching students to think more globally and to think about how events in their communities affects others across the world and vice versa.

To equip faculty to teach global perspectives, the Global Engagement Committee has been creating contacts and forming relationships with universities abroad. Currently, DSU has contacts with the Ministry of Technology in Costa Rica, Universidad Católica de Los Angeles de Chimbote (ULADECH) in Peru, the Autonomous University of Baja, California in Mexico, and Meijo University in Japan, among 18

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

Dr. Luis Arévalo translates between a Wheeling Jesuit Physical Therapy student and a patient on an international trip.

Professor of Ceramics Glen Blakley displays a piece that has been fired in DSU's new train kiln.

The Train Kiln: Raw, Ancient, and Authentic

by Trissie Cox, Senior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis

T

he Art Department at Dixie State University blazes

a new trail as it adds a “train kiln,” named to reflect

its form, to its creative arsenal. The train-kiln resembles

the front of a traditional steam locomotive. This innova-

this mode of pottery making will be added to the program

and will have a “big impact on the ceramic program for years to come.”

The exclusive experience of making such an exceptional

tive wood-fired kiln is modern in design but achieves

piece of pottery gives students a sense of accomplishment,

Anagama kiln, a 5th century “cave” kiln, in which the ash

days to create something raw, ancient, and authentic. The

the same aesthetic firing qualities as the ancient Japanese from the wood actually glazes the pottery. The process is

arduous and time consuming, but every piece comes out with a uniquely distinct design that makes these pieces highly coveted. The train kiln not only benefits DSU, but

appreciation, and pride as they work around the clock for experience teaches students about culture, provides a bonding experience, and adds an impressive highlight on their résumés or in their portfolios.

Blakley described the experience as “a fantasy; much

it also benefits the art students who get to make these

like going to Disneyland for the first time.” He goes on

Dixie State University is one of only two universities

took to fire the pottery and made s’mores by the fire light.

timeless pieces.

in Utah that uses the train kiln method of pottery making.

Glen Blakley, Professor of Ceramics at DSU, says that

to say that “the students camped out for the 37 hours it

Working together and being successful in this endeavor creates a memory to last a lifetime.”

Academic Report 2019



| Dixie State University

19

NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

Dr. Sarah Bell: Destigmatizing Sex

by Krista Kirkham, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis

S

arah Bell is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Dixie

important for women at any college to be able to reflect

State University and a northern Utah native. In 2011,

on their own sexuality.”

she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her bachelor’s

With a dual Ph.D. in Psychology and Women’s Studies,

degree from the University of Utah. In 2018, she gradu-

Bell has found that the two disciplines work very well

ated with a Ph.D. in Psychology and Women’s Studies from

together. “Psychology does a lot of measuring in regards

the University of Michigan. Bell teaches a wide variety of

to gender differences,” Bell explains. “Women’s Studies

psychology classes on campus including health psychology,

gives you the theory to think about those measurements.”

psychology of gender, and sexuality in a diverse society.

In the future, Bell would love to see a Women’s Studies

“Some students have a lot of sexual health questions,” Bell

program at Dixie State.

says. “Maybe because they just haven’t had someone to

Bell structures her classes in a way that encourages class

ask.” She uses her classroom as a place to answer these

discussion and helps students relate concepts to their own

questions with scientific facts.

lives. “As psychology research shows,” she says, “if you can

Bell has always loved to teach, but she is also a pas-

relate something to your life, you’ll remember it better.”

sionate researcher. The majority of her research is focused

This concept, called the self-reference effect, is something

on the sexual health and sexuality of women, which she says

she always considers when teaching. Bell believes that class

“is at times a taboo topic,” especially in Utah. Bell did her

discussions not only encourage her students to remember

dissertation on women’s hook-ups in college, studying what

information, but also help them “process it more deeply”

they got out of this specific type of interaction. Despite

than they would in a lecture setting.

public misconception, her research is “not as extreme as it seems” and does not involve working with couples or observing sexual relationships. She considers herself primarily a qualitative researcher, typically gathering her data from interviews and analyzing it for patterns and themes.

“Rather than looking at numbers,” she says, “you’re looking at an experience.” Bell’s findings were recently published in the Journal of Sex Research. In the near future, she hopes to publish a piece from her dissertation.

“As a culture,” Bell says, “we are comfortable talking about men’s sexuality but not women’s.” Because it is so stigmatized by society, Bell believes that women’s sexuality deserves more exploration and legitimate scientific research. Her personal research methods allow women’s individual voices to be heard while also revealing patterns and themes in the way our society perceives female sexuality. While it may not always be easy to discuss, Bell believes that her research is relevant because “it is 20

dixie.edu |

Faculty Spotlights



Dr. Macey Buker: Bridging the Healthcare Gap

by Krista Kirkham, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis

and complex revenue cycle and management of healthcare organizations” and to see where changes can be made.

In the healthcare industry, Buker finds a common gap of clinical knowledge in management positions. “The skillset you need to supervise and manage people,” he says, “is very different from a clinical skillset.” In the short time that Buker has been at Dixie State, he has already implemented new programs to help bridge this gap.

When Buker first arrived, there were two bachelor emphases in Population Health, one in Public Health and the other in Healthcare Administration. Thanks to his work, Dixie State is now in the process of implementing a third emphasis in Long-Term Care. “There are only 14 accredited programs for Long-Term Care,” he says. In most states, the educational requirements for a Long-Term Care Facility Administrator include 1,000 hours of experience under a

M

acey Buker is an Assistant Professor of Population Health in Dixie State’s Health and Human Perfor-

mance Department. Buker has a Master’s and Ph.D. in Health Care Administration, but his first graduate degree was actually in accounting. He started his college education as a pre-med major but changed to a business path, where he discovered his passion for numbers. As an accountant, he did a lot of work consulting in the health care industry, and eventually he found that his calling was not as a clinician or an accountant–but somewhere in between.

“The healthcare industry is not sustainable the way it is,” Buker says. “We’ve got to do something different.”

He believes that by understanding the business and numbers aspect of the healthcare industry, we create a more sustainable future. Because of his strong background in accounting, Buker is better able to understand the “unique

licensed facility administrator, a bachelor’s degree, and a national exam. Students in Dixie’s Long-Term Care program will accumulate the required hours through an internship and take the national exam as part of their curriculum. After graduation, students “can immediately get their Long-Term Care Facility License,” Buker says and start earning money in their desired field. These jobs not only pay well, but are in high demand. Buker notes that between now and 2050, administrator roles in the Long-Term Care industry are projected to grow at a rate of 27% a year.

More than anything, Buker considers himself to be a student advocate. “It doesn’t matter what you do—life happens,” he says, “and I try to put myself into the position of my students and be more flexible when it does.” Rather than basing most of his curriculum on lectures, which he feels are often inadequate, Buker tries to run his classes in an interactive way to increase student engagement.

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University



21

Art Without Borders: La Frontera Project

by Emma D. Lee, Senior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis

In a current political atmosphere of high internal patriotism and a flurry of rhetoric regarding immigration, talk of building a wall, and outrage at the enforcement of new immigration policies, the reality of what is happening at the U.S.-Mexico border and the implications thereof can be hard to find. This is why Dr. Kathryn Mederos Syssoyeva and a group of DSU Dance and Theatre students

“The audiences wouldn’t leave.

People were weeping; audiences were weeping; actors were weeping.”

-Dr. Kathryn Mederos Syssoyeva

traveled south. There, they searched for the truth about

La Frontera Project also had an impact on the commu-

what life at the border is like to create a theatrical work that

nity. Following the performance, the stage was opened

truly embodies the human impact of a “zero-tolerance”

for a community talk-back session, which on both nights

immigration policy.

lasted for over an hour and a half. “The audiences wouldn’t

In mid-October, this group of Dance and Theatre students conducted fieldwork, visited sites, and talked to

leave,” says Dr. Syssoyeva, “People were weeping; audiences were weeping; actors were weeping.”

social groups and immigrants regarding crossing the border

People from the community and students from the

and the injustices and challenges that they face on a daily

university shared their experiences and their perspec-

basis. In five weeks, the College of the Arts had devised a

tives on the issue. One man had been led to the show

complete multimedia show, entitled La Frontera Project,

when he heard one of the actors talking about it from

that included theatrical elements, dance, photography,

another booth in a restaurant the night before. He talked

film, and art along with quotations and monologues from

passionately about his perspective on immigrant families

those affected by the policies, including asylum seekers,

from Mexico—a perspective he gained through a life-

migrants, border guards, lawyers, migrant rights activists,

time of working alongside them in the fields. “God sent

and first-generation American citizens.

this show to me,” he told the audience. Another woman

The show, performed twice to a packed house, had an

shared that, although of Mexican descent, she had been

effect on many, including the students who participated in

passing as white as she was fearful of attitudes under

the project. Many of them reported that they learned facts

the current administration. Her aunt and uncle had been

about the situation, but more importantly, many revealed

taken by immigration officers while dropping her cousins

that they learned about humanity and about friendship and

off at school one day.

compassion. “I personally learned some new things about

Syssoyeva and the students aimed to help educate

the situation, how people were being handled and the level

the community about what these policies are doing to

of disregard they were being treated with…I learned in a

people’s lives. “The audiences were asking, ‘What can we

weird way that there is more of a personal side to every-

do?’” says Syssoyeva. “Educate yourselves. Don’t rely on

thing, but I think I saw the personal side of these stories,

what other people tell you is going on. Don’t rely on the

more on this research trip,” said student Kat Hunsaker.

media. Go out and do direct research.”

22

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.



Dance and Theatre students visit the U.S.-Mexico border while conducting fieldwork for their multimedia show, La Frontera Project.

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

23

ATWOOD INNOVATION PLAZA: The Gathering Place of Brilliance

by Sallie Sullivan, Senior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis As Dixie State University’s Director of

corporation, built two prototypes, con-

tions, in addition to assisting them

Dr. Wayne Provost has seen over 460

marketing experience. Besides the

few large businesses in St. George have

Innovation Guidance and Solutions,

people with ideas for new inventions.

Significantly, over 200 of these individuals were DSU students. Not only

does Provost hold 18 patents himself, including one for resealable food and

ducted trials and testing, and acquired

valuable business experience they

were obtaining, students were given

the opportunity to purchase options in the company.

In addition to guiding individu-

cereal cartons, but he also has guided

als through the innovation process,

munity members through the patent

tions. This means that businesses can

numerous students, faculty, and com-

process. When Provost began working at the university in October of 2016, his goal was to obtain 10 patents in

5 years—a goal he said would be “a miracle” if achieved.

Provost also helps with guidance solu-

with obtaining patents, if necessary. A already reached out to Provost, result-

ing in successful resolutions. This is

significant because, as Provost asserts: “When you start working on solutions, that is how you know you’ve made it.”

He anticipates additional requests from other companies in the near future.

Typically, Provost says, a univer-

come to him and his students with

sity doctor obtains a grant and uses

examining the challenges and issues,

ect. Once completed, the finished

problems they are experiencing. After Provost and his students offer solu-

students and staff to work on a proj-

product is owned by the university.

After a mere two years, Provost

helped complete 83 patent applica-

tions, 13 of which were granted. An active humanitarian and relentless

intellectual, Provost came to Dixie to mentor promising young entrepreneurs

and help grow the St. George business community. One reason Provost chose St. George was his belief that it was “a ripe place to start innovation.”

In January of 2017, Provost taught a

class that instructed students in every aspect of obtaining a patent and turning

it into a viable business. Throughout the semester, students helped set up a 24

dixie.edu |

Features

Atwood Innovation Plaza makerspace houses equipment that budding entrepreneurs can use to build prototypes of their ideas.

Dr. Wayne Provost, center, works with DSU students in the Atwood Innovation Plaza makerspace.

Provost has taken his innovative work a step further by cre-

Provost’s belief in him as a 16-year-old changed his life

student projects. With these funds, Dixie State students

accepted by Harvard. However, he chose to attend Dixie

ating a mentor’s group, which provides private funds for are assisted in turning their creative ideas into a personal

business. In return, students gift the university a share in

their business—usually 5 percent. According to Provost, Dixie State University is remarkable: no other university in the United States does what we do. Importantly,

and helped him graduate at the top of his class. Manz was

because of the innovation opportunities available. Keeping students like Hunter in mind, Provost says that his ultimate

goal for graduates is that “they’re not looking for a job, they’re creating jobs.”

In order to accommodate the innovation process, DSU is

Provost aims to keep the businesses that were created under

currently renovating Atwood Innovation Plaza. Scheduled

Attracting more than local attention, the innovation

calls a “makerspace”—a facility where prototypes are built.

his guidance in St. George.

taking place at the university is drawing students to DSU.

For example, Hunter Manz, a mechanical engineering major from Las Vegas Nevada is a student Provost began mento-

ring with Manz was in the seventh grade. Manz says that

for completion in August of 2019, the plaza is what Provost

The facility will be available to DSU students and faculty as

well as members of the community. Provost says, “When the Innovation Plaza goes up, it’s going to be the gathering place of brilliance.”



Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

25

Bioinformatics: Program Prepares Students for Vital, Evolving Career Field

by Brittany Bennett, Senior, History and English Major, Literature Emphasis

A nexus connecting academic excellence, interdisciplinary coordina-

Through access to annual internships with

tion and mounting demands within the healthcare industry, the field

Stanford and a partnership with Intermountain

of bioinformatics is booming, and Dixie State University’s Bachelor

Healthcare’s Precision Genomics, a program that

of Science in Bioinformatics is gaining enough momentum to help

tests cancer patients’ DNA to designate individu-

students keep up.

alized treatments, bioinformatics students stand

As its name suggests, bioinformatics unifies biology—particu-

to gain plenty of hands-on, impactful experience.

larly biological data and methods for its collection—with advanced

Last summer, student Austin Montgomery

computer programming. Bioinformatics scientists use their skillsets

attended Stanford for a bioinformatics intern-

to synthesize immense data sequences, construct and operate data

ship, the first of its kind. This internship was

software, build individualized medical profiles, genetically modify

a third addition to the original two Stanford

crops, isolate sources of disease, and so much more.

internships awarded to pre-medical students

Because bioinformatics packs such a powerful one-two punch of

from DSU over the last six years. This resulted

programming and life science knowledge that translates phenome-

from Stanford’s interest in DSU’s students with

nally into numerous professional contexts, bioinformatics scientists

bioinformatics exposure.

are in huge demand nationally as well as regionally in Southern Utah.

These internships serve as excellent oppor-

Despite the clear need for bioinformaticists who possess well

tunities for students to develop confidence and

rounded yet specialized training, not many degrees exist that cater

test their limits. “There are amazing, talented

to this field. Typically, bioinformaticists enter the profession with

students here at Dixie State, but some of them

degrees in programming, biology, mathematics, or chemistry, pre-

don’t know how amazing they are. Putting them

disposing them to major challenges and steep learning curves when adjusting to this work’s duties.

As DSU’s Department Chair of Biology Dr. Erin O’Brien puts it, “Very few bioinformatics programs like ours exist.”

“There are bioinformatics programs in the country that are predominantly computer science. We developed our program because we wanted to produce students who had a really, really strong foundation in the natural and physical sciences as well as the mathematical and computer science components,” she explains. In large part, DSU’s program developed out of student, faculty, and community recognition that local bioinformatics jobs go unfilled continually.

Many graduates of DSU’s Physical and Life Science Programs have entered the University of Utah’s Biomedical Informatics M.S. program, demonstrating a pattern of undergraduate trajectory into the field. According to O’Brien, “The University of Utah is super excited to try and get some of our students into their master’s program.” Programs like these have taken note of DSU graduates and the edge that their increasingly unique, bioinformatics-oriented education gives them.

26

dixie.edu |

Features

DSU student Kennedy Roché participates in a summer internship program at Stanford University.

into a program where they’re working with worldclass researchers and participating in the same things as Stanford students helps them see what

“Very few bioinformatics programs like ours exist.”

-Dr. Erin O’Brien

they can do. We want them to understand every-

early step since bioinformaticists require access to swift Internet

thing that they’re capable of and to have goals

speeds, state-of-the-art computers and servers that enable students

that reflect that,” says O’Brien.

to work with massive data sets. Expanding also means recruiting and

Currently working as a full-time leading bioinformatics scientist for Precision Genomics,

informing people, particularly high school students, of the opportunities that this field entails.

Dr. Sharanya Raghunath offers instruction to

For concurrent enrollment students interested in bioinformatics, a

the small group of students taking advanced

new certificate program in Biotechnology is available. This program

4000-level bioinformatics courses at DSU. Of

covers all the first semester classes for the baccalaureate Bioinfor-

this exchange, O’Brien reports, “Likely the most

matics program as well as the requirements for any of the biology or

qualified person in the state is offering those

chemistry bachelor degrees. Students who do not settle on a major

classes for us, and this is an incredible oppor-

early in their academic careers but possess an interest in these fields

tunity for our students. Long-term, we will be

can begin working on their certification to have a springboard into

looking for a full-time faculty member that we

one of several different Biology majors.

can bring on board here. That’s probably our department’s greatest need right now.”

By the end of 2019, two students will be the first to graduate from DSU’s Bioinformatics program. The conditions of their final year

The arrival of a specialized, full-time bioinfor-

of undergraduate study certainly work for a pair taking advanced

matics instructor will mark a vital turning point

coursework, collaborating closely with a specialist on projects. As the

for the new program. This will enable others to

program takes on an increasing number of bright, driven students

begin expanding the program. Investing in new

in the next few years, it will require continued support to keep pace

equipment certainly comprises an important

in this vital, evolving career field.



The emerging field of Bioinformatics is an essential component of the life science industry. Utah’s life science companies include careers in medical device manufacturing, advanced diagnostics, research, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and health care IT, among other innovative and groundbreaking fields.

26.2%

140%

8.4%

Utah's life science industry increased 26.2% from 2012 to 2016.

Average wages in life science are 140% of the Utah average wage.

Life science job growth in Utah was 8.4% from 2015 to 2016.

3rd

34,352

13th

Utah ranks #3 in the genomics market in the nation, based on innovation, talent, and growth.

Number of jobs generated

by Utah's more than 1,000 life science companies.

Utah has the 13th largest life science industry in the nation.

Source: BioUtah: Utah Life Sciences Industry Report 2018

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

27

Brent Hunt researches L-form bacteria as part of Soft Cell Research's goal to create treatment for a variety of ailments.

Soft Cell Research: Public-Private Partnership at DSU Leads to Groundbreaking Discoveries

by Braxton Thornley, Senior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis

T

he contents of Room 201 in DSU’s Science Building

bacteria levels in his own body and testing his own blood,

table and chairs positioned inside the main entrance to

specific types of bacteria that operate without cell walls.

appears rather ordinary on the surface: a folding

collect blood samples, a “swear tally” (accompanied by a folded sheet of paper dictating the size of the fine, to be

collected at the end of the semester, for an array of popu-

lar curses), and four student interns draped in lab coats staring down into cameras and microscopes. Yet, for all

Hunt developed a groundbreaking technique for culturing According to Hunt, studying these bacteria—known as L-form bacteria—could lead to treatments, and potentially

cures, for a variety of ailments, from aut­o-immune disorders to chronic fatigue and migraines.

With a patent pending for his method of culturing and

of the lab’s quirky character, it holds an excitement that is

observing L-form bacteria, Hunt founded Soft Cell Research

room’s aura on the 175-some-odd blood samples cultur-

for the connections between disease and these previously

difficult to overstate. Although it’s tempting to blame the ing L-form bacteria within the small lab, that would be only half of the story.

and quickly partnered with DSU to continue searching unseen bacteria.

To date, the mutually beneficial public-private part-

Brent Hunt’s mission began in 2014 following years

nership has processed blood samples from over 2,000

doctors couldn’t quite pinpoint. As he began studying the

However, according to Hunt, the lab’s initial findings

of failed joint replacements, sabotaged by infections that

28

dixie.edu |

Features

donors and discovered over 300 new strains of bacteria.

“We don't want to treat people.

We want to cure people.”

-Brent Hunt

did lead to push-back throughout the scientific

community. Because the findings indicated that bacteria existed in human blood, which was previously thought to be sterile, medical scholars

originally dismissed the discoveries as flawed.

It wasn’t until last year, when Stanford Univer-

sity produced a study corroborating DSU and Soft Cell’s results, that the findings began to truly be taken seriously. Almost a year later, the partnership is benefiting from collaboration with

Oxford University, the Quadram Institute, and other organizations.

Additionally, the U.S. Economic Development

Agency recently awarded a $570,000 grant to DSU

and Soft Cell to continue their research. The grant, Hunt says, will help the lab transition to a larger, more well-equipped lab in Atwood Innovation Plaza on DSU’s campus.

Beyond the partnership’s scientific accom-

plishments, Hunt is also quick to point out the

benefits to the students who work as interns in the lab.

“This is the only place in the world where stu-

dents can study L-form bacteria. You can’t do this

DSU students participate in scientific research.

Hunt says, noting that, because the procedure for

according to Hunt. Because students help perform all of the culturing

property, DSU’s students have a unique leg up

out in a physical lab. Additionally, although half of the lab focuses on

at Harvard. You can’t do this at Johns Hopkins,” studying the bacteria is protected as intellectual on graduate school applications. Medical schools across the country have taken notice, according

to Hunt, who notes that many of the lab’s student

interns go on to receive offers to pursue joint M.D.-Ph.D. programs at universities interested

and analysis, they’re able to see how the theory they’ve learned plays

bacteria culturing and analysis, half is dedicated to a state-of-the-art genetics lab. The combination of the two halves facilitates comparisons

between donors’ bacteria-makeup and DNA while allowing students to work across various domains within biology and chemistry.

Back in the lab, one of the student interns finishes photographing a

in their research experience.

petri dish, hangs up his lab coat, and scoops up a pile of biology text-

résumé-booster for students, though. The expe-

out of the student’s way, Hunt notes that participating in the lab truly

Working in the lab is more than an impressive

rience allows students to marry what they’re

learning in the classroom with actual applica-

tion, which helps “bring everything together,”

books from one of the room’s crowded counters. As Hunt and I step defines DSU’s active learning approach to education. He then goes on to explain the true goal of the research: "We don't want to treat people.

We want to cure people."



Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

29

Undergraduate Research at DSU: Students Foray into the Unknown

by Brittany Bennett, Senior, History and English Major, Literature Emphasis

F

or DSU students April VeVea and Jayson Foster,

for roughly 100 years trying to figure out how an early 18th

undergraduate research is an illuminating journey

century minstrel character became the name for segrega-

into untrod territory.

tion laws from the late 19th through mid 20th centuries.”

Most students long for the day when they can walk off

Her source analysis thus far leads her to simultaneously

campus for the last time, degrees at last in their grasp,

depart from and contribute to this topic’s scholarship. She

and finally feel the weight of academic obligations lift

explains, “‘Jim Crow’ wasn’t a term to be used exclusively

off of their shoulders. Yet, not all students view a college

for African Americans during the 1800s. It was used to

education as the means to an end. In fact, some find it

describe people who were political flip-floppers or were

meaningful enough to adapt their undergraduate expe-

considered self-serving, and it was used as another name

riences into lasting projects and commitments long after

for the poor (albeit loosely).”

they shift their cap tassels to the left.

Her study of this topic also serves as a lesson in per-

Seniors slated to graduate this spring, VeVea and Foster

spective and objectivity: “People have been wanting to

are hardly ready to close their books on research in each

look at the term as strictly racist because of what it came

of their respective fields—history for the former, chem-

to represent with segregation laws, and—while that’s

istry for the latter.

important—we need to backtrack a little bit and focus on

A published film historian and prospective graduate student, VeVea is concerned with the meaning of words—

all of its meanings and how it was commonly used to fully understand exactly how it crossed over.”

specifically, the historical meaning of the phrase “Jim

Essential to navigating this complex topic, actively

Crow.” She explains, “There has been a historical debate

questioning and reading between the lines are forms of

DSU senior April VeVea is researching the historical meaning of the phrase "Jim Crow."

30

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

“I’m absolutely in love with doing research.

I want to get a career in research and development and am going to graduate school for a Ph.D. in materials chemistry next year because I’ve had such a good experience.”

-Jayson Foster intellectual gymnastics April gets twisted up in regularly— not to mention the hours spent scouring screens filled with tiny, faded print.

Foster, on the other hand, enjoys spending his time playing with magnetic liquids. Over the last year and a half, he has explored the paramagnetic crossover of minute to bulk concentrations of cobalt ionic liquids. His research focus developed out of an unanticipated materials reaction while he performed lab work independently.

He recounts, “When the sequence of dissolving cobalt chloride with sodium dicyanamide in water led to an unexpected precipitate, I had full freedom to investigate what that precipitate was with my own strategy of how to elucidate its identity.” Instead of finding himself deterred by strange, new outcomes, he is motivated by them.

His earnest interest in divining the phenomenon he observed in that original ionic liquid shift of mass inspired him to seek out collaboration and specialists’ guidance at DSU and beyond. His work alongside other chemistry scholars has culminated at the end of 2018 in a co- authored article published in the American Chemical Society Energy Letters Journal. He declares, “I’m absolutely in love with doing research. I want to get a career in research and development and am going to graduate school for a Ph.D. in materials chemistry next year because I’ve had such a good experience.”

VeVea and Foster know how to locate and make the most out of their scholarly resources and opportunities.

VeVea asserts the value and validity of newspapers as primary sources for her research, highlighting the incredible possibilities afforded by the abundance of online—and

DSU senior Jayson Foster is researching cobalt ionic liquids.

sometimes, free—newspaper databases. She explains, “I’ve been able to see how people used ‘Jim Crow’ from Los Angeles, California, to Buffalo, New York. What would normally take me several years to find, if I found anything at all, can now be found within seconds via newspaper databases.”

For Foster, supportive connections with fellow chemists inform his research process in a truly collaborative fashion. Over the last two summers, he has participated in Research Experiences for Undergraduates programs at Boise State University and the University of Wisconsin where he worked with and learned from graduate students. With the guidance of instructors and peers, the right tools and a little elbow grease, motivated students at DSU foray into the unknown to emerge as more assured individuals with plenty of new insights to share with us all.

Academic Report 2019



| Dixie State University

31

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Emily Flores: Blazing Paths for Future Generations

by Julie Handy, Junior, English Major, Professional and Technical Writing Emphasis

Emily Flores was encouraged by a high school guidance counselor to make the move from her home in Los Angeles, California to St. George, Utah. Now in her junior year at Dixie State University, Flores has found a love for the beauty of the red rocks and flaming sunsets. She is earning a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and a Minor in Social Justice with plans to continue her education with a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration.

Flores is a first-generation college student, and when asked what challenges she has faced at school, she said, “Just realizing that I should attend college and I should be on campus was and is definitely something that I have struggled with.” By joining the

Dixie Hispanic Student Association (DHSA) in her freshman year and being on the Multicultural Inclusion Center (MIC) Student Council, Flores has become involved with student life and is flourishing at Dixie State.

Dixie Rock is Flores’ favorite place in St. George. She loves to watch the sun set and take in the view. Between classes, the DHSA, and the MIC, Flores also plays guitar and, in the summer, works as a camp counselor at a music camp. She hopes that as DSU grows, students will be encouraged to join clubs and realize that there is something to suit everyone’s interests, and if students have not figured out what those interests are, then there are ways to help them find out.



Jordyn Chambers: Using Programming Skills to Tackle Life

by Taylor Lewis, Senior, Media Studies major, Multimedia Journalism Emphasis

Dixie State alumna Jordyn Chambers tackles life as if she were in a video game. Rather than view life as a series of problems that may hold her back, she looks at it as another level she needs to pass, no matter how daunting the challenge may be.

As her passion for video game design blossomed into an interest for computer programming, Dixie State University gave her the opportunity to gain real-world experience in her career field while helping pay her way through school. Although financial hardships posed an initial setback while attending Dixie State, with inspiring professors to guide her, Chambers pushed herself to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer 32

dixie.edu |

Student Spotlights

and Information Technology with a Minor in Computer Science in May 2018.

Hired as an AI2 Associate at Amazon Web Services right after graduating, Chambers continues to apply her knowledge and experience from DSU to create and manage software services for one of the largest enterprise cloud providers in the world.

“If I hadn’t finished my degree or gained the necessary experience at Dixie State University, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Chambers said.

“The CIT department faculty and staff helped me succeed and ultimately changed my life for the better.”



Derek Brazeau: From Red Rocks to Broadway

by Sallie Sullivan, Senior, English Major, Secondary Education Emphasis

When Derek Brazeau began attending

and artistry.” His performing experience, hard

Dixie State University, he loved music,

work, and connections with classmates continued

but lacked direction. Fortunately, he

to open doors for Brazeau.

met Director of Raging Red Merrilee

While at DSU, Brazeau performed in Thor-

Webb, who encouraged him to audi-

oughly Modern Millie, Starlight Express, and

tion for DSU’s performing song and

Mary Poppins at Tuacahn Center for the Arts.

dance team, Raging Red. “I didn’t have

He was also chosen to perform a voice solo

a full vision yet,” Brazeau explains,

at graduation. When reflecting on his educa-

“and the professors at Dixie gave

tion, Brazeau says what he most appreciated

me options.” After making the team,

about Dixie State was how inviting it was. “The

Brazeau performed with the group for

classroom setting was very intimate and the pro-

several years, even traveling to New

fessors were supportive and insightful.” Shortly

York and China.

after graduation, he was hired as a professional

Although he majored in music and

dancer for Odyssey Dance Theater.

voice, Brazeau was involved in sev-

Brazeau continues to push himself outside

eral artistic pursuits, which included

his comfort zone because “the end reward is

dancing with Dixie State University’s

amazing.” His years spent perfecting his artistic

Dance Company. Professor Sara Gallo

talents have more than paid off. Brazeau cur-

says that this experience, combined

rently works in New York and is performing in

with his classes at DSU, “contributed

his third tour with the Broadway production

to great growth in his dance technique

Kinky Boots.



STUDENT BODY DEMOGRAPHICS

24%

82%

51%

percentage of minority students

percentage of students with Utah residency

percentage of students age 19 or younger

57% female

43% male Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

33

Student Perspectives BROOKE RAWLINSON, Senior,

HOLLY PAYNE, Senior, Individual-

JENN MARSH, Senior, English Major,

Emphasis: In November of 2017, I was

Therapy Graduate: As a student of

challenged me by providing experi-

Criminal Justice Major, Criminology granted the opportunity to attend

ized Studies Major and Respiratory

Creative Writing Emphasis: DSU has

Respiratory Therapy, I had the oppor-

ences I couldn’t have had anywhere

and present research at the annual

tunity to submit an abstract to the

else. Through the Craig and Maureen

American Society of Criminology

American Association for Respira-

Booth Honors Program, I have studied

Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsyl-

tory Care (AARC) for consideration to

abroad in Costa Rica and presented

vania. As a team of four undergrad

present in their 2018 National Conven-

at multiple research conferences in

researchers, we studied and presented

tion open forum. In July, my abstract

California. I have presented at UCUR

on what strategies work in order to

was accepted, and in December, I

and the DSU Research Symposium

provide elementary aged students

presented at the AARC National Con-

twice and hope to again in 2019.

with effective supplementary educa-

vention in Las Vegas. I also served

Without the support of the univer-

tion programs. Being a part of this

as the President of the Respiratory

sity, I wouldn’t have been able to

research group provided me with the

Therapy Club and I was able to orga-

pursue any of it. In addition to travel

hands-on learning that Dixie State

nize and participate in many great

funding for everything listed above,

University is passionate about, as well

healthcare-related service projects,

I have received the Judith and Gene

as gave me an inside look at what it

including Pennies by the Inch for Pri-

Schneiter Scholarship and an intern-

means to be an academic professional.

mary Children’s Medical Center.

ship in the CHaSS Dean’s office.

MARIAH RICHINS, Senior, Biology

KORI GAHN, Junior, Elementary

ZACHARY WEBB, Senior, Music

forms biochemical research studying

in the Students Helping English Lan-

derful Music Department at Dixie State

Major: I am part of a team that perthe effect of hyperglycemia on red blood cells. I presented this research at regional and worldwide conferences.

My communication and presentation skills have improved with each con-

ference, and I am now confident in explaining the research process and answering questions pertaining to my project. I am also part of a team that studied canyon tree frogs in several canyons in Zion National Park this past summer. This field research is valuable as I learned that there are many aspects of science that cannot be controlled.

Education Major: Working as a tutor guage Learners program has been

beneficial for more reasons than one.

It has given me opportunities to experience first-hand how students who are English Language Learners learn best. I am in the Elementary Education program, and we will be English as a Second Language endorsed teachers when we graduate. We learn how to help students succeed in the classroom, and being able to use what I have learned has been a rewarding and beneficial experience. Giving these students a chance to participate in and experience American culture has been the most fun, though.

34

dixie.edu |

Student Spotlights

Major, Percussion: Due to the wonand my mentor, Dr. Glenn Webb, I have pushed the limits of what a per-

cussion or music student can do. I presented two solo recitals in a calendar year and presented research at the Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research twice. On top of that, I was able to perform with the Southwest Symphony, Dixie State Symphony Band, as well as with the Dixie State Symphony Orchestra as a timpani soloist. In Fall 2018, I performed the world premiere of Cyril Plante’s Concerto for Timpani and Orchestra.

MCKENNA MATHIE, Junior, Crim-

JENNIFER SPONG, Senior, Inte-

OLIVIA LEE, Senior, Media Studies,

Criminal Justice and was eager for

Art History: At DSU, I joined the

I needed an internship to graduate and

inal Justice Major: I started to study a more hands-on type of learning. I

grated Studies, Humanities and

Strategic Communication Emphasis:

Honors Program, presented my

wasn’t having any luck just Googling

found an internship listed online and

research at Utah Conference on Under-

things in the area. I decided to check

applied right away. I eventually was

graduate Research, studied abroad in

out the career center's website to see

awarded the internship and loved

Rome for three weeks, published my

if that could get me any closer, and

it. I gained knowledge and skills

art and poetry in Scribendi and Route

I immediately found an internship I

through this experience that I will

7 magazines, displayed my art in a

was really excited to apply for. Hand-

use throughout my career. This intern-

juried show, and was a teaching assis-

shake matched my credentials with a

ship also helped boost my résumé for

tant for an art history class my junior

position as an ambassador for Ven-

when I applied for an internship with

and senior years. The most unique

ture Creative, a local digital marketing

the Senate in Washington, D.C. The

and important thing I got to do here,

company. I applied, interviewed, and

experience from these opportunities

though, is interact with my profes-

started the internship in January. Not

will be incredibly helpful when I apply

sors on a one-on-one basis because

only do I get to graduate, but I get

to law schools and pursue a career

of the small class sizes. Their feed-

some really great experience for my

practicing criminal law and eventually

back and knowledge has influenced

future career.

running for office.

my academic development more than anything else I achieved at DSU.

Students Helping Students: SHELL Tutors Reach out to International Students

by Krista Kirkham, Senior, English Major, Creative Writing Emphasis

Dr. Chizu Matsubara, Professor of Education, says that

says, “I wasn’t good at the pronunciation of 'r' at first, but

ing international students for the last 10 years with the

tutors also evaluate presentations and assist with writing,

students in the Department of Education have been tutor-

Students Helping English Language Learners Program, the SHELL program for short. SHELL is a student-led program coordinated with the ESL department and the International Student Office.

Natsuki Ito, an international student, had a very posi-

tive experience with the program. She says that the tutors

guided students “with great passion.” According to Natsuki, a central focus for tutors was on pronunciation. She

I was able to improve that thanks to [the tutors].” The

especially grammar. Finally, Natsuki appreciated that tutors helped international students “not only in terms of studying but also in terms of recreation.” She explains,

“They held a Halloween party for us. We experienced

and enjoyed pumpkin carving there. They also gave us

Christmas presents. We were able to have a very fulfilling life while studying abroad thanks to them. We are really grateful for [the efforts of the SHELL tutors].”

Academic Report 2019



| Dixie State University

35

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY GRANTS PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

SPONSOR

PROJECT TITLE

AWARD

Community & Global Engage.

Dr. Nancy Hauck

Carl D. Perkins Grant

ATE-Perkins Special Project Grant

$245,533

Community & Global Engage.

Dr. Nancy Hauck

Carl D. Perkins Grant

ATE-Perkins Special Project Grant FY17

$37,862

Small Business Dev. Center

Len Erickson

Governor’s Office Eco. of Dev.

Business Expansion, Acceleration, Retention

$17,000

Community & Global Engage.

Becky Smith, Dr. Nancy Hauck

State of Utah

CPP-Kmatch Sunset & Hurricane FY17

$65,000

Dental Hygiene

Patricia Wintch

State of Utah

HEA-FY17 Dent Hyg Prime Care Prog 2

$84,564

Dental Hygiene

Patricia Wintch

State of Utah

HEA-FY17 Dent Hyg Prime Care Prog 1

$15,288

Small Business Dev. Center

Len Erickson

Governor’s Office Eco. of Dev.

PTAC

$5,000

Small Business Dev. Center

Len Erickson

Governor’s Office Eco. of Dev.

Business Resource Center

$20,000

Physical Science

Dr. Sam Tobler

University of Utah

Teacher Workshops

$4,508

Elementary Education

Jeri Crosby

Beverly Taylor Sorenson

ED-BTSALP Professional Dev. Grant

$50,000

Elementary Education

Jeri Crosby

Beverly Taylor Sorenson

FED-BTSALP FY17

$12,000

Physical Science

Dr. Erin O’Brien

National Parks Service

NAT-Mojave Outdoor Leadership Academy

$98,895

DEPARTMENT

Mathematics

Jessica Davis

USHE/Utah Legislature

Advancing Concurrent Enrollment

$258,528

Small Business Dev. Center

Len Erickson

Small Business Admin.

Small Business Dev. Center

$195,000

Mathematics

Sylvia Bradshaw, Jessica Davis

Utah STEM Action Center

Dixie PREP

$1500

Mathematics

Dr. Jie Liu

Math. Assoc. of America

Math Magic

$2710

Physical Science

Dr. Sam Tobler

University of Utah

Solar Eclipse Trip

$7,575

USHE

Daneka Souberbielle

Utah Systems of Higher Ed.

¡ Adelante! Washington County

$75,000

Business

Dr. Kyle Wells

Utah State Board of Education

General Financial Literacy

$48,000

Computer Science

Dr. Eric Pedersen, Vic Hockett

Utah State Legislature-SWI

DSU Tech Stacks

$90,000

Upward Bound

Craig Harter

US Dept. of Education

Upward Bound

$1,804,305

Veterans Support

Steven Roberts, JD Thompson

UT Dept. of Vet. & Military Aff.

MRG-Veterans Admin. Reimb.- Tutoring

$2,500

Career & Technical Education

Dr. Nancy Hauck

Perkins

ATE-Perkins Formula FY18

$193,693

Business

Dr. Kyle Wells

Governor’s Office Eco. of Dev.

PTAC

$5,000

Business

Dr. Kyle Wells

Governor’s Office Eco. of Dev.

Business Expansion, Acceleration, Retention

$17,000

Community Engagement

Karyn Wright

Userve

DSU 9-11 Day of Service

$1,000

Veterans Center

Steve Roberts

UT Dept. of Vet. & Military Aff.

Veterans Center Furnishings & Equipment

$34,975

Elementary Education

Jeri Crosby

Beverly Taylor Sorenson

FED-BTSALP Professional Dev. Grant

$50,000

Biology

Dr. Erin O’Brien

National Parks Service

Colorado Plateau Coop. Ecosystems Studies

Partnership

Small Business Dev. Center

Dr. Kyle Wells

Governor’s Office Eco. of Dev.

Business Resource Center

$33,000

Computer Info. & Tech.

Dolores Heaton, Curtis Larsen

Utah STEM Action Center

Souther Utah Chapter FIRST Lego League

$5,000

Math

Jessica Davis

Utah STEM Action Center

Dixie PREP

$4,560

Biology

Dr. Erin O’Brien

National Parks Service

Outdoor Leadership Academy

$64,762

Career & Technical Education

Dr. Nancy Hauck

Perkins

Perkins Special Projects- Med. Lab Supplies

$83,283

Chemistry

Dr. Rico Del Sesto

USTAR - UTAG

NAU

$250,214

Sears Art Gallery

Kathy Cieslewicz

Utah Arts & Museums

Sears Gallery Operating Support

$8,000

Physical Science

Dr. Andrew Christensen

NASA

GUVI Extended Mission Investigation

$146,000

Business

Len Erickson, Don Willie

Small Business Administration

Small Business Development Center

$186,397

Math

Dr. Jie Liu

Math. Assoc. of America

Math Circle

$4,849

36

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

SPONSOR

PROJECT TITLE

AWARD

Community Engagement

Dr. Kelly Bringhurst

Mexican Consulate

IME Becas Adult Education

$3,000

Community Engagement

Dr. Kelly Bringhurst

Mexican Consulate

IME Becas Adult Education

$2,000

Elementary Education

Dr. Kari Gali

GOED - Talent Ready Utah

Autism/Neurodiverse Awareness

$25,000

Sears Art Gallery

Kathy Cieslewicz

St. George City RAP Tax

Sears Gallery Operating Support

$8,000

Celebrity Concert Series

Ginger Nelson

St. George City RAP Tax

Celebrity Concert Series Op. Support

$15,000

Business

Dr. Kyle Wells

Economic Dev. Administration

TIE Center at Innovation Plaza

$1,750,096

Career & Technical Education

Dr. Nancy Hauck

Perkins

ATE-Perkins Formula FY18

$322,273

TIE/Small Business Dev. Center

Len Erickson

Governor’s Office Eco. of Dev.

DSU Business Resource Center

$20,000

Elementary Education

Jeri Crosby

Beverly Taylor Sorenson

FED-BTSALP Professional Dev. Grant

$50,000

Physical Sciences

Dr. Andrew Christensen

NASA

GUVI Extended Mission Investigation

$147,000

Physical Sciences

Dr. Andrew Christensen

Aerospace Corp

Atmospheric Ionospheric Lim Imager

$75,000

TIE/Small Business Dev. Centers

Len Erickson

Economic Dev. Agency

DSU & SUU University Center

$715,000

TIE/Small Business Dev. Centers

Len Erickson

University of Utah

Dev. Skills & Rural Business/ Gig Economy

$10,000

Math

Jessica Davis

Utah STEM Action Center

Dixie PREP

$2,677

Biology

Dr. Erin O’Brien

National Science Foundation

Noyce & STEM Mini Conference

$8,850

Music

Dr. Nancy Allred/Dr. Ka-wai Yu

St. George Arts Commission

Castle Rock Music Camp

$11,960

Music

Lisa Clements

St. George Arts Commission

Hope of the World

$3,100

Music

Dr. Glenn Webb

St. George Arts Commission

Rebel Jazz Band

$4,000

Music

Dr. Ka-wai Yu

The Music Store

DSU Cello Festival

$150

Music

Dr. Ka-wai Yu

Celebrity Concert Series

DSU Cello Festival

$400

Music

Dr. Ka-wai Yu

Utah American String Teachers

DSU Cello Festival

$400

Music

Dr. Ka-wai Yu

Hong Kong Trade Economic Office

DSU Cello Festival

$500

Music

Dr. Ka-wai Yu

The Granary Café

DSU Cello Festival

$250

Music

Dr. Ka-wai Yu

Desert Strings

Castle Rock Music Camp

$1,000

Music

Drs. Ka-wai Yu/Nancy Allred/Paul Abegg

David and Betsy Vaught

Castle Rock Music Camp

$1,000

English

Dr. Stephen Armstrong/Dr. Cindy King

Humanities & Social Science

DSU Literary Press

$2,500

English

Dr. Cindy King

Humanities & Social Science

The Southern Quill

$750

English

Dr. Cindy King

Humanities & Social Science

Community Engaged Learning

$500

Spanish

Dr. Lucia Taylor

Office of Global Education

Exploratory

$1,000

Mathematics

Dr. Vinodh Kumar Chellamuthu

Academic Innovation Center

Using Active Learning Strategies

$1,870

Mathematics

Dr. Vinodh Kumar Chellamuthu

Mathematical Assoc. of America

PICMath

$5,000

Mathematics

Drs. Buna Sambandham/Vinodh Chellamuthu

Academic Innovation Center

Project C^3

$1,550

Physical Sciences

Dr. Zhenyu Jin

Office of Global Education

Remote Sensing of Landscape: China

$1,000

Chemistry

Dr. Wendy Schatzberg

Academic Innovation Center

Using Survey Prompts

$1,700

Biology

Dr. Geoffrey Smith

Experiment.com (crowd funded)

Impacts of Oil and Natural Gas

$5,070

Biology

Dr. Geoffrey Smith

James A. and Patricia A. MacMahon Ecology Graduate Student

$1,000

Biology

Dr. Geoffrey Smith

USU Ecology Center

Ecology Center Research

$10,500

Digital and Extended Learning

Ryan Hobbs

Lindsay and Laura Atwood

Improving Retention through OER

$19,000

TRIO

Kitty Hughes

U.S. Department of Education

TRIO

$1,980,000

DSU STEM Education Center

Dr. Pam Cantrell

USOE Math Science Partnership

STEM Integrated Project

$350,000

DSU STEM Education Center

Dr. Pam Cantrell

USOE Math Science Partnership

3 Dimensions of Science

$250,000

DEPARTMENT

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

37

FACULTY RECOGNITION, PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH from the American Art Awards International

Bass Congress; “Music for Double Bass with

Competition. He also won 1st Place in the

Interactive Computer” at DiFiore Center

ALEX CHAMBERLAIN, Assistant Profes-

Oil Painters of America Online Showcase.

for the Arts; and “Brahms. Britten. Bach,”

sor of Art, exhibited “Photography: Sight

He has been a Utah State Art Fellowship

Saint George Chamber Singers at Kay-

Site,” DSU Sears Art Museum Gallery from

Award recipient and a UT 2018 Teacher

enta Performing Arts Center in 2018. He

June–August 2017. He won a DSU Distin-

Scholarship Recipient for the Figurative

was the chamber musician for “Utah ASTA

guished Faculty Teaching Award in 2018.

Art Conference and Expo in Miami.

Midwinter Workshop Chamber Concert,”

COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

He is Chair of Toquerville’s Planning Com-

American String Teachers Association at the

mission and a City Council Member. He

SARA GALLO, Associate Professor of

Eccles Fine Arts Center. He is Co-Artistic

coaches a Lego Robotics Team.

Dance and St. George Dance Company

Director for Grand Circle New Music and

Board Member, performs continually, for

Assistant Principal Double Bass for the

SHANE CHRISTENSEN, Associate Profes-

instance, “Straddling the Line” with Denise

Southwest Symphony Orchestra.

sor of Art, exhibited in “Art Department

Purvis at the Movement and Dance Festival,

Showcase,” DSU Sears Gallery and DSU

Callahan Theatre at Nazareth College in

DEL PARSON, Professor of Art, has had

Art Department April - May 2017. He is

2018; “Moving Forward, Looking Back” at

his art published in a book entitled I Am.

a member of NCECA and the American

the Red Rock Dance Festival in 2017; and

He has completed numerous paintings

Ceramics Society.

“Paint Your Favorite People with Light” at

in the past five years such as Come and

the Vine Summer Series with St. George

See, Abide with Me, Heavenly Mother,

Dance and Mojalet Dance Collective in 2014.

Angel Mother, An Angel Strengthened Him,

LISA CLEMENTS, Adjunct Professor of Art and a member of the St. George

As I Have Loved You, Cedar City Temple,

Dance Company Board, co-produced and

DENNIS MARTINEZ, Professor of Art,

Beloved, Forgiven, Go in Peace, King of

co-directed “Hope of the World, A Dance

exhibited Arrangements: A Survey of

Kings, My Redeemer, Jairus’ Daughter, I

Nativity Concert” at the DSU Eccles Main

Utah Collage at the Utah Arts Council

Will not Leave Thee Comfortless, Light of

Stage in 2018.

Traveling Exhibition Program in 2017. He

Christ, Thy Will, Redeemer, Light of the

exhibited Frames of Reference, a One-Man

World, and Sin No More.

DR. LAUREN DISALVO, Assistant Pro-

Show at Left of Center Art Gallery in Las

fessor of Art History, authored “Situating

Vegas in 2017. He was a Spotlight Artist

DR. RHONDA RHODES, Assistant Pro-

Classical Archaeology in the Midwest: The

at a Printmaking Exhibition with USU’s Art

fessor of Music and President of the Utah

Early History of the University of Missouri’s

Department in 2015. He exhibited Anony-

Music Educators Association, authored

Plaster Cast Collection” in Annual of the

mous Faces: The Homeless, Addicted and

many publications for Utah Music Edu-

Museum of Art and Archaeology in 2015.

Mentally Ill at DSU Eccles Fine Arts Center

cators Journal from 2013–2018: “William

in 2014. He participated in a Regional

Grant (1838–1916) American Fork Pioneer:

Juried Print Exhibition at U of U in 2013.

Passion for Music in Every Situation...and

MCGARREN FLACK, Associate Profes-

I do mean EVERY” ; “Inclusion, Diversity,

sor of Art, has had art widely publicized in publications such as St. George News,

DR. ROBERT MATHESON, Assistant Pro-

Equity and Access in Utah Music Class-

INDA 12 International Drawing Annual,

fessor of Music, performed as a bassist for

rooms” ; “Best IN the World or Best

Dixie Sun Newspaper, Artist Magazine,

both “Prince of Egypt” and “Cinderella”

FOR the World?”; “I Will Always Need

15 Bytes, The Spectrum Newspaper, and

at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts in 2018,

My Teachers”; and “ESSA Title IV Part A

Southwest Art Magazine. He won a 1st

as well as at other events. He performed

Funding; Can it Make a Difference in Your

Place Expressionism Figure Award, a 1st

many solo recitals, for example, “Music for

District?” She wrote a dissertation entitled

Place Political Commentary Award, and a

Double Bass with Interactive Computer”

“Music Education in the Utah Territory

3rd Place Expressionism Figure Award, all

for BassEurope 2018 International Double

(1850–1896)” for Boston University in 2017.

38

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

DR. BRYANT SMITH, Assistant Professor

ELIZABETH STICH, Assistant Professor of

DR. KA-WAI YU, Assistant Professor of

of Music and Director of Bands, authored

Dance, choreographed and performed in

Music, played in more concerts than it is

“The Unique Contributions of Brass Bands

“Starlette,” Aerial Arts of Utah presents

possible to list, for example, cello in “The

in Nineteenth-Century Mormon Culture

Flight of Fancy; Cinematic, Nov. 2018, Rose

Sacred Sounds of Christmas’ Concert”

and Worship” in Journal of Band Research

Wagner Performing Arts Center, Salt Lake

with Emily Workman as soprano in 2018;

in 2015. Some of his performances include

City. She choreographed “Configurations

“DSU String Chamber Recital” with Dixie

For Mary - The Handmaid of the Lord, for

of the Past,” Informal Concert, American

State University Music Faculty and Stu-

Tenor, Violin, and Piano, with Eden Smith

College Dance Association Conference

dents in 2018. He played in “Grand Circle

and Kaden Hancock for a Christmas musical

Western Region, Mar. 2018, Arizona State

New Music Concert,” Grand Circle New

program in St. George in 2018; Around

University, Tempe.

Music, Electric Theater in 2018, in “Fac-

the Sun, for Instruments and Electronics,

ulty Recital” with Dixie State University

performed by the DSU Electro-Acoustic

DR. GLENN WEBB, Assistant Professor of

Music Faculty in 2018, and in “‘World-Re-

Ensemble in 2017; Comet 67P/Churyu-

Music, performed as the house drummer/

nowned Pianist Mykola Suk and Friends’

mov-Gerasimenko, with DSU Woodwind

percussionist at the Tuacahn Center for the

Concert” at Kayenta Center for the Arts,

Quintet plus Comet sound, Harp, and Sax-

Arts from 2014–2018. His most recent pro-

Chamber Music Society of Southern Utah

ophone at Dixie State University in 2016;

ductions are “Prince of Egypt” a Regional

in 2018. He serves as an Honorary Advisory

and The Capstone March, (trans.) by C.J.

Theater Premiere, “Matilda the Musical,”

Council Member for the Southern Nevada

Thomas, performed by the Brigham Young

a Regional Theater Premiere, Rodgers and

Symphony Orchestra, is President-Elect

University Wind Ensemble and the BYU –

Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” and “Fairy Tale

for Utah’s Chapter of the American String

Idaho Symphonic Band in 2014.

Christmas,” “Disney’s Newsies,” “Shrek the

Teachers Association, and is Camp Co-Di-

Musical,” “Mamma Mia,” and “Fairy Tale

rector for Castle Rock Music Camp. He

Christmas,” a World Premiere.

serves as President and Co-Founder for the Cello Society of Southern Utah and as Principal Cellist for the Southwest Symphony Orchestra.

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

39

FACULTY RECOGNITION, PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH COLLEGE OF BUSINESS &

DR. JARED DUPREE, Associate Professor of

DR. SHANDON GUBLER, Associate

COMMUNICATION

Communication, co-authored “Evaluating

Professor of Business Management, won

Scholarship Productivity in COAMFTE-

the Distinguished Teaching Award from

DR. VERL ANDERSON, Professor of

Accredited Doctoral Programs: An Update”

DSU in 2018.

Business Management, has published 34

in Journal of Marital & Family Therapy in

journal articles in peer-reviewed interna-

2018. He co-authored Introduction to

DR. ABU KHAN, Assistant Professor of

tional academic journals in the past 4 years

Business with Kendall-Hunt in 2016. He

Accounting and Finance, co-authored “Effi-

and has published four academic text-

authored WholeFIT: Wellness for Life with

ciency, Diversification, and Performance of

books in the past two years. The textbooks

Cedar Forte in 2015. He co-authored

Financial Institutions” with Kabir Hassan

include Human Resource Management­–a

“Developing Culturally Competent

and Neal Marony, under review at Inter-

Transformative Approach published by

Marriage & Family Therapists: Guidelines

national Review of Economics and Finance

Nova in 2018; Humility as Enlightened

for Working with Asian American Indians”

Journal. The essay won the best paper

Leadership published by Nova in 2018,

in American Journal of Family Therapy

award in Financial Markets and Institution

Strategic Human Resource Management

in 2013.

category at SWFA 2015. He co-authored

published by NOVA in 2018; Competi-

“Does Ethics Improve Stock Market

tive Advantage: Strategies, Management,

DR. KRISTY GRAYSON, Assistant Professor

Resilience in Times of Instability?” in the

and Performance published by NOVA in

of Marketing, co-authored “Preliminary

Journal of Economic Systems in 2017. He

2017. He won the Walden University Fac-

Assessment of the Ignatian-Centered DBA

co-authored “Efficiency Value Addition and

ulty Excellence Award for the College of

Program: Building the Next Generation of

Performance of US Bank Merger” with Elias

Management and Technology in 2018.

Ignatian Educators” in Journal of Jesuit

Erragragui and Kabir Hassan in Journal of

He serves on the editorial board of these

Business Education in 2018. She authored

Corporate Ownership and Control in 2016.

journals: International Journal of Trends in

a dissertation entitled “Employee-Based

He won DSU’s Teacher of the Year—Rising

Economics, Management & Technology,

Brand Equity and Word-of-Mouth Product

Star Award in Spring 2018.

International Journal of Public Leadership,

Referrals” for Creighton University in 2018.

Archives of Business Administration and Management, and Technological and Economic Development of Economy Journal.

DR. WILLIAM CHRISTENSEN, Professor of Business Management, co-authored “Creativity and Innovation,” Chapter 7 in Competitive Advantage: Strategies, Management and Performance published by Nova Science in 2017. He co-authored “Innovation,” Chapter 10 Strategic Management in the 21st Century, vol. 2 published

by Praeger in 2013.

40

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

DR. SCOTT LINDSEY, Associate Profes-

the Mormon Digital Awakening: A Study

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

of Identity and Personal Narratives” in

sor of Business, co-authored “Focus and Efficiency in Healthcare Operations: An

DR. ADRIANA BRANDT, Assistant Profes-

Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought

Empirical Study” in Journal of Operations

sor and Department Chair of Education,

in 2014.

Management (Under Review) in 2018.

co-authored “Building Our Professional Capacity” in The Language Educator in

DR. JEFF YULE, Associate Professor

DR. TRAVIS M. SEEGMILLER, SR.,

2018. She co-authored “Foreign Language

of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences,

Associate Professor of Business, serves

Learning in K-12 Classrooms in the United

authored “Addressing Concerns about

as a State Representative for the Utah State

States” for the Encyclopedia of Language

Extinction and Biodiversity by Moving

House of Representatives. He serves on the

and Education, Second and Foreign Lan-

beyond Biology,” a lead review of Ursula

Legislature’s Business & Labor Committee

guage Education, 4th ed. in 2016. She

K. Heise’s Imagining Extinction: The Cul-

overseeing the future of Business Law

co-authored “Using Assessment to Help

tural Meanings of Endangered Species

in Utah; the Government Operations

Learners and Programs Grow” for Lan-

in Quarterly Review of Biology in 2017.

Committee; the interim Committee

guages and Learners: Making the Match,

He co-authored “A Review and Synthesis

on Revenue & Taxation; the Judiciary

5th ed. in 2014.

of Late Pleistocene Extinction Modeling: Progress Delayed by Mismatches between

Committee; and the Appropriations Committee overseeing the budgets for

DR. CHELSEA MCCRACKEN, Assistant

Ecological Realism, Interpretation, and

all of the state’s Social Services initiatives.

Professor of Interdisciplinary Arts and

Methodological Transparency” in Quarterly

He serves as Board Member and Trustee,

Sciences, authored A Grammar of Belep

Review of Biology in 2014.

Intermountain Foundation (IHC), Dixie

with Mouton in 2019. She serves as Senior

Regional Medical Center; Advisory Board

Research Analyst for the Coalition for

Member, State Bank of Southern Utah,

Responsible Home Education.

and Managing Director in Residence of The Executive Leadership Institute at Dixie

DR. NANCY ROSS, Assistant Professor

State University.

of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, has more publications than it is possible to

DR. KYLE WELLS, Dean of the College of

list here. For example, she is co-author

Business & Communication, co-authored

of Where We Must Stand: Ten Years of

Business: Real World Applications with

Feminist Mormon Housewives for Amazon

Al Keller and Jared DuPree published by

CreateSpace in 2018 as well as “Finding

Kendall Hunt in 2015. He co-authored “Do

the Middle Ground: Negotiating Mormon-

Leases Expand Debt Capacity” with James

ism and Gender” in Voices for Equality:

Schallheim and Ryan Whitby in Journal of

Ordain Women and Resurgent Mormon

Corporate Finance, Vol. 23 in 2013. He

Feminism for Greg Kofford Books in 2015.

co-authored “A New Measure for Non-

She co-authored “Mormon Feminists in

debt Tax Shields and the Impact on Debt

Social Media: A Story of Community and

Policy” with James Schallheim, University

Education” in Voices for Equality: Ordain

of Utah, and Madhuparna Kolay, Oregon

Women and Resurgent Mormon Feminism

State University (under review at the Journal

for Greg Kofford Books in 2015. She co-au-

of Banking and Finance).

thored “Mormon Feminist Perspectives on

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

41

FACULTY RECOGNITION, PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH DR. TRAVIS FICKLIN, Assistant Profes-

in 2018. He authored “A Comparative

sor of Health and Human Performance,

Analysis of Wellness in Adulthood Based

BRENDA ARMSTRONG, Assistant Profes-

has an extensive publication list, not all

on High School Athletic Participation” in

sor of Dental Hygiene, authored “Anatomy

of which are listed here. He co-authored

The International Journal of Sport and

and Physiology,” Chapter 3 of Darby’s

“Vicon Validation of the Sawbones M.I.S.

Society in 2017. He authored “Returning

Comprehensive Review of Dental Hygiene,

Knee in Mimicking an Intact and Com-

Youth Sports to the Kids” in Parks and

8th ed. with Elsevier in 2016. She won Utah

promised Anterior Cruciate Ligament” in

Recreation Magazine in 2016. He won

Dental Hygienists’ Association Outstanding

Athletic Training and Sports Health Care

Outstanding Academic Professional,

Student Mentor for 2018. She was a DSU

in 2018. He co-authored “A Comparison

Utah Recreation and Park Association.

College of Health Sciences Distinguished

of Base Running Techniques in Baseball,

He was a Moderator, NRPA Research

Faculty Service Nominee in 2017 & 2018.

with Implications for Sliding into First Base”

Sessions – National Recreation and Park

She served as Chair Elect for Utah Oral

in Journal of Sport and Health Science in

Association Conference and Expo in 2018.

Health Coalition 2017–2018 and as chair

2016. He co-authored “Swing Kinematics

He is an Accreditation Site Visitor, Council

for the organization for 2018–2019. She

Described in Division I Female Softball

on Accreditation for Parks, Recreation,

served as Utah Dental Hygienists’ Associa-

Players” in The Sport Journal in 2015. He

Tourism, and Related Professions - National

tion Utah State Delegate from 2015-2018.

co-authored “Kinematics and Temporal

Recreation and Park Association.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Parameters of the Slap Hitting Technique DR. MACEY BUKER, Assistant Profes-

in Division I Female Softball Players” in

DR. MICHELLE MCDERMOTT, Associate

sor of Population Health, co-authored

The Sport Journal in 2015.

Professor of Nursing, authored her disser-

“Curriculum Evaluation & Improvement

tation “Perceptions of Caring Behaviors in

Model” in The Journal of Health Adminis-

JENNIFER HARRINGTON, Instructor of

Associate Degree Male Nursing Students”

tration Education in 2018. He co-authored

Nursing, co-authored “The Utah Nursing

in 2017. She serves as Co-Chairman Health

“Adding Value to Your Program through

Assistant Core Curriculum Guide” in The

Screenings-Huntsman Senior World Games..

Improved Student Selection” in The Jour-

Utah Nursing Assistant Registry, 1st edition

nal of Health Administration Education in

in 2018. She was awarded Outstanding

DR. JOHN RASMUSSEN, Assistant Pro-

2017. He authored “Memorial Hospital

Achievement, Leadership in Nursing Edu-

fessor of Health Sciences, co-authored

and Changes Related to Accounting for

cation in Fall 2017 from Regis University.

“Cytotoxicity of ZnO Nanoparticles Can

Leases” in Journal of Critical Incidents in

She serves as Faculty Adviser for the Utah

Be Tailored by Modifying Their Surface

2016. He is a member of the following

Student Nurses Association. She serves

Structure: A Green Chemistry Approach

organizations and committees: ACHE,

as Graduate Nursing Student Mentor for

for Safer Nanomaterials” in ACS Sustain-

AUPHA, AUPHA Finance Committee, and

Weber State University. She served as Cur-

able Chemistry and Engineering in 2014.

HMFA Membership Committee.

riculum Revision Committee Member for the Utah Nursing Assistant Registry.

CARA CALVO, Associate Professor of Med-

JUDY A. SCOTT, Assistant Professor of Nursing, authored her dissertation “Nursing

ical Laboratory Sciences, served as National

DR. JOSEPH LOVELL, Assistant Professor

Students’ Service Learning Activities with

Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory

of Recreation and Sports Management,

Older Adults: Effect on Ageism” in 2018.

Science, Accreditation Site Inspection Team

authored “The Role of Youth Sports in

Leader from 2016–2018.

Lifelong Health” in NRPA Book of Abstracts

42

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

LISA WELCH, Associate Professor of Dental

COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES &

DR. BRAD BARRY, Professor of English,

Hygiene, co-authored “Oral Cancer Aware-

SOCIAL SCIENCES

published two poems in the 2016 Route 7

ness Among Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens in Illinois” in Journal of Community

Review: “creosote” and “neighbor hood”.

DR. STEPHEN ARMSTRONG, Professor

Health in 2014. She authored two chapters

of English, authored Paul Bartel: The Life

DR. SARAH BELL, Assistant Professor of

in Clinical Practice of The Dental Hygien-

and Films with McFarland in 2017.

Psychology, has more publications than it

ist with Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott

is possible to list here, including co-author-

Williams & Wilkins in 2017 entitled “Med-

DR. FLORENCE BACABAC, Associate

ing “When, If, and How: Young Women

ical History Review” and “Blood Borne

Professor of English, has authored more

Contend with Orgasmic Absence” in

Diseases.”

publications than it is possible to list here,

The Journal of Sex Research in 2017 and

including “’We Write to Serve’: The Inter-

“Graduate Education in Qualitative Meth-

DREW WILCOX, Assistant Professor and

sections of Service Learning, Grant Writing,

ods in U.S. Psychology: Current Trends

Program Director of Physical Therapy

and the Feminist Rhetorical Agency” for

and Recommendations for the Future”

Assistant Program, authored “Commu-

Composing Feminist Interventions: Activ-

in Qualitative Research in Psychology in

nity Movement” in PT in Motion in 2010.

ism, Engagement, Praxis, edited by Kristine

2017. She co-authored “Sexual Desire in

He serves as a Utah Physical Therapy

Blair and Lee Nickoson, with University

Sexual Minority and Majority Women and

Association Board Member. He served

Press of Colorado/WAC Clearinghouse in

Men: The Multifaceted Sexual Desire Ques-

on the American Physical Therapy Asso-

2019. She authored “Reviewing Conduct

tionnaire” in Archives of Sexual Behavior

ciation awards committee. He served as

Books as Feminist Rhetorical Devices for

in 2017 and “Defining Pleasure: A Focus

an American Physical Therapy Association

Agency Reforms” in Peitho: Journal of the

Group Study of Solitary and Partnered

PTA Caucus Delegate for 2018. He serves

Coalition of Feminist Scholars in the His-

Sexual Pleasure in Queer and Heterosexual

as a Utah PTA Delegate to APTA House

tory of Rhetoric and Composition in 2018.

Women” in Archives of Sexual Behavior in

of Delegates.

She authored “Critical Source Analysis:

2016. She co-authored “A Mixed Methods

Revitalizing Research Within the Frame-

Study of Faculty Attitudes about Qualita-

work of Writing Across the Curriculum” in

tive Research Methods in U.S. Psychology

Journal of Teaching Writing in 2018. She

Graduate Programs,” a report submitted to

was a Presidential Awardee for Community

the Executive Committee of the Society for

Engagement from DSU in 2018. She was a

Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology in 2015.

U-Rock Awardee, Utah Women in Higher Education Network DSU Chapter, 2018.

DR. CHERI CRENSHAW, Associate Pro-

She was Certified Outstanding Contributor

fessor of English, authored several articles

in Reviewing from Computers and Com-

published in Business Communication

position and Elsevier in 2018.​She serves

Quarterly: “Using Design Principles in Rhe-

a manuscript reviewer for Business and

torical Analysis of Business Documents”

Professional Communication Quarterly,

in 2018; “Scholarly Article Presentations

Journal of Business and Technical Commu-

in Business Communications Classes” in

nication, and Computers and Composition:

2017; “Working with Graphics in Word:

An International Journal. She serves as an

An In-Class Exercise” in 2015; “Complet-

Asian Asian American Caucus Member for

ing a Usability Test: Can ‘Real Users’ Use

the National Council of Teachers of English

Your Product?” in 2014, and “Designing

and Conference on College Composition

Stand-Out Resumes Using ‘CARP’” in 2013.

and Communication.

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

43

FACULTY RECOGNITION, PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES &

DR. JOY MCMURRIN, Assistant Profes-

Industrial and Organizational Psychology:

SOCIAL SCIENCES, continued

sor of English, authored her dissertation

Perspectives on Science and Practice in

“Negotiating the Supermarket: A Critical

2017. She co-authored “Gender Differ-

DR. JIM HAENDIGES, Associate Professor

Approach to Nutrition Literacy among

ences in Perceptions of Resources and

of English, authored “Composing Comic

Low-income Consumers” for Texas Tech

Turnover Intentions of Work-Linked Cou-

Books: Reflections on the Making of the

University in 2016. She authored “Out

ples in Masculine Occupations” in Stress

Comic Book, ‘The Amazing Educational

of Time: A Double Feature on Expedi-

and Health in 2017. She won the DSU Dis-

Struggle between Language and Liter-

tious Ethics” in Intercom: The Magazine

tinguished Professor Award in 2018. She

acy’” in Computers & Composition Online

of the Society for Technical Communica-

serves as an Editorial Board Member for

in 2015. He authored “Comic Books and

tors in 2015. She received an honorable

Industrial and Organizational Psychology:

the Rise of Visual Narratives in the Class-

mention for Outstanding Dissertation

Perspectives on Science and Practice.

room” in Reimagining School Reform and

Award in Technical Communication at

Innovation with Sense Publishers in 2014.

the Conference on College Composition

DR. ACE PILKINGTON, Professor of

He serves as a Dixie Montessori Academy

& Communication in 2018.

English and History, has more publica-

Board Member.

tions than it is possible to list here, for DR. SCOTT MILES, Assistant Professor of

example, Opportunities and Perils of

DR. CINDY KING, Assistant Professor of

English as a Second Language, authored

Technologies of the Future forthcoming

English, authored more poems than it is

“Essential Reading 3” with Macmillan

from McFarland. He co-edited Lab Lit:

possible to list here, for example, “When

Education in 2016. He authored “Spaced

Exploring Literary Fictions about Science

Your Mother Asks If You’re Seeing Anyone

vs. Massed Distribution Instruction for L2

with Olga Pilkington forthcoming from

and No Longer Means a Therapist” forth-

Grammar Learning” in 2014. He authored

Lexington. In Lab Lit, he authored “Lab

coming in Watershed Review; “Little Oaths

“Getting Your First Journal Article Pub-

Lit and Science Fiction: Similarities and

& Apologies” forthcoming in The Briar

lished” in TESOL Review in 2013. He

Separations,” “Science Fiction and the

Cliff Review; “Survivor’s Guide to Grief,

authored “Reading All Over the World:

New Trek Timeline,” “Introduction: Toward

Loss, Bereavement, Life-Imploding Trag-

Extensive Reading in Korea” in 2013. He

a ‘Many Texts’ Theory of the Star Trek

edies, and Various Other Kinds of Human

has served as an Extensive Reading Foun-

Multiverse,” and “Conclusion: Is There a

Suffering (Abridged)” forthcoming in The

dation Board Member since 2010.

Future for Star Trek?” He authored “Much

Comstock Review; “Who’s with Me” forth-

Ado about Nothing & Pride and Preju-

coming in The Windsor Review; “Agnostic

DR. KRISTINE OLSON, Associate Profes-

dice: Twin Characters and Parallel Plots”

Front” forthcoming in The Madison Review;

sor of Psychology, co-authored “The Fair

in Much Ado About Nothing forthcoming

“Warp & Weft: Surrender Betsy, Ms. Ross,”

Process Effect in the Classroom: Reduc-

from Layman Poupard Publishing for Gale/

in descant 57 and “Clickbait Elegy” in The

ing the Influence of Grades on Student

Cengage Learning. He authored “Alex the

Sun. She won the Betty Gabehart Prize for

Evaluations of Teachers” forthcoming in

Cat and Alex the Prince” in Paws, Claws,

Poetry, Fall 2018, University of Kentucky.

the Journal of Marketing Education. She

and Magic Tales: The Fellowship of Fan-

She won the Original Writing Competition

co-authored “Insecurity in the Ivory Tower:

tasy in 2018. He authored “Merry Wives

Award for Book-Length Poetry Manuscript,

Direct and Indirect Effects of Budget Cuts,

of Windsor” in Midsummer Magazine in

Fall 2018, Utah Division of Arts & Museums.

Pay Stagnation, and Job Insecurity on

2018. He is a Literary Seminar Director for

She won a Writer’s Residency, Summer

Faculty Performance” in Economic and

the Utah Shakespeare Festival.

2018, Stony Brook University/Southampton

Industrial Democracy in 2017. She co-au-

Writers Conference. She serves as a Blank

thored “This is Our House!” Why Are I-Os

Theatre Artistic Board Member.

Losing at the Gender Disparity Game?” in

44

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

JOAN RUNS THROUGH, Digital Forensics

DR. SHAUNA WIGHT, Assistant Professor

Early Safavid Paintings in the Metropolitan

Crime Lab Assistant Director, co-authored

of English, authored “Literacy Sponsor-

Museum” in Metropolitan Museum of Art

“Varying Instructional Approaches to Phys-

ship in Upward Bound: The Impact of (De)

Journal in 2018. He authored “The Battle

ical Extraction of Mobile Device Memory”

segregation and Peer Dynamics” in Resi-

of Chālderān: Official History and Popular

in the Journal of Digital Forensics, Security

dent Multilingual and Linguistic Minority

Memory” in Iranian Studies in 2017 and “The

and Law in 2017. She coordinated the

Students’ Transitions from High School

Safavid Foundation Myth in the Subaltern

Trade Adjustment Assistance Community

to College with Routledge in 2016. She

Imagination” in Recovering “Lost Voices”:

College and Career Training Grant from

authored “Admitted or Denied: Multilin-

The Role and Depiction of Persianate

2013 to present.

gual Writers Negotiate Admissions Essays”

Subalterns during the Safavid and Afsharid

in The Journal of Adolescent and Adult

Periods forthcoming from Routledge.

DR. MATT SMITH-LAHRMAN, Professor

Literacy in 2017. She co-authored “ESL

of Sociology, authored The Meat Puppets

Writing in Schools” in Handbook of Second

DR. THEDA WREDE, Professor of English,

and the Lyrics of Curt Kirkwood from ‘Meat

and Foreign Language Writing with De

authored the introduction to Special Issue:

Puppets II’ to ‘No Joke!’” with Roman and

Gruyter Mouton in 2016. She is co-chair of

Theorizing Space and Gender in the 21st

Littlefield Press in 2014.

the Commission on Writing Teacher Edu-

Century in Rocky Mountain Review in 2015.

cation for the National Council of Teachers

She authored Myth and Environment in

of English.

Recent Southwestern Literature: Heal-

DR. LUCIA TAYLOR, Assistant Professor

ing Narratives with Lexington Books in

of Spanish, authored “Ellas Opinan: Lucia Taylor Una Malamadre en Utah” for El Club

DR. JOHN WOLFE, Assistant Professor

2014. She authored “Barbara Kingsolver’s

de las Malas Madres in 2015. She authored

of Humanities, co-authored “Rise of the

Flight Behavior: The Sciences in a Post-Fact

“Pregnancy and Motherhood while on the

Necrofauna: The Science, Ethics, and Risks

World” in Lab Lit: A Critical Anthology for

Tenure-Track” for Conditionally Accepted

of De-Extinction,” a review of Rise of the

Lexington Books in 2019 (under review).

in 2015. She serves on the American Coun-

Necrofauna: The Science, Ethics, and Risks

cil on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

of De-Extinction by Britt Wray, with Jeff

DR. JEREMY C. YOUNG, Assistant Pro-

as a program reviewer for CAEP, on the

Yule, in The Quarterly Review of Biology

fessor of History, authored The Age of

American Council on the Teaching of For-

in 2018.

Charisma: Leaders, Followers, and Emo-

eign Languages as a Conference Reviewer,

tions in American Society, 1870–1940 with

on the Utah State Office of Education as

DR. BARRY WOOD, Assistant Professor of

Cambridge in 2017. He serves as Mem-

a Oral Proficiency Examiner, on the Utah

Humanities, has authored more publications

bership Secretary, Society for Historians

Foreign Languages Association as a Board

than it is possible to list here, including The

of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era.

Member, and on UFLA and on the Dual

Adventures of Shah Esmā’il: A Seventeenth-

He serves as H-SHGAPE Listserv Editor,

Language Immersion Bridge Project as a

Century Persian Popular Romance with Brill

Society for Historians of the Gilded Age

Board Member.

in 2018 and “Architectural Inscriptions in

and Progressive Era.

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

45

FACULTY RECOGNITION, PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH COLLEGE OF SCIENCE,

Council on Publications and Communica-

JESSE HICKS, Assistant Professor of

ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

tions; an Editorial Board Member for the

Mathematics, authored a dissertation

SCIREA Journal of Information Science and

entitled “Classification of Spacetimes with

DR. BONNIE BAIN, Adjunct Professor of

Systems Science; and an Editorial Board

Symmetry” in 2016. He authored “The

Biology, co-authored “Helobdella blinni

Member for SCIREA Journal of Mathemat-

Riemann Curvature Tensor, Its Invariants,

sp. n. (Hirundinida, Glossiphoniidae) a New

ics. He is a reviewer for MDPI Journals,

and Their Use in the Classification of

Leech Species Inhabiting Montezuma Well,

Applied and Computational Mathematics,

Spacetimes” in 2015.

Arizona” in ZooKeys in 2017. She co-au-

and Journal of the Mathematics Research.

thored “Images Are Not and Should Not

He is a Member of the International Scien-

DR. ZHENYU JIN, Assistant Professor of

Ever Be Type Specimens: A Rebuttal to Gar-

tific Committee and Editorial Review Board,

Geography, authored “Landscape Change

raffoni and Freitas” in Zootaxa in 2017. She

World Academy of Science, Engineering

Detection Using GIS and Remote Sensing:

co-authored Chapter 12, “Phylum Annelida,

and Technology.

A Study on St. George” in 2018. He co-au-

Class Clitellata, Subclass Oligochaeta” in

thored “Empirical Comparison of Noise

Keys to Nearctic Fauna, Thorp and Covich’s

DR. RICO DEL SESTO, Associate Profes-

Reduction Techniques for NDVI Time-se-

Freshwater Invertebrates, Vol. II, 4th ed.

sor of Chemistry and Department Chair of

ries Based on a New Measure” in ISPRS

with Elsevier in 2016. She co-authored

Physical Sciences, has authored more pub-

Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote

“Hands-On Laboratory Simulation of Evolu-

lications than it is possible to list here; for

Sensing in 2018.

tion: An Investigation of Mutation, Natural

example, he co-authored “Investigations

Selection, and Speciation, American Biol-

into the Scope, Efficacy and Antimicro-

DR. ERIN O’BRIEN, Professor and Chair of

ogy Teacher” in 2014.

bial Mechanism of the Broad-Spectrum

Biological Sciences, serves as a Member-

Antiseptic Choline Geranate” in ACS

at-large for the Utah Academy of Sciences,

DR. VINODH KUMAR CHELLAMUTHU,

Infectious Diseases submitted in 2018. He

Arts, and Letters Board. She also serves as

Assistant Professor of Mathematics,

co-authored “Unprecedented Magnetic

Councilor for the Council on Undergrad-

co-authored “Superlinear Convergence

Behavior in Lanthanide Based Ionic Liquids”

uate Research, Biology Division.

Via Mixed Generalized Quasilineariza-

in Chemical Communications in 2017. He

tion Method and Generalized Monotone

co-authored “Biphasic Extraction, Recovery

DR. BUNA SAMBANDHAM, Assistant Pro-

Method” in Involve, a Journal of Math-

and Identification of Organic and Inorganic

fessor of Mathematics, co-authored “Basic

ematics in 2014. He co-authored “Finite

Compounds with Room Temperature Ionic

Results for Sequential Caputo Fractional

Difference Approximation for Mea-

Liquids” in Ionic Liquids: Current State and

Differential Equations” in Mathematics in

sure-Valued Solutions of a Hierarchically

Future Directions, ACS Symposium Series

2015. She co-authored “Numerical Results

Size-Structured Population Model” in Math-

1250 in 2017. He co-authored “Choline

for Linear Caputo Fractional Differential

ematical Biosciences and Engineering in

and Geranate Deep Eutectic Solvent as

Equations with Variable Coeffecients and

2015. He co-authored “A Model for the

a Broad-spectrum Antiseptic Agent for

Applications” in Neural, Parallel, and

Interaction of Frog Population Dynamics

Preventive and Therapeutic Applications”

Scientific Computations in 2015. She co-au-

with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Jan-

in Advanced Healthcare Materials in 2016.

thored “Laplace Transform Method for

thinobacterium lividum and Temperature

He is co-Founder and co-Organizer of the

Sequential Caputo Fractional Differential

and its Implication for Chytridiomycosis

SG BioTech Coalition.

Equations” in MESA in 2016. She co-au-

Management” in Ecological Modelling in

thored “Generalized Monotone Method

2016. He is an Editor for the Department

DR. MARTINA GASPARI, Assistant Pro-

for Sequential Caputo Fractional Boundary

of Education & Research, International

fessor of Biological Sciences, co-authored

Value Problems” in Journal of Advances in

Digital Library; an Appointed Member for

“Human Telomerase RNA Processing and

Applied Mathematics in 2016. She co-au-

the Mathematical Association of America

Quality Control” in Cell Rep in 2015.

thored “Generalized Monotone Method

46

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

for Sequential Caputo Fractional Boundary

DR. GEOFFREY SMITH, Assistant Profes-

Value Problems with Numerical methods,

sor of Biology, authored more publications

(In Preparation)” in 2018. She co-authored

than it is possible to list here; for example,

“Numerical Methods for Caputo Fractional

he co-authored Life-History Differences

Differential Equations using Laplace Trans-

Across a Latitudinal Gradient in Common

form Methods” (In Preparation) in 2018.

Side-Blotched Lizards (Uta Stansburi-

She is Second Vice Chair for the Mathemat-

ana), in review, in 2018. He co-authored

ical Association of America, Intermountain

“Demographic and Temporal Variations

Section. She is the Project Next Fellow for

in Immunity and Condition of Polar Bears

the Mathematical Association of America.

(Ursus Maritimus) from the Southern

She is the Founder of the Association for

Beaufort Sea” in Journal of Experimental

Women in Mathematics, Student Chapter,

Zoology in 2017. He co-authored “Phys-

at DSU.

iological Trade-offs in Lizards: Costs for Individuals and Populations” in Integra-

DR. WENDY SCHATZBERG, Assistant

tive and Comparative Biology in 2017.

Professor of Chemistry, co-authored Interna-

He co-authored “Metabolic Responses

tional Perspectives in Chemistry Education

to Immune Challenges: Reevaluating

with ACS Press in 2018. She authored Physi-

the Energetics of Immunity” in Jour-

cal Chemistry I and II Laboratory Manuals for

nal of Comparative Physiology in 2017.

Dixie State University in 2017. She authored

He co-authored “Limited Physiological

General Chemistry I and II Laboratory Man-

Consequences of Parasitic Infection in

uals for Dixie State University in 2015. She

Side-Blotched Lizards” in Physiological

co-authored Identifying Chemistry Labo-

and Biochemical Zoology in 2017.

ratory Safety Conceptions for the National Association for Research in Science Teaching

D R . M C K AY S U L L I VA N , Assistant

in 2011. She is the Committee Chair for

Professor of Mathematics, co-authored

American Chemical Society, International

“Twisted Logarithmic Modules of Lattice

Relations. She is a symposium organizer for

Vertex Algebras” in Transactions of

the ACS National Meeting. She is an ETS

the American Mathematical Society in

Advanced Placement Chemistry Reader

2018. He co-authored “Inhomogeneous

and Question Developer. She is a Multi-

Supersymmetric Bilinear Forms” in

State Collaborative University Assessment

Contemporary Mathematics in 2018.

University and State Leader. She is an ACS

He co-authored “Twisted Logarithmic

Chemistry Education International Commit-

Modules of Free Field Algebras” in

tee Member. She is a Chemistry Education

Journal of Mathematical Physics in 2016.

Programming Committee Member. She

He co-authored “2-Recognizeable Classes

is an article reviewer for NARST and ACS

of Leibniz Algebras” in Journal of Algebra

Journal of Chemical Education.

in 2015.

Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

47

STAFF RECOGNITION, PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH SYLVIA BRADSHAW, Director of Spon-

DR. NANCY HAUCK, Associate Provost

KIM SEAICH, Director of Payroll, won

sored Programs, authored “No ERA?

for Community and Global Engagement,

DSU’s Staff Member of the Year Award

You’re Not Alone: Utilizing a Collabora-

co-authored Utah Women in Leadership

in 2018.

tive Purchase to Conquer the Price Point

in Higher Education: Exploring Potential

Woes” in National Council of Research

Barriers of Career Advancement (under

LESLIE TWITCHELL, Administrative

Administrators, NCURA Magazine in 2018.

rev i ew ) i n 2 0 1 9 . S h e c o - a u t h o re d

Assistant for English, authored “Signs of

She won the Inaugural National Scholarship

Trailblazer Connections Course Evaluation

Terror” for The Southern Quill in 2018. She

Award, August 2018, National Council

(under review) in 2019. She is a Utah

authored “Letter to the Editor: Concealed

of University Research Administrators

State Science Education Coordinating

Weapon Carriers on Campus Shouldn’t

(NCURA).

Committee Member and a 2010–2019

Equal Sense of Security” in Dixie Sun

Utah Career & Technical Education

News in 2017.

JESSICA DAVIS, Director of Quantitative

Directors Member. She serves as both

Literacy Completion, Mathematics, won

a USHE General Education Task Force

DON WILLIE, Executive Director of the

DSU’s Staff Member of the Year - Rising

Member and a USHE High Impact

Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneur-

Star in 2018.

Practices Task Force Member.

ship Center, serves as a board member for Utah Alliance for Economic Development

DEBORAH DECKER, Assistant Director of

RYAN HOBBS, Director of Digital &

Advisement, authored a book review for

Extended Learning, serves as Utah

Enhancing Student Learning and Develop-

Teaching Technology Council (UTTC)

ment in Cross Border Higher Education by

Chair-Elect, as a UEN Advisory Council

Dennis C. Roberts and Susan R. Komives

Member, and as a USHE CAN-U Advisory

(Eds.) in 2017.

Council Member.

DR. BRUCE HARRIS, Associate Provost for

KEITH R. KELSCH, Admissions Advisor/

Faculty Affairs, co-authored Leading and

Recruiter, authored The Political Optimist:

Managing e-Learning: What the e-Learn-

The Restoration of Common Consent with

ing Leader Needs to Know with Springer

Vision Impact in 2016.

in 2018. He co-authored “Incorporating Self-Regulated Learning Strategies in

TAMBER MCALLISTER, Women’s Swim-

Online Courses” in Real Life Distance Edu-

ming Head Coach, served as a CSCAA

cation with Information Age Publishing in

Awards Committee Member and a CSCAA

2014. He received the Division of Distance

Division II Women’s Award Committee

Learning (DDL) Distance Education Book

Member.

Award from the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Division

KELLY PETERSON-FAIRCHILD, Dean of the

of Distance Learning. He serves as Chair

Library, serves as NWCCU Peer Evaluator.

for the Utah System of Higher Education Teaching & Learning Group

48

dixie.edu |

active learning. active life.

and Emerging Leaders Initiative.

Dr. Ace Pilkington: Prolific Scholar, Accomplished Director, Beloved English and History Professor

by Dr. Cheri Crenshaw, Interim Dean, College of Humanities & Social Sciences The late Dr. Ace Pilkington, Professor of English

laughter would begin to follow

dents for over 40 years and the literary seminar

finals began to approach, his jokes

and History, was a favorite instructor of DSU studirector at the Utah Shakespeare Festival at SUU

for over 30 years. He was a loving husband and intellectual partner to Dr. Olga Pilkington, who

is an Assistant Professor of English here at DSU and a frequent co-author in his scholarly work. He

was a prolific, almost eclectic, scholar with publi-

cations on subjects ranging from Shakespeare to

science fiction. His varied interests meant students

his quips. Eventually, by the time no longer were met with blank

stares. [Students would] be laughing along with him.” Pilkington had an unmatchable charisma that

translated into engaging learning experiences for students fortunate enough to take one of his classes.

His colleagues at DSU valued

loved his history classes as much as they loved his

Pilkington as well, again mentioning his care for others and his humor.

to the university such as helping to establish The

Ace was willing to stop what he was doing in order to have a con-

folklore classes. He made profound contributions Southern Quill, DSU’s literary magazine, in its early

years. His passing on February 20, 2019, leaves us with a sense of profound sadness.

His enthusiasm for teaching, his intelligence,

and his humor are well known. Former student

Dr. Brad Barry, Professor of English, says, “It always seemed that

versation with anyone who stopped by his office. Though I only had a few conversations with Ace, he always seemed genuine, sincere,

and thoughtful­—and so often he was able to thread a bit of humor through any conversation.”

Other faculty describe similar positive experiences. For instance,

Leslie Twitchell says, “Dr. Pilkington was, without

Dr. Randy Jasmine, Professor of English, describes the time he attended

for history is what really drew me to his classes.

members at a discussion session regarding the previous night’s play.

a doubt, one of my favorite professors. His love

His immense knowledge on the subjects he taught

made class interesting, especially when he shared fascinating details about the lives of certain histor-

ical figures. He had a fantastic sense of humor and definitely had strong opinions about certain histor-

ical events and people, and students loved him for it. Dr. Pilkington's enthusiasm was contagious.”

Another former student, Braxton Thornley,

describes Pilkington’s “mischievous grin” and

the Utah Shakespeare Festival where Pilkington met with audience

Jasmine says, “One of the audience members commented that she saw a certain character in the play in a certain way. Because it was a show

and not an academic class, I thought Ace would say something like,

‘that is an interesting response.’ Instead, he explained to the woman why the response was off base, and he offered a more in depth inter-

pretation. To my surprise, instead of being offended, the audience member enjoyed the interaction and told Ace, ‘You’re the reason we come here!’”

Ace Pilkington had a tremendous impact on his students, his col-

the slow reaction to his humor. At first, Thornley

leagues, and on those who attended his plays. His classes were always

of punchlines built on folklore, Shakespeare, and

and a loving husband. DSU was a richer place for his presence. He has

says, students met the jokes “laced with a variety sci-fi films” with little to no response. Thornley

continues, “Undeterred, Dr. Pilkington would press on, his stories shoring up lectures and read-

ings until, right around mid-terms, his students'

full. He was a true favorite with students. He was a prolific scholar

left a legacy of people who love Shakespeare, literature, and history more because he was once here. Twitchell sums up our loss well: “I will miss his positive energy, infectious laugh, and love of teaching.”

And, so will we all.



Academic Report 2019

| Dixie State University

51

U.S. Postage PAID Non-Profit Org. PERMIT NO. 36 Provo, UT

225 South University Avenue St. George, UT 84770 435.652.7500 dixie.edu

Founded as St. George Stake Academy on Main Street

1911

Admitted to the Utah System of Higher Education

Begins offering 4-year degrees

1935

1923

2018

2000

1963

Becomes Dixie Junior College

Approved to offer its first graduate program

Moves to current campus

2013

Receives university status from the Utah State Legislature

2019

9,950 students enrolled

4

master’s degrees*

45

bachelor’s degrees*

11

associate’s degrees

67 2,100%

degree emphases

growth in academic programs since 1999

* pending approval

180+ international students

21:1 student-to-faculty ratio

84%

#1

of students are offered grants, scholarships, or financial aid

Utah’s most affordable university