Dixie State University Magazine Spring 2020

magazine DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE | SPRING 2020

Pioneering Pathways Since 1911

DSU Magazine - Spring 2020

Editor-in-Chief Stacy Schmidt, ’91

Art Director Scott Garrett, ’15

Illustration & Design Scott Garrett, ’15 Tori Lewis, ’18 Adriana Howard, ’18 Valerie De La O Tina Berrett Ashley Epperson Kilee Allsop

Photography Scott Garrett, ’15 Alex Santiago Matt Black, ’14 Stan Plewe Skye Amanda Clayton, ’18 BYU Photo David A. Woodcock, Washington City Mark Davidson Photography The Dream Factory | Rose Gold Media

Writers Stacy Schmidt, ’91 Jyl Hall Henrie Walton Brett Coleman Skye Amanda Clayton, ’18 Jordan Parkinson Amelia Goebel Betty Barnum Steve Johnson

Copy Editors Jyl Hall Dr. Jordon Sharp Marilyn Lamoreaux Deborah Millet, ’75 Brett Coleman Jordan Parkinson Amelia Goebel Skye Amanda Clayton, ’18

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Featured on the cover, DSU student Barry Snow, great-great-great-nephew of Dixie’s first student, Samuel Brooks.

ON THE COVER Pioneering Pathways Since 1911 Since its establishment in 1911, Dixie State University has experienced explosive growth while maintaining a personal connection with students.

DEPARTMENTS

Feedback

2 President’s Message

stacy.schmidt@dixie.edu 435-879-4412

3 DSU in the News

Update Contact Information alumni.dixie.edu/update-your-records

11 Hot on the Trail 22 active learning. active life.

24 Focal Point 41 Alumni Message

TABLE OF TITLE CONTENTS HERE

FEATURES 6 Welcome to Greater Zion Dixie State University and Washington County launch a strategic marketing partnership to benefit area residents, visitors, and the University.

28 Inventing our Future Dixie State students contribute to the more than 100 patents filed to date through DSU’s Atwood Innovation Plaza.

33 Netting History Trailblazer Women’s Soccer and other DSU teams leave their mark on the University’s final Division II season and are ready to enter the Division I era with a bang.

41 Honoring Evening of Dixie Awardees Dixie State alumni and friends of the University will be honored at Evening of Dixie for their extraordinary impact on DSU and the community.

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33 #ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu •

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Trailblazer Nation As the academic year was getting underway this fall, I anticipated that 2019-20 would be a banner year for Dixie State University. Now, as you flip through the pages ahead and read about the milestones we’ve accomplished this semester, I’m confident you’ll agree my projection was accurate.

A highlight of this year has been welcoming the largest student body in Dixie State University’s history onto our beautiful campus.

To ensure the more than 11,000 students who make up Trailblazer Nation have access to the degrees they desire and the support they need to succeed, we are adding academic programs at a record pace. In the six months since the last issue of DSU Magazine hit your mailbox, we have received approval to offer baccalaureate degrees in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Respiratory Therapy, Information Technology, and Earth, Energy, & Environmental Sciences.

These programs directly address the area’s most dire workforce needs by offering instruction in emerging fields and preparing our students to launch their careers right here in St. George. On page 16, read more about how far our dear Dixie school has come since it was founded in 1911.

In another step forward this semester, the University entered into a strategic marketing agreement with Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office that, in part, resulted in a new name for Trailblazer Stadium. I look forward to cheering on the Trailblazers and attending community events in Greater Zion Stadium. Turn to page 6 to learn how the Convention & Tourism Office are teaming up to encourage the community to “Inspire Greater. Experience Greater. Live Greater.”

Our dedication to expanding the University’s resources and opportunities serves one singular purpose — to support our amazing students. For example, the budding entrepreneurs highlighted on page 28 have taken advantage of the services available at Atwood Innovation Plaza and are not only realizing their dreams, but making an impact in the business world in a significant way.

While Dixie State is experiencing exponential growth, the campus community is still honoring our commitment to delivering personalized “active learning. active life.” experiences to our students. Students are able to explore our backyard or travel halfway across the globe through a variety of study abroad programs that are depicted on page 22.

Thanks to our fantastic community and amazing students — past and present — more growth is on the horizon for Dixie State. Support like this truly makes every day a great day to be a Trailblazer!

Richard B. Williams President, Dixie State University

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• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

DSU IN THE NEWS Department of Public Safety Earns National Recognition In comparison to 4,298 accredited higher-education institutions in the nation, Dixie State’s Department of Public Safety ranked third on the 2020 Safe Campus Top 25 list for improving campus safety. The department was recognized for its achievements in encouraging a safe campus environment.

The accrediting program evaluated the department and determined the manner in which it follows its policies and procedures, keeps evidence and records, and conducts training, meets or exceeds the industry’s standard of best practices.

“This recognition shows that President Williams, University administration, and our entire Trailblazer Nation have worked diligently toward safety on campus,” DSU Chief of Police Blair Barfuss said. “We believe this is just the beginning of our community policing program, and we look forward to what our DSU community can accomplish in safety and security in the future.”

The Police Department also made news this academic year when it hired its first female police officer, Mikaela Vega, who graduated from Utah Peace Officers Standards and Training’s Police Academy in November. Campus officers traveled to Northern Utah to support her and welcome her to the team.

Additionally, DSU’s Police Department successfully completed the Utah Law Enforcement Professional Standards Accreditation Program this fall, earning accreditation until 2024. DSU’s department is the only campus agency in the state and one of seven law enforcement agencies overall to earn the accreditation.

“It was such a great experience,” Vega said. “My mom, sister, dad, and best friend were all there as well as most of the DSU Police Department. Having everyone there was a big moment for me. It was really awesome to have that support.”

Vega is the victim services specialist, a new position created to better represent and assist victims of crime, including sexual assault. “It will be super beneficial having someone on campus help people out right then and there when they need that support,” Vega said.

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu •

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DSU IN THE NEWS

U.S. News Includes DSU on Lists of Best Colleges Based on its strong performance in 15 areas of academic excellence, Dixie State has been ranked on U.S. News’ 2020 lists of the best colleges and universities in the nation.

Dixie State was ranked 25th in the Regional Colleges West category, a division the University was placed in for focusing on undergraduate degrees and offering academic programs beyond liberal arts disciplines. More specifically, DSU finished 6th among public schools in the Regional Colleges West category. This year, U.S. News divided 1,800 regionally accredited institutions into 10 different categories to produce 10 independent rankings.

“It’s an honor to be ranked so high among the regional colleges in the West,” President Richard B. Williams said. “Our team continually expands and improves the academic offerings and student-life experiences and this ranking is a true reflection of our collective commitment to student success.”

To rank the institutions within each category, U.S. News looked at a variety of academic standards, such as retention and graduation rates, student excellence, assessments from peer institutions’ administrators, faculty strength, and alumni giving.

Dixie Classic Raises Nearly $100,000 for Athletics’ Transition to D-I Golfers who played in the 30th annual Dixie Classic Golf Tournament are helping Dixie State Athletics transition to Division I. The tournament, hosted by Dixie State University Foundation, raised nearly $100,000 for student-athlete scholarships and support. These contributions will help the University meet its goal to raise $1.5 million for the Trailblazers’ transition to the Western Athletic Conference this July.

“We couldn’t be more grateful for the support,” Tournament Director Lance Brown said. “This is such a special event that does so much good. We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.”

The tournament featured two days of golf at Sunbrook Golf Course, a golf clinic and private dinner with local PGA star Tony Finau, and a comedy show by nationally renowned comedian Henry Cho. The winning tournament team included longtime participants from the Ames family – Lynn, Landon, Kevin, and Kip.

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• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY PRESENTS APRIL 6-11, 2020

FOR A FULL EVENT SCHEDULE AND DETAILS, VISIT DIXIE.EDU/DWEEK SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING | OCT. 19-24, 2020

Welcome to

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• Dixie State University Magazine • Fall 20192020 Spring

AND

DIXIE STATE UNIVERSITY WASHINGTON COUNTY FORGE A

Trailblazing

PA R T N E R S H I P

S T O RY BY H E N R I E WA LT O N

|

This year, Washington County and Dixie State University joined together to launch a one-of-a-kind strategic marketing partnership that promises to benefit area residents, visitors, and the University alike.

The $10 million agreement, spanning over 20 years, will rename Trailblazer Stadium to Greater Zion Stadium and also leverage other resources to draw more visitors to Washington County.

“This is a win-win-win strategy, and we think it will bring untold benefits to our communities in the years to come,” Director of Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office Kevin Lewis said. The story and details behind this agreement highlight the trailblazing spirit of Washington County and the many ways residents will benefit from this historic agreement.

D E S I G N BY A D R I A N A H O WA R D, ’ 1 8

THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP When Washington County rebranded its office of tourism to become the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office in early 2019, DSU President Richard B. Williams said he knew the stars were aligning. “I attended the county’s rebrand event, and it quickly became apparent to me that Greater Zion aligned perfectly with DSU’s ‘active learning. active life.’ approach to education.”

More than anywhere else in the world, Southern Utah boasts an environment full of natural beauty and recreational opportunity. DSU’s focus on active learning complements Greater Zion’s mission to “Inspire Greater. Experience Greater. Live Greater.”

“We have always seen the county as a partner, but this was an opportunity to take the relationship to a new level,” President Williams said.

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu •

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“

WE HAVE ALWAYS SEEN THE COUNTY AS A

”

PARTNER, BUT THIS WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO

TAKE THE RELATIONSHIP TO A

new level

-PRESIDENT WILLIAMS

Further accenting the partnership, both Dixie State and Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office recently developed new, exciting brands. While DSU’s Trailblazer and Washington County’s Greater Zion identities have taken hold in Southern Utah, the next task is elevating these brands to a national audience.

“The county has built something incredible with their brand, and now our mission is to help share it with the world,” DSU’s Vice President of Marketing & Communication Dr. Jordon Sharp said. “At DSU, our focus is on educating, so our role in this partnership is to help educate prospective visitors on all that Southern Utah offers.”

A WIN-WIN-WIN Over the 20-year contract, Greater Zion will invest $500,000 annually for strategic marketing programs directed at DSU’s core audiences. This investment will result in more than $2 million in marketing exposure each year for Greater Zion through digital networks, corporate sponsorships, I-15 exposure, traditional media, and other marketing tactics.

Additionally, the Convention & Tourism Office will

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• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

establish a visitor center at the stadium, with information kiosks at other key locations on campus, to showcase the area and promote visitor activities to the large number of event attendees on the Dixie State campus.

With the marketing dollars that Washington County is investing, Dixie State University plans to conduct major renovations to the west grandstand at Greater Zion Stadium. Plans call for a twostory addition that will include a state-of-the-art press box, event space, and visitor suites.

These enhancements will significantly increase economic impact by attracting more athletic, entertainment, and community events to Southern Utah. Enhanced facilities at the University open the door for the Tourism Office to attract audiences and events that are not currently accessible.

GREATER ZION

“In my view, the best thing about this partnership is that the funds do not come from our local residents. What’s more, this plan invests revenues we collect from visitors back into our local economy,” Washington County Commissioner Dean Cox said.

Traditionally, marketing funds from the county’s tourism budget are spent outside of the area in order to attract visitors to the region. The Greater Zion-DSU partnership leverages assets to keep those dollars local. “This deal allows us to market Greater Zion to potential visitors and support our community partners at DSU.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

Office targets. Additionally, Lewis noted, the growth of the region will multiply the value of the partnership over time. “We are confident that DSU’s rise will only boost the marketing value of this partnership during the next 20 years.”

Earlier this spring, DSU received authority to begin construction on the west grandstand renovation of Greater Zion Stadium. It is expected to be completed in time for the 2021 football season, when DSU will play host to one of its new Division I rivals – Weber State University. “We can’t wait to welcome the Wildcats to a brand-new Greater Zion Stadium. It’ll be an exciting way to cement new in-state rivalries,” DSU’s Director of Athletics Dr. Jason Boothe said.

Dixie State University’s move to Division I athletics in the summer of 2020 promises to further transform the relationship with Washington County.

The Western Athletic Conference is made up of teams across the western United States — exactly the region the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu •

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EXERCISE • MOTIVATE • EDUCATE THROUGH DSU’S PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT PROGRAM

Physical therapist assistants help transform society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience. Whereas opioids only mask the sensation of pain, physical therapists and assistants treat pain through movement, hands-on care, exercise, and patient education.

The average starting wage for a physical therapist assistant ranges between

$45,000 AND $50,000 PER YEAR.

THE TWO-YEAR PROGRAM

culminates in an associate degree that leads to a rewarding career in physical therapy.

100% OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE GRADUATED FROM THE PROGRAM Our graduates have achieved a 100% ultimate licensure examination pass rate. Additionally, within six months of passing the exam, 100% of our graduates who have sought work have found employment as a physical therapist assistant.

DSU offers a pathway to a Bachelor of Applied Science in Health Administration for students who have graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapist Assistant that can be completed in 4 semesters completely online.

Learn more and apply at health.dixie.edu/physical-therapist-assistant

10 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

HOT ON THE TRAIL C ATC H I N G U P W I T H D I X I E A L U M N I

S TO R I E S B Y S TA C Y S C H M I D T , ’ 9 1 , JORDAN PARKINSON, & BRETT COLEMAN DESIGN BY ASHLEY EPPERSON

“WE’VE ALWAYS LOVED DIXIE AND LOOKED FOR WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE DOWN THE ROAD.”

Dr. Craig and Maureen Booth, ’66 & ’67 Over half a century ago, Craig “Doc” Booth proposed to his wife, Maureen, in front of Dixie’s Fine Arts building on campus. It only made sense for this memorable moment to occur in a space that meant a lot to them.

Doc and Maureen have been connected to Dixie since childhood. Growing up close to campus, they both knew they wanted to attend Dixie.

“It was never even a question,” Doc said.

“All my family had come here. We played around the college, growing up just a block away from the downtown campus.” This legacy continues on, as all five of their children have attended Dixie State and they currently have a granddaughter attending as well.

“We’ve always loved Dixie and looked for ways to contribute to make a difference down the road,” Doc said. Most recently, recognizing a growing need, the Booths contributed to the health and counseling center on campus, now called the Booth

Wellness Center. Doc also spends a few days a week there, seeing patients and oftentimes treating students that he once delivered as babies.

After his education at Dixie, Doc attended the University of Utah School of Medicine and then completed his post-graduate internship in general surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 1973, he returned home to St. George to work as a general practitioner and deliver babies – approximately 2,500 of them over the years. In 1987, he became the first medical director in town for Dixie Regional Medical Center.

Maureen, who graduated from Dixie and then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Utah University, was a member of Dixie State’s Board of Trustees when Dixie evolved from a two-year college to a four-year state college. “It was quite a process, but here we are now, a university, and it’s great!”

Based on her experiences at Dixie, both as a student and a board member, Maureen urges students to get involved. “The more you get involved, the more you like it, and the more it means to you.” Maureen exemplified this. “I have always loved Dixie. I was on the D-Day Royalty and we even got engaged the night of the dance.”

Doc and Maureen also started the Booth Honors Program as part of their commitment to academics and to keep top students at DSU. The program, which gives students a chance to take classes and find emphases in areas outside their majors, has more than 125 students currently enrolled. Additionally, two of the more than 50 program graduates are now in medical school.

Today, the Booths’ commitment to each other as well as the institution remains strong. “We’re not a perfect school, but we’re better than anything I’ve ever seen,” Doc said. #IWentToDixie • www.dixie.edu •

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HOT ON THE TRAIL

Marcus Banks, ’01 Marcus Banks has lived an action-packed life and has no plans of slowing down.

He grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, before spending his first two years of college playing basketball at Dixie Junior College, starting at just 16 years old. It was a bit of a culture shift moving to St. George, but Banks grew to love it. He also got to play the sport he loved with all his heart.

“Dixie and St. George are home for me,” Banks said. “It’s the first place that gave me the opportunity at life.”

Banks enjoyed a successful basketball career at Dixie State and was later inducted into the Dixie State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011.

After completing his college career at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he was drafted into the NBA in 2003 by the Memphis Grizzlies, and was then traded to the Boston Celtics. He has also played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and New Orleans Hornets during his years in the league.

Banks retired from the NBA in 2016 but is not letting go of basketball. He is still in the gym every day and focuses on mentoring and passing down everything he knows to youth who are interested in the sport.

To do this, Banks is starting the MB3 Academy, powered by The Institute of Human Performance. It is important to him to commit his time and expertise to

“DIXIE AND ST. GEORGE ARE HOME FOR ME. IT’S THE FIRST PLACE THAT GAVE ME THE OPPORTUNITY AT LIFE.”

12 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

helping student-athletes develop successful performance habits. His goal is to build better individuals overall, not just athletes, with the MB3 Academy.

“It’s for kids and teaching them how to be a professional or how to be disciplined in nutrition, with their health, or with their performance,” Banks said. “It’s a great partnership. It’s just getting started and will be big in Las Vegas.”

Banks also hopes to spread the amazing resources of the MB3 Academy to Southern Utah one day.

“I appreciate the love and support that St. George has brought to me,” Banks said. “If anything is needed by me, Dixie is first and foremost home and I’d be sure to make that happen.”

HOT ON THE TRAIL

“JUST MAKE ONE DECISION AT A TIME AND DO WHAT’S RIGHT. I LEARNED THAT AT DIXIE.”

Bill Nisson, ’76 Bill Nisson, successful entrepreneur and founder of multi-million-dollar company Siskin Enterprises Inc., lives by a simple value that has served him well over the years.

“Treat people right.”

Part of what led Nisson into his field was noticing people not being treated right.

Believing that customer service is key in any business, he thought “If I go into business and treat people right, I win the day. Just make one decision at a time and do what’s right.”

“I learned that at Dixie,” he added.

Nisson attended Dixie College in the mid 70s after a few years of working and serving in the United States Air Force.

Immersing himself in the Dixie Spirit, he got involved in the Program Bureau and was elected student body president for the

1975-76 academic year. In this role, he had the opportunity to serve on the selection committee for University President Rolfe Kerr, who was later instrumental in helping Nisson obtain a scholarship to Utah State University after graduating from Dixie.

Nisson started his business at age 28 with some venture capital from Blaine Huntsman, the dean of the School of Business at the University of Utah at the time. Before that, he sought a lot of advice on how to start a company. “People told me ‘You can’t do that. You’ll never make it.’ But I didn’t listen to the naysayers. There was no other way but up. So, I borrowed money and went and did it.”

Since then, Siskin Enterprises Inc. – a financial warranty line of innovative vehicle protection products and service programs – has grown to include thousands of new car dealers around the country.

Nisson said part of the key to his journey was getting a broad range of education to determine his passion. “It’s a long life so find something you like. I always knew I wanted to run a business or own a business, and I took something from each job as well as my education and made it happen.”

Now, Nisson and his wife, Happy, spend time golfing, playing pickleball, biking, driving one of his prized sports cars, and enjoying their time living in St. George as well as Palm Desert, California. Although he stays involved in the business, he has empowered many of his children to take the company reigns while he enjoys retirement.

“I’ve been so blessed and so fortunate – I’m very lucky to do what I do and have as much fun as I have,” he said.

#IWentToDixie • www.dixie.edu • 13

HOT ON THE TRAIL

Tiffany Larkin Wilson, ’86 Filled with enthusiasm, drive, and passion, Tiffany Larkin Wilson strives to live a life full of involvement. These traits have led her to being a successful business owner, advocate for women in leadership, and visionary for continued growth.

During her time at Dixie College, Wilson took every opportunity to be involved and, in the process, made lifelong friends. As a freshman, she was a Rebelette, where she and her friends got to perform at the 1985 NJCAA basketball finals. During her sophomore year, she served as a member of the Associated Students of Dixie College Executive Council, and was also selected as Miss Dixie College in 1986. Wilson’s involvement while attending Dixie College and being a St. George native created pillars for her longstanding commitment to DSU. “The key is involvement – it’s the key to everything, especially to your memories,” Wilson shared. “We aren’t living our

full experience of life when we don’t get involved.”

Wilson’s passion for involvement didn’t end at her graduation from Dixie. While raising her four children, Wilson became an accomplished entrepreneur in the online retail business, and was a violinist at the Manchester Symphony Orchestra in Connecticut. Upon moving back to the St. George community, she became a member of St. George Musical Theater’s Board of Directors, the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, and Dixie State’s Board of Trustees.

“Being a Trustee has been the most rewarding, exhilarating ‘job’ I’ve ever had.

The opportunity to spend time with the students and the incredible faculty, staff, and administration has supercharged my Dixie Spirit,” Wilson said. “There never could have been a better time to be a part

of this, as President Williams continues to be an incredibly gifted and visionary leader who is fostering growth for Dixie State.”

Wilson’s time as a Trustee has not only sparked her love for Dixie, but it’s also given her greater purpose and vision now as she’s headed back to school to finish her master’s degree.

“I always planned on getting a master’s degree, and now that I’m at the opening of the second act of my life, it’s time,” Wilson shared. “I’ll be studying organizational leadership, and the whole reason is so that I can be better equipped to give back, empower others, and serve our community.”

There is no doubt that Wilson will continue to support our great community and University. As she has said, it’s in her blood and the Dixie Spirit runs deep.

“THE KEY IS INVOLVEMENT – IT’S THE KEY TO EVERYTHING, ESPECIALLY TO YOUR MEMORIES.”

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EARN A DEGREE IN THE SCIENCES AT DSU Open doors to a wide variety of exciting career fields

BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

Chemistry Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences

Several options for associate degrees, minors, and certificates also available

• Experience active learning in classroom labs and beautiful outdoor laboratories • Receive personalized attention in small class settings • Engage in research experience in the regional outdoors

“The research atmosphere at DSU is wonderful. Professors are ready to work right alongside their research groups while allowing the students to have incredible growth opportunities.”

— DSU Student Andrew Arslanian “I worked with phenomenal professors at DSU. They encouraged me to make connections and guided me to enter graduate school in chemistry.” ­— DSU Student Autumn Wyatt

For more information, visit science.dixie.edu or contact David Burr, physical science advisor, at dburr@dixie.edu #TheDixieLife • www.dixie.edu • 15

PIONEERING PATHWAYS

Pioneering Pathways Since 1911 WASH 060 Cleone Davenport Collection, Dixie State University Special Collections & Archives

Pioneering Pathways Since 1911

Story by Jyl Hall || Design by Scott Garrett, ’15

Before the sun even had a chance to peek over St. George’s iconic red cliffs on an autumn morning back in 1911, Samuel Brooks was out of bed, out the door, and on the steps of St. George Stake Academy. He arrived at the institution that would one day become Dixie State University at 4 a.m. the day registration opened to be the first person to pay the $15 tuition and secure his status as one of the 135 students enrolled in the new school.

Brooks knew the profound impact earning an education would have on him and generations to come, and he didn’t want the opportunity to pass him by.

Ever since that fateful day 109 years ago, thousands of students have followed in Brooks’ footsteps. They may not wake up at the crack of dawn, but they are just as eager to reap the benefits associated with earning a degree from Dixie State University.

Take Barry Snow, for example. He is a Computer & Information Technology major and also just happens to be Brooks’ great-great-great-nephew. Like many freshmen, Snow wasn’t sure what he wanted to major in when he first started studying at Dixie State. For as long as he can remember, he has been mathematically brained, so he considered studying in the field of finance.

He even tried communication, declared his major as accounting, and went on to try his hand at web design.

Bison, America’s original trailblazers, grazed in Southern Utah, including in front of the St. George Stake Academy building, pictured here. Dixie State’s mascot, Brooks the Bison, epitomizes the herds of stampeding bison that created the trails that North American pioneers later followed.

More specifically, the Trailblazers’ mascot is named after Samuel Brooks, the first student to enroll in the institution.

Then one day, when his wife’s brother was helping her with homework for an introductory programming class, Snow had an aha moment. “I wasn’t really listening, but I could overhear and by the way he was explaining it, it just clicked in my head,” Snow said. “I started explaining it to her and she said, ‘You haven’t even taken this class.

How are you explaining this to me?’ I didn’t know; it’s just the way my brain works.”

That’s when Snow realized he could combine his love for math with his entrepreneurial spirit to major in CIT with an emphasis in Software Development. Thanks to the University’s rapidly expanding lineup of baccalaureate programs, students like Snow can come to DSU, take a variety of courses, gain insights from one-on-one conversations with their professors, and finish their degrees here once they have discovered their passion.

To say Dixie State’s selection of baccalaureate degrees is rapidly expanding is no exaggeration. Today, the University offers baccalaureate degrees in 50 distinct

PIONEERING PATHWAYS

fields of study. However, when DSU started offering bachelor’s degrees in 2000, Business Administration and Computer & Information Technology were the only four-year degree options available, meaning the University has grown its offerings by 2,400 percent in two decades alone.

Over the last two academic years, Dixie State has added 30 new academic programs, bringing the overall count up to 200. This has been possible thanks to the University’s dedication to its dual mission, demonstrated by the expansion of associate and certificate programs typically available at community colleges and four-year and graduate programs commensurate with university status. Specifically, DSU has added four master’s degrees — including programs in Accountancy, Athletic Training, Marriage & Family Therapy, and Technical Writing & Digital Rhetoric — in two years.

“We are pleased that with the addition of these new programs, more students are being drawn to DSU

because of both the quality of our programs and the increased choices that are now available to them,” said Dr. Pam Cantrell, associate provost for academic & budget planning. “While university enrollments across the nation are dropping and degree programs are being greatly reduced or closed, DSU stands out as the fastestgrowing institution not only in Utah, but among our peers across the country.”

With such staggeringly large numbers, the extent of the University’s growth can be hard to comprehend. What it translates to though, is more students taking advantage of the “active learning. active life.” experience that is synonymous with a Dixie education. This past fall, 11,193 students attended Dixie State, representing a 12.5 percent increase over the previous year and nearly 23 percent growth over six years. Further pointing to DSU’s expansion, the 2019 increase was the largest among all of Utah’s public colleges and universities. The momentum has only picked up, as new student enrollment for this Spring 2020 semester increased by 21 percent over last spring.

“Dixie State University is experiencing explosive growth like never before in every aspect from new academic programs to student enrollment,” President Richard B. Williams said. “It is thrilling that students and community members alike are seeing the great value Dixie State provides by offering rigorous academic programs at the lowest university tuition cost in the state and are coming to Dixie State to earn an education.”

The University’s growth also has offered students the opportunity to learn about different perspectives and #ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu •

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PIONEERING PATHWAYS dedicated to promoting the success of underserved and underrepresented faculty, staff, and students by enhancing support for inclusion and equity. Building off the progress made in the last five years, the 2020-25 strategic plan — set to be implemented this coming fall — is weaving diversity and inclusion efforts into all five of its strategic goals.

Not only is the institution attracting more new students, it is doing a better job at retaining students until they finish their degrees. This can be especially difficult among DSU’s large population of first-generation students, as navigating the ins and outs of higher ed is new not only to them, but to their support systems back home as well.

However, this year, the University saw its fall-to-fall retention of first-time students increase by more than 4 percent — a record for Dixie State.

backgrounds from their peers, as diversity amongst the student body has increased alongside the general student population. Just 10 years ago, 11 percent of DSU students were minorities. This fall, that number was 21 percent.

“Having a diverse student body has been crucial during my college experience. Being an out-of-state student made it hard for DSU to feel like home, but when I was surrounded by people who shared the same experiences and culture as me, it truly made me feel like I belonged,” said Valerie De La O, co-president of the Multicultural Inclusion Student Association. “The Multicultural Inclusion Center is devoted to making everyone feel like they are welcomed and have a place on campus. Through their lectures and student events, they not only teach others about new cultures, but celebrate them. Being a part of MIC has been a game changer for me. I now get to participate and plan these events that are making other minority students feel like they are accepted and have a home at DSU.”

To help students finish their degrees, Dixie State has focused on creating a strong foundation for student success over the past three years. One such initiative is the Atwood Retention Grant program, founded by the late Dixie State Board of Trustees member Lindsay Atwood and his wife, Laura. “These funds allowed for innovative and robust programs to be created around campus,” said Jeffery Hoyt, assistant vice president for student success & co-curricular assessment. “This allowed for the implementation of new supplemental instruction courses, a revamp of our First Year Experience and Trailblazer Connections courses, and an increase in our peer-mentor program among other initiatives.”

Campus has expanded its physical footprint, as well, to accommodate the student growth. In the last decade alone, the University has added 10 buildings, with two of them — the Holland Centennial Commons and Human Performance Center — increasing DSU’s square footage by a third. Since President Williams’ tenure started in 2014, the University has hosted a constant

Adding another layer to diversity on campus, 43 percent of DSU’s degree-seeking students are first-generation college students, meaning they’re the first members of their families to attend college. Also, 157 veterans are earning a Dixie education. These students specifically are benefiting from the University’s innovative approach to supporting student-veterans, an effort that earned Dixie State a spot on Military Times’ Best for Vets: Colleges 2020 ranking.

As with all the University’s growth, this increase hasn’t happened by chance. Rather, it is the result of diligent planning and commitment. In fact, an entire goal of the University’s 2015-20 strategic plan was

18 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

UA012 Dixie College Scrapbook, 1914-1921, Dixie State University Special Collections & Archives

WASH 060 Cleone Davenport Collection, Dixie State University Special Collections & Archives

succession of groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting celebrations for new and renovated facilities such as the HPC, Atwood Innovation Plaza, Greater Zion Stadium expansions, Burns office addition, and Campus View Suites I. Additionally, two large projects are underway and expected to be ready for students by Fall 2021. The second phase of the student housing complex will offer 534 more students the opportunity to live on campus, and the Science, Engineering & Technology Building will hold the specialized classrooms and labs necessary to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.

Take into consideration that campus consisted of only five buildings — the Gym, Fine Arts Center, Science Building, Home Economics Building, and Shiloh Dorms — when the institution moved from the downtown academy building to its current location in 1963, and the expansion becomes all that more impressive.

While it’s easy to convey the extent of Dixie State’s growth by using facts, figures, and percentages, the University’s growth isn’t just a numbers game. Rather, it is fueled by the desire to serve a larger student body and improve the lives of individual students by offering a high-quality education at an affordable rate.

It’s equally important to note that the University’s exponential growth would not be possible without the support of the community. In the past year alone, Dixie State has received a record-breaking $10 million in donations, an amount equal to nearly three times the previous record. Additionally, in the past six months, the University received its largest commitment ever, in the form of a $10 million agreement from Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office; the largest corporate

sponsorship, an athletics deal with Mountain West Credit Union; and the largest gift in kind, the rare statue “President Abraham Lincoln Signing the Emancipation Proclamation.” More than monetary value, these contributions signify community members’ commitment to education and the betterment of their neighbors.

This comes as no surprise, though. The citizens of Washington County have a rich history of supporting education. In fact, residents funded nearly two-thirds of the $55,000 price tag associated with constructing St. George Stake Academy in 1909. Then, when The Church

“It is thrilling that students and community members alike are seeing the great value Dixie State provides by offering rigorous academic programs at the lowest university tuition cost in the state and are coming to Dixie State to earn an education.”

President Richard B. Williams of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints withdrew its financial support for the college during the Great Depression, the community covered the operational costs for two years until the state was able to assume ownership.

Stepping in again, residents formed the Dixie Education Association in 1950, when they helped build desperately needed student housing on the property they purchased.

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 19

PIONEERING PATHWAYS When Governor J. Bracken Lee traveled to St. George in 1953 to announce the state would no longer support Dixie, this show of support convinced him to keep the doors open. “If this community wants Dixie college that badly, they should have it,” Lee said. Around the same time, the community raised money to purchase another parcel of land — this time the property where campus sits today.

“When I was surrounded by people who shared the same experiences and culture as me, it truly made me feel like I belonged.”

Valerie De La O The Dixie Spirit that sustained the institution for so many years is still alive and well. “The Dixie Spirit runs in your blood,” Snow said. “Dixie is home. It means being part of something bigger and greater that is literally in the business of helping humans develop and becoming better. That’s a pretty cool thing to be part of.”

Today, that rich pioneering spirit of generosity and grit manifests itself in professors who not only know their students’ names, but also mentor them through extracurricular research opportunities, cheer them on at their athletic events, and share benefits of living The Dixie Life.

20• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

“I’m motivated by getting to see a more personal side of the professors and their passion for their work. You can see their passion for what they’re teaching inside and outside of the classroom,” Snow said. “I know that I’m getting the best from people who want to give us the best. I’ll be proud of the degree I have when I get it. I can proudly say I graduated from Dixie.”

Students’ meaningful relationships with professors are possible thanks to how Dixie has strategically grown to ensure the learning environment has not been compromised. With an average class size of 20 students, Dixie State offers an individualized education. “I love learning, but I would probably struggle in a big class setting,” Snow said. “I have to give total credit to the professors. They do an excellent job at being accessible, which I need. Every student does.”

With the institution growing leaps and bounds since his great-great-great-uncle Samuel Brooks’ inaugural enrollment 109 years ago, Snow knows the value of a Dixie degree is only increasing and will continue to gain worth for generations to come.

“I know people are looking down on me from their legacy of when they were here and it’s a big responsibility,” Snow said. “I’m just a link in the chain. It’s not going to end with me. It didn’t start with me, and I want to pass down that same tradition of embracing the Dixie Spirit, valuing education, and being a good person.”

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STUDENTS GAIN NEW WORLD

S TO R Y B Y B R E T T C O L E M A N

|

D E S I G N B Y VA L E R I E D E L A O

Thirty years ago, biology and environmental science classes looked much different at Dixie College than they do now at Dixie State University.

Today, students still study textbooks, go on occasional field trips, and attend lectures, but they also gain valuable handson experience in high-impact ways, including participating in courses taught through short-term study abroad trips.

Nearly 20 years ago, DSU Professor of Geology Kelly Bringhurst saw a need to offer students hands-on experience in nature. After attending a course in Costa Rica that helped faculty develop field courses for their students, Bringhurst was hooked. From this, he began to develop a study abroad trip for his students to participate in, taking his first cohort of students to Costa Rica in 2000.

“Our whole focus is on natural history and the natural world,” Bringhurst shared.

“The trip is science based, looking at the geology, ecology, as well as the plants and the animals of the places we travel.”

Bringhurst developed the course to be hands on in nature. “It makes a big impact on their education and how they see what they’re studying,” Bringhurst shared.

22 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

“Plus, a lot of the time the students don’t know each other but come back as great friends.”

“IT MAKES A BIG IMPACT ON THEIR EDUCATION AND HOW THEY SEE WHAT THEY’RE STUDYING.” On the Costa Rica trips, students compare the biodiversity of tropical rainforests to higher-region cloud rainforests as well as learn about the impact of tourism on ecosystems. Most importantly, they build connections with others.

“The trip really focuses not only on the ecology and environments of the places we travel, but Kelly also makes sure you experience the local culture,” shared Christian Dwyer, an Individualized Studies (Environmental Science) student at DSU. “It’s life changing. You gain a new world perspective and I’m so grateful to get this type of hands-on experience at Dixie.”

Though Costa Rica provides awesome opportunities for DSU students to see amazing animal life, visit the beach, and zipline through jungles, Bringhurst didn’t end his sights there. With the help of Professor of Biology Marius van der Marwe, Bringhurst has set the study abroad trips on a three-year rotating cycle of visiting South Africa, Peru, and Costa Rica.

“IT’S LIFE CHANGING.” These trips provide Dixie State students with real-world experience in the ecology, cultural history, geography, and biodiversity of these countries. While in South Africa, students stay at biological field research stations in Kruger National Park, where they see giraffes, rhinos, and lions. In Peru, they have the opportunity

active learning. active life.

PERSPECTIVES THROUGH STUDY ABROAD to study in the Amazonian region and tour the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu.

Not only can Dixie State students participate in enriching environmental science trips, they also can take advantage of study abroad programs offered through various departments. That’s because over the years, many facultyled trips have used Bringhurst’s course as a model. In fact, this year alone, DSU is offering 10 trips for students to gain hands-on learning throughout the world.

Destinations this year include Iceland, Peru, Nepal, Columbia, and, for Bringhurst’s last trip before he retires, South Africa.

Now and for years to come, DSU students will have the benefit of truly being active in their learning of the sciences, art, healthcare, and more.

To learn more about experiential learning offered through Dixie State’s Study Abroad office, visit studyabroad.dixie.edu.

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 23

LU N AC H R O M E 24• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

By DSU Professor Ben Braten

FOCAL POINT

Lunachrome was a project I started over three years ago. It evolved into a master’s thesis project, all surrounding the concept of shooting fashion photography using only the light of a full moon.

Most of the images you’ll see here were taken between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. Average exposure times were half a second, and the average ISO was 3200, pushed 1-2 stops in post.

Its conception was equal parts technological curiosity and environmental factors. The meteoric advances in digital sensor technology in the past five years has made shooting in low-light a viable option, and the heat of St. George summers is nearly unbearable. In short, I wanted to create portraits after the summer sun had set to avoid melting my models, my camera gear, and myself.

My typical setup for outdoor shooting involves various ways of manipulating sunlight. So, what if sunlight was no longer part of the equation?

I didn’t want to be restricted to studio work, because, while it absolutely serves a purpose, it gets incredibly boring. The environment is a critical component to the creative process. What if instead of the sun, we used the moon? Light is light, and moonlight behaves just like sunlight, although with significantly less intensity.

People have been photographing night skies for decades, but they achieve usable results with long exposures, over 30 minutes at times. Long exposure portraiture was commonplace in the early stages of the photographic evolution. Emulsions were very, very slow in those days, and portraits would often be exposed for as long as 10 minutes, albeit with the aid of physical assists such as locking neck rests. I didn’t want to be limited like that, and new sensor tech seemed to provide a way around the traditional roadblocks.

After a few tests, I began to see very distinct possibilities. In short, I was blown away by what the camera was seeing. The imagery was surreal, with stars very present in the background, and the colors taking on an altogether different hue than what we’re accustomed to under the light of the sun. It felt like something off of my favorite sci-fi and fantasy novel covers. The aesthetic trappings began to form around the influential work of fantasy artists such as Frank Frazetta, John Harris, and Frank Paul. #ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 25

FOCAL POINT

For more than a decade, Ben Braten has enhanced DSU’s Digital Film Department through his work producing, shooting, and editing documentaries, music videos, short narratives, and commercials. He’s also been teaching these skills to the yearly cohort of film students in the University’s Digital Film Program.

Image making and storytelling has been a passion of Braten’s for more than 20 years, and something he’s been actively engaged with since age 16.

He’s currently in his final class at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, earning his Master of Fine Arts in photography.

26 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

ATWOOD INNOVATION PLAZA

I N V E N T I N G

O U R

FUTURE T H R O U G H M O R E T H A N 1 0 0 PAT E N T S F I L E D AT AT W O O D I N N O VAT I O N P L A Z A

STORY BY STACY SCHMIDT, ’91 | DESIGN BY VALERIE DE LA O

At age 14, Hunter Manz was already funneling most of his teen energy into researching how to improve the world.

He wanted to eliminate certain words from society’s vocabulary – words like drought and water scarcity.

Now a Dixie State University student, Manz is one of many innovators who has filed a patent for a life-changing invention utilizing the resources and expertise available at DSU’s Atwood Innovation Plaza.

Innovation Plaza, a 55,000 squarefoot state-of-the-art entrepreneurship center, features a number of resourcerich spaces for innovating, ideating, and ultimately growing a successful business. From creating tangible prototypes in the Plaza’s Makerspace to developing a comprehensive business plan in the Business Resource Center, students, faculty, and community members alike are discovering success – advancing us as a campus, a community, and a society.

28 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

At the heart of the significant achievements already emerging from the center is DSU’s Director of Innovation, Guidance & Support Dr. Wayne Provost, a wildly successful innovator himself with numerous inventions already helping society. Provost joined DSU in 2016, and he’s paying his success forward to everyone he guides through the entrepreneur process at the Plaza, particularly the 185 students he’s mentored so far.

Students like Manz, who filed his patent in June 2019 for a desalination device to create pure, drinkable water from seawater. He was inspired after watching a TED Talk in middle school that shed light on the world’s water shortage issues. “It was shocking to me to see that people are dying over just average things people take for granted.

I couldn’t believe how big of a problem it was.”

Manz, a DSU sophomore and Mechanical Engineering major, wasn’t initially planning to attend Dixie, but then he learned about Innovation Plaza from Provost and everything changed.

“He called me and told me all the great things happening there – I was transfixed and wanted to go there.”

After creating and testing multiple models, Manz – working with Makerspace Coordinator Zack Manweiler – came up with a more efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly pump with its own energy recovery system, which is one of the biggest challenges in the desalination industry. He’s now working to design new filters

in hopes that ultimately, his product will help purify millions of gallons of water a day.

He says he couldn’t have done it without Provost.

taught me lots of things and from that point on I knew what I wanted to do with my life – I wanted to be an inventor like him. I would have been on a totally different path without him.”

“Besides my dad, Wayne was the first guy who really believed I could do something,” Manz said. “He has

Provost has offered his expertise and guidance to more than 700 DSU students, faculty, and community #ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 29

members resulting in 105 patents filed and 39 granted already.

“I told Biff if I get 10 patents, we’ve hit a home run and we’re way beyond that,” Provost said. “The one thing I do is help the kids believe in themselves.

Most call me Godfather, some call me Grandpa, some call me Dad.” For Deshka Olson, Provost immediately became Grandpa.

“It felt like family the first time I met him. I was like, are you my longlost Grandpa?”

A junior at DSU majoring in Individualized Studies with a focus on Interpersonal Health and Marketing, Olson initially took a list of 10 ideas to Provost, and they vetted through each to determine which would be most successful. Provost taught her, “It’s a seed. You plant it and if it grows, you go with it and if not, you keep trying.”

30• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

Olson’s patent-pending product is a natural, safe, anti-gagging agent that can be used for intubations, impressions, tongue depressions, and other medical procedures. “I think it’s going to be a must-have item in all dentist and doctor’s offices,” Olson said. “We’ve had 100 percent success rate so far.” Olson is partnering with her dad, an endodontist, on the product.

“I TOLD BIFF IF I GET TEN PATENTS, WE’VE HIT A HOME RUN AND WE’RE WAY BEYOND THAT,” She said Provost has been key to her success. “Dr. Provost does the majority of the work, doing background research to compare other products.

He is very knowledgeable, so he

takes away all of that work for us so we can put our energy into developing our product.”

DSU freshman Elias Garcia also sought Provost’s expertise to help navigate the legal and business aspects of filing a patent. “He’s given me more resources than I could think of and been more of a help than I ever thought possible.”

Garcia’s path initially led him to Dixie largely due to the ideal destination to do what he loves. An avid wake surfer and instructor, Garcia said, “I think the school being right here is the best thing because it’s 20 minutes from two lakes and just two hours from two of the biggest lakes in America.”

When he got here, he discovered Atwood Innovation Plaza, where he was able to utilize the 3D printers in

the Makerspace to help develop his product, providing an easy way to create prototypes fast.

Garcia filed a design patent in November 2019 for his wake surf board fin with unique, all-in-one functionality. His product idea was born out on the lake when he noticed people with multiple boards were switching out multiple fins. His fin, designed to be both stable and maneuverable, will streamline the experience for surfers while saving money. “I didn’t want people to have to buy three fin setups anymore. I wanted to create one fin that can do anything. This will give everyone a different option and contribute to a different generation of surfing.”

The ultimate goal of the Plaza is to elevate the region’s economic landscape by helping create and

retain companies in Washington County. “My highest vision for Innovation Plaza, DSU, and the community is that my kids will have an opportunity that I didn’t have,” Dean of DSU’s College of Business Dr. Kyle Wells shared. “If they want to stay in St. George, it doesn’t matter what career interest they have, there will be an opportunity to stay.”

The Plaza fully opened in fall 2019, and with success already emanating from DSU’s extraordinary new space, onlookers are curious. “As I talk to people both in and out of the state they ask ‘How did you do it?’ All of them end up saying, ‘But we don’t have a Wayne,’” Wells said. “He has a lot of knowledge, but he’s also a cheerleader. You need somebody who is supporting you, saying you can do it.”

For Provost, his greatest joy is simply seeing his “kids” thrive and succeed.

“You’re the happiest when you can give back to help humanity. That’s when life becomes good,” Provost said. “Mostly, I just want success for these damn kids.”

“MOSTLY, I JUST WANT SUCCESS FOR THESE DAMN KIDS.” And success is clearly in sight for those learning from Provost.

“When Dr. Provost and I meet, the possibilities are endless.” Olson said.

“There’s no end to what we can do.”

For more information, visit innovation.dixie.edu #ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 31

IN JULY OF 2020 This July, Dixie State University will join the Western Athletic Conference and compete in NCAA Division I athletics. This will elevate the University’s brand, increase enrollment, allow student-athletes to play bigger schools, and be seen on a national stage.

To make this happen we have the goal to raise $1.5 million to go toward studentathlete scholarships and support.

Help us Blaze a New Trail to D1 by donating today.

32 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO RAISE

$1.5 MILLION for student-athlete scholarships

TEXT “DIXIE” TO 71777 TO DONATE

NETTING HISTORY

WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM LEAVES ITS MARK IN FINAL DIVISION II SEASON STORY BY STEVE JOHNSON | DESIGN BY KILEE ALLSOP, ’19

There is a popular saying in today’s culture – saving your best for last – and judging by how the 2019 Dixie State women’s soccer season played out, no truer words were ever spoken.

The Trailblazers began the year with their third head coach in as many seasons, and following a hard-fought 0-1 home loss to eventual RMAC tournament champion Colorado School of Mines on October 13, the team was at a crossroads with a 5-3-3 overall record.

What happened next was not only unexpected but became arguably one of the most improbable and magical runs not only in program history, but for all of the NCAA Division II level.

Dixie State proceeded to go undefeated over its final six RMAC regular season matches (5-0-1) and outscored those six opponents

by a combined 26-4 count, including four shutouts. DSU’s run vaulted the Blazers to third place in the conference standings and earned the team the No. 3 seed in the RMAC Tournament.

However, all the momentum that was generated over the final three weeks of the regular season came to a halt after a heartbreaking loss to MSU Denver in a penalty-kick shootout in the conference quarterfinal round.

THERE IS A POPULAR SAYING IN TODAY’S CULTURE

– SAVING YOUR BEST FOR LAST – AND JUDGING BY HOW THE 2019 DIXIE STATE WOMEN’S SOCCER SEASON PLAYED OUT, NO TRUER WORDS WERE EVER SPOKEN. #DixieBlazers • www.dixie.edu • 33

TRAILBLAZER ATHLETICS The Trailblazers’ hopes of continuing their season rested in the hands of the NCAA South Central Regional selection committee.

On Nov. 18, the answer came, and it was met with jubilation as Dixie State had earned its second NCAA postseason bid in program history. DSU earned the region’s No. 5 seed and drew Texas Woman’s University in the first round, which was played in Colorado Springs.

Not even a major snow storm could temper the Trailblazers’ excitement as their first round matchup against TWU was moved from an afternoon start to an early evening kickoff on a frigid Colorado night. After the two sides battled through regulation and two overtime periods deadlocked at 2-2, Dixie State was faced with its second shootout in as many postseason matches.

Having already faced a shootout situation earlier in the month, the Blazers drew upon that experience and came away with a 4-3 triumph in penalty kicks to advance on to face the host, U-C Colorado, the NCAA DII No. 1-overall and RMAC regular season champions, two days later.

Dixie State netted the first goal of the match 21-plus minutes into play, only to see UCCS pull even with the equalizer eight minutes later. The match remained tied until the 59th minute, when the Trailblazers took advantage of a Mountain Lion defensive miscue to score the eventual game-winning goal. DSU’s defense was able to do just enough to keep UCCS from scoring the tying goal over the final 30 minutes of regulation time to escape with the upset of the tournament.

Following a week off for Thanksgiving, the Dixie State traveled to Bellingham, Washington, to square off against No. 9 Dallas Baptist in the South Central Regional final played on Dec. 5. As they did in their upset of UCCS nearly two weeks prior, the Trailblazers jumped out to an early first-half lead and tacked on a big insurance goal in the 60th-minute to take a two-goal advantage.

Despite surrendering a Patriot goal with 1:03 on the clock, Dixie State maintained its lead through the final horn to not only claim its first-ever regional championship, but also lay claim to its second upset win of a top-10 program in as many matches, and become the only team to defeat DBU in the season.

Although the season would end two days later in a 3-0 loss at eventual Division II national runner-up Western Washington, what Dixie State accomplished over its four-match NCAA tournament run will prove to pay dividends in the years to come as the program begins its transition to Division I status and its new membership in the Western Athletic Conference.

The Trailblazers netted a school record of 56 goals and finished the year ranked eighth in the United Soccer Coaches’ Top-25 national poll with a 12-4-6 overall record. The 12 wins also marked the 10th time in 14 seasons of NCAA play that the program had won at least 10 matches.

The Blazers’ incredible end of their NCAA Division II era is sure to provide the momentum needed to spring into Division I play next year.

THE TRAILBLAZERS FINISHED THE YEAR RANKED 8TH IN THE UNITED SOCCER COACHES’ TOP-25 NATIONAL POLL

ENDING AN ERA –

TRAILBLAZER TITLE ATHLETICS HERE

Ready for the Next Chapter Bolstered by the incredible postseason run by the Trailblazer women’s soccer team, Dixie State Athletics is making the most of its final season of NCAA Division II play, and in the process, is setting the stage to enter its Division I era with a bang. Football, volleyball, men’s soccer, and women’s soccer combined to post a 67.3 percent overall winning percentage (51-23-7), as all four programs came away with winning records.

FOOTBALL Led by first-year head coach Paul Peterson, DSU football wrapped up the season with a school record of eight victories and only three losses, making this year the best overall record in 14 years of four-year competition. The Blazers also posted the best RMAC finish in program history with a 7-3 mark to place third overall.

CROSS COUNTRY Women’s cross country athlete junior Billie Hatch became the first Trailblazer in program history to record a top-10 overall finish at the NCAA national championship meet last November in Sacramento, California. Hatch placed eighth overall with a school 6-kilometer record time of 20:26.1 and became the second Blazer harrier to earn First Team All-America honors.

#TheDixieLife 38 #DixieBlazers • www.dixie.edu • 35

TRAILBLAZER ATHLETICS

VOLLEYBALL Trailblazer volleyball recorded its third 20-win season in the program’s NCAA era, as DSU went 20-8 overall, 14-4 in the RMAC and advanced to the conference tournament semifinal round. Senior middle blocker Lauren Gammell, who was the first of two Trailblazers to earn All-American honors in 2018, closed her stellar four-year career with six program records, including season and career records for block assists (148/379) and total blocks (162/424).

MEN’S SOCCER Dixie State men’s soccer won its final four matches of the regular season (11-8-1) to earn its first-ever RMAC tournament berth, during which the Trailblazers advanced to the semifinal round. Senior forward Moises Medina closed his storied four-year career as Dixie State’s career leader in goals with 33, as well as 15 gamewinning goals, 22 assists, and 88 points. Medina owns 16 combined match, season, and career records overall.

ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS:

67%

OVERALL WINNING PERCENTAGE

BASED ON 2019 FALL SEMESTER PERFORMANCE

36 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

3.26

ALL-TIME HIGH GPA

41

STUDENT-ATHLETES EARNED RMAC ACADEMIC HONORS

COMMUNICATION STUDIES DEGREE COMPLETION PROGRAM

EARN A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES BY COMPLETING WHAT YOU STARTED IN ONLY FIVE SEMESTERS! • WORK FULL-TIME • EARN AN EMPHASIS IN ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP • LEARN WITH PERSONALIZED COHORTS • TAKE ONE COURSE AT A TIME • ATTEND CLASS ONE NIGHT A WEEK

LEARN MORE AND RESERVE YOUR SEAT TODAY at communication.dixie.edu/dcp or 435.652.7638

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 37

MAKING A STORY BY AMELIA GOEBEL

The opening of Dixie State University’s 155,000 square-foot Human Performance Center has not only impacted and improved student life, but it has also elevated the entire St. George community to new heights. This significant new addition to the DSU campus could not have happened without the support of numerous donors.

The HPC opened in the fall of 2019 and is home to the DSU’s Health & Human Performance Department. The facility allows students to stretch their minds and bodies under one roof. It offers various workout classes and equipment to meet specific student interests as well as the specialized classrooms and labs neccessary to support health and human performance academic programs.

The vision of the HPC began with past student bodies allocating $25 million in student fees to this new building. Even though these past students would not personally experience the benefits of the HPC, they recognized its importance to the future of DSU. Shortly after the students’ commitment, a $2.5 million anonymous donation was made to the project. Then, with the addition of city, county, and state funds along with numerous private donations, the vision of the HPC became a reality.

Without the generosity of so many DSU champions and supporters, Dixie State wouldn’t be where it is today. To learn more about Dixie State University’s giving opportunities, and become part of the institution’s tremendous growth and longterm impact, visit giving.dixie.edu.

“THE HUMAN PERFORMANCE CENTER IS A STATEOF-THE-ART FACILITY AND A GREAT ADDITION TO THE COMMUNITY OF ST. GEORGE.”

38 • Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

-LADEL LAUB, CEO DIXIE POWER

DIFFERENCE DESIGN BY TORI LEWIS ’18

Special thanks to everyone who helped make this dream come true, including:

Ralph and Cheri Atkin Spirit of Dixie Track

Paul and Lisa Huber Biomechanics Lab

Roger L. and Jan Nuttall Terrace

Wayne and Suzanne Crabb Physiology Lab

Garth and Shirlee Last Classrooms

State Bank of Southern Utah Climbing Wall

Dixie Power

Conference Rooms

DSU Student Body Presidents were instrumental in the creation of the HPC by leading the decision to allocate funds to the building.

From left to right: Greg Layton, Matt Devore, Sarah Ramaker, Brooks the Bison, Ezra Hainsworth, Cajun Syrett, and Taylor Godfrey.

Ralph and Cheri Atkin and family proudly supported the Spirit of Dixie Track in the HPC, building on a healthy legacy for generations to follow.

Without the generosity of so many generous DSU supporters, such as Dixie Power, DSU wouldn’t be where it is today. Dixie Power’s donation funded conference rooms in the facility.

TO DONATE TODAY VISIT GIVING.DIXIE.EDU State Bank of Southern Utah donated to the climbing wall in the HPC, the largest climbing wall on any university campus in the state of Utah.

From left to right: Brandon Condie, Kim Christensen, Brad Last, Ron Metcalf, DSU student Jared Phillips, Eric Schmutz.

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 39

40• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

ALUMNI

ALUMNI MESSAGE Dear Alumni & Friends, On behalf of the Alumni Association, I want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all of you who have supported the Alumni Legacy Campaign by generously donating to this valuable cause. This multi-generational program was created to enrich and enhance the lives of our alumni by making scholarships available for their families. If you haven’t already done so, please consider joining your fellow alumni and other Dixie supporters in this important effort to help us raise $108,000 for the Legacy Scholarship program this year in honor of Dixie’s 108th Birthday. Although any amount is appreciated, by contributing $108 to this special scholarship fund, you can make a difference in the lives of generations to come. For more information, visit Dixie.edu/Legacy.

We’d also like to invite you to join us in celebrating this year’s Evening of Dixie awardees. These extraordinary members of the Dixie family are shining examples of the Dixie Spirit and have elevated our Dixie community through their quality leadership, community engagement, career success, and by blazing new trails to make a lasting difference for others. Awardees will be honored at the Evening of Dixie event on April 3. For more information, visit Dixie.edu/Dweek.

Thank you so much for your continued support and involvement.

Go Trailblazers!

STORY BY STACY SCHMIDT, BETTY BARNUM, AMELIA GOEBEL, & JORDAN PARKINSON | DESIGN BY VALERIE DE LA O

DAV E R O S E , ’ 8 0 REBEL

AWARD

Dave Rose’s loyalty and commitment to Dixie began as a student, continued through his years coaching at Dixie, and is still going strong.

“I loved it. I loved the area and the people. In fact, my sophomore year at Dixie, I probably asked six different people, ‘Why can’t we just make this a four-year school so I can just stay here?”’

Kelli Prince, ’94 DSU Alumni Association President

Dave made several lifetime friendships at Dixie College and even met his wife of 40 years, Cheryl, while here.

“There’s something about the Dixie Spirit that connected with me and that’s why I wanted to come back and work there,” Dave said.

After coaching basketball at Dixie from 1987 to 1997, Dave continued on to have a winning career coaching at Brigham Young University until retiring last year.

A cancer survivor, Dave attributes much of his strength and persistence to some of his early coaches at Dixie. “Those lessons that I learned were through athletics. My coaches were fighters so I learned a lot of that trait while at Dixie.”

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ALUMNI

ST EV E COOK, ’10 O UTSTAN DI N G TRAIL B L AZ E R

AWA R D

Steve Cook, social media star and health and fitness advocate, has gone far since graduating from Dixie State College. With 2.5 million Instagram followers, his effective use of social media has opened the door for his success, including training contestants on “The Biggest Loser” TV show, being a spokesperson for bodybuilding.com and creating his own successful fitness app.

Steve played football while attending Dixie State.

Transitioning from a junior college to a Division II team taught him the work ethic that enabled him to create a successful career. “Football taught me to work and persevere,” Steve said.

Steve also appreciated that Dixie State’s small school atmosphere allowed him more personal time with professors. “The face-to-face time with professors nurtured my passion for biology and psychology,” he said. He believes this was the springboard to his career.

42• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

MARGARET TRU MAN MARSH AL L , ’65 DELM ONT TRUM AN SPI RI T AWARD

DI XI E

Margaret Truman Marshall is well known for her Dixie Spirit and loyalty.

She was part of the first class to attend Dixie College on the current campus. “It was mostly dirt,” she said about the new campus, “but it was still exciting!”

Her fondest memories were created while serving as 1st Vice President of the Dixie College Student Body.

The position involved planning school-wide events and offered other leadership opportunities.

Margaret spent 41 years teaching second through sixth grades for the Murray and Washington County School Districts. Her love for students and enthusiasm to help them learn earned her a variety of awards and admiration from everyone who knew her. After moving back to St. George, she began serving on the DSU Alumni Board as a way to stay connected to her beloved school. Now, as she visits the DSU campus, she marvels at the growth and buildings that cover all that dirt from 57 years ago.

No matter how much time passes, Margaret will always be a strong supporter of DSU.

KEN NY NEIL S O N, ’ 79

MERRI L EE W EBB

Kenny Neilson is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives, which has been obvious over the past decade in his role as Washington City Mayor.

Merrilee Webb made a lasting impact on countless students during her ten years serving as the director of Raging Red. Leading Dixie State University’s premier song and dance performing team, today’s iteration of Roene B. Difiore’s Program Bureau, allowed Merrilee to share her gift of creating a sense of belonging with her students and inspire each of them to realize their full potential.

CO MMUN ITY

AWA RD

“It has been my honor to serve the great citizens of Washington City and to get to know many of the residents on a personal level,” Kenny said. “Serving others in whatever capacity we can truly is where all of us can find satisfaction and enjoyment in our lives.”

During Kenny’s tenure as mayor, Washington City has grown by 1,000 people annually, reaching a milestone population of 30,000 this year. He’s also made many city improvements, such as adding a new police station and several new parks for the area.

Born in Virginia but raised in Washington, Utah, Kenny’s experience at Dixie College included meeting his wife, Wendy, and proposing to her at the D-Week Banquet.

“Those couple of years at Dixie are some of my fondest memories,” he said.

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“When I look at someone, I feel like I can see them further down the road and who they will become,” Merrilee said. “My job is to help them to realize what that means for them.”

Merrilee and her student performers also left a memorable impression on their audience members. Her approach to performances is to focus on the audience in a way that fosters a meaningful connection, so “the audience feel like they know us and like we want to know them,” she said. “That’s why audiences liked Raging Red, because they felt they spent time with people who cared about them. They felt like they just had lunch with you as a friend.”

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In Memoriam...

Dixie State University will continue to celebrate the lives of two remarkable Trailblazers, Lindsay Atwood and Hyrum Smith.

Although they will be deeply missed, these extraordinary men left behind profound legacies which will live on in the countless lives they transformed at DSU and throughout the community.

Hyrum Smith

Lindsay Atwood A Dixie State University Board of Trustees member, Lindsay Atwood was often heard saying “We’ve got to help our kids.” He always lived as an example of this, from personally mentoring students to setting up a scholarship fund to help them pursue their dreams through education.

He also started an initiative to address the growing mental health crisis among our youth, an issue that was near and dear to his heart.

Trustee Atwood was passionate about entrepreneurship and innovation. That’s why he and his wife, Laura, invested in the region’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurism, DSU’s Atwood Innovation Plaza. They also recognized the need to improve student retention at DSU, funding retention grants to initiate new ways to support DSU students as they work toward graduation.

44• Dixie State University Magazine • Spring 2020

A member of Dixie State University’s National Advisory Council, Hyrum dedicated his time, wisdom, and gifts to advancing DSU and ensuring its success. His wife, Gail, a Dixie State University alumna and Board of Trustees member for nine years, said Hyrum’s proudest Dixie connection was marrying a “Dixie-ite” and inheriting her love for the institution.

Together, Hyrum and Gail have made a tremendous difference by consistently supporting DSU’s growing landscape and quality programs over the years.

From providing educational scholarships to investing in key spaces on campus to imparting their knowledge in University classes and other settings, the Smiths have elevated the Dixie campus in countless ways.

The timeless imprint of these great leaders will always remain part of Trailblazer Nation.

Their compassion, generosity and commitment to excellence will continue to be evident in the students, faculty, staff, and community members they impacted.

#ActiveLearningActiveLife • www.dixie.edu • 45

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