7 minute read
The Mission Behind Utah Tech University
Western Athletic Conference starting this July, Dixie State will take on competitors based everywhere from Washington, California, Arizona, and New Mexico to Illinois, Missouri, and Texas. This will give Greater Zion access to audiences it would otherwise leave unreached.
Active Education is Empowering to Students, Beneficial for the Community
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By Richard B. Williams President of Dixie State University, soon to be Utah Tech University
As Dixie State University prepares to transition to Utah Tech University on July 1, one question continues to come across my desk: Is it really necessary for the University to change its name? This simple question that comes from a genuine desire to ensure the University is offering our students the very best educational opportunities has an equally simple answer: Yes. While the answer is simple, the process of determining a new name and defining an academic focus that distinguishes us from other universities was not. Long before we supported House Bill 278 Name Change Process for Dixie State University to the Utah State Legislature in 2021, other DSU administrators and I met with area business and community leaders to learn what they needed from their local university. What we discovered was a huge demand for employees to fill roles in high-paying fields such as STEM, business, and healthcare while building up the tech industry in southern Utah so those born and raised here could lead meaningful careers in the St. George area. This listening tour was spurred in part by area leaders and editorial boards asking me to establish a tech focus within the university when I first was appointed as the institution’s president in 2014. While we initially planned to incorporate a comprehensive polytechnic model, which highlights our more than 200 programs that offer transformative experiences across all disciplines— humanities, arts, education, health sciences, business, and STEM—it eventually became clear that doing so under the Dixie State University name would not serve our students well. Over the course of three major studies, tens of thousands of completed surveys, approximately 1,000 focus group participants, and nearly two years of data collection and preparation, we discovered that the Dixie name was presenting recent graduates with unnecessary challenges as they entered the workforce. Additionally, the name alone made it difficult for the University to enter into national contracts, present at conferences, and even recruit students, faculty, and staff from outside of Utah.
Plus, partnering with Greater Zion is a natural fit for Dixie State University. The Tourism Office’s vision to “Inspire Greater. As our university continues to grow and evolve, Experience Greater. Live Greater.” the Utah Tech name aptly fits our active learning aligns perfectly with Dixie State’s “active learning. active life.” approach to education that we have been approach to education. Both philosophies take advantage of the implementing for the better part of a decade. Student enrollment has consistently grown for the beautiful, world-renowned destination we live in by encouraging last six consecutive years, resulting in a cumulative students, visitors, and residents alike to learn by exploring. growth of 44 percent since fall 2015, and we have Here at the University, we recognize that valuable learning added more than 100 degree programs in that same time frame. experiences take place inside and outside of the classroom. By taking advantage of experiences available in Greater Zion, we Our recently established Trailblazer Center for Lifelong Health & Wellness is just one example of all can grow academically, actively, and holistically. the many hands-on learning opportunities that are currently taking place all across campus. In line with This unique, trailblazing partnership certainly will enhance the center’s mission to help Washington County our community for years to come. I can’t wait to see you at upcoming games, concerts, and community events in Greater residents of all ages and abilities improve their overall quality of life, exercise science students develop and lead health and wellness programs while computer Zion Stadium! science students help expand virtual reality exercise programs by developing apps, games, and software. At the same time, art students teach music classes that are therapeutic for Parkinson’s disease patients and art programs beneficial to mentors with Alzheimer’s while humanities and psychology students assist with intake forms and connect participants to helpful resources. This synergetic cross-disciplinary learning not only broadens students’ understanding of other 4/17/17 11:09 AM fields and how they work together, it also provides them with in-depth, real-world training in their chosen disciplines. All across campus, students are employing a human-centered approach to problem solving to prepare for successful careers and meaningful lives. For example, our finance students manage a $200,000 portfolio for real clients, and design students produce signage and other materials that are seen by athletes from all around the globe as they compete in the IRONMAN right here in St. George. Dental hygiene students care for children and other underserved populations in the community by hosting Give Kids A Smile events and mobile clinics to offer free dental services while education majors teach in K-12 classrooms beginning their freshman year. Across campus, music majors work in studio settings, and English majors write grant proposals that support nonprofits in the area.
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As we become Utah Tech University, these active learning opportunities that prepare students in all programs to enter the workforce career-ready will remain at the core of who we are as an institution. Our academic mission isn’t changing to fit the new name; rather, the new name more aptly fits the educational approach we have been implementing for years. Active learning experiences not only prepare our students for their careers, they also train students to meet regional workforce demands. By providing a variety of personalized and engaged learning opportunities such as internships, clinical experiences, co-ops, program advisory boards, industry partnerships, and workforce pipelines, we offer a high-quality education at an affordable price. Outside of classroom training, students can expand their technology acumen and be prepared to compete in an increasingly digital world, thanks to our new partnership with Pluralsight. By teaming up with this technology workforce development company, the University community has unlimited access to thousands of online courses and hands-on learning experiences on innovative technology topics such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI and machine learning, data science, and software development— skills professionals in any industry can use to improve the customer and employee experience. As part of our commitment to offering students personalized and hands-on learning experiences, we are preparing them to be indispensable in our everchanging, tech-driven world. A piano teacher no longer only teaches the difference between a major and minor chord and other elements of music theory. He must also use social media, digital advertising, and sleek designs to market himself while navigating new app technologies for scheduling and payment. A content writer doesn’t just put pen to paper anymore. She works in the back end of a blog in order to beautifully present her content and uses the latest online trends to share her messaging. From telling a smart speaker your grocery list so it’s on your phone at the store to checking in on your kids via text, technology has infiltrated every single aspect of daily life. As an institution of higher learning, it’s imperative we help our students not only embrace this but to lead the way in implementing it into even the most basic tasks associated with their careers. All this adds up to contributing to a tech ecosystem in St. George that provides more opportunities for our children and grandchildren to have a fulfilling career right here in southern Utah.
As we prepare for the official transition to Utah Tech University, we will start sharing the new Utah Tech logo in mid-May in line with our goal to have most of the campus rebranded by the time students return in August for the 2022-23 academic year. True to our Trailblazing spirit, our primary colors will remain red and dark blue, and Brooks the Bison will continue to represent the Trailblazer athletic identity. Please join me in supporting our University, and in turn, our students. The community’s attendance at their games, performances, and presentations mean the world to them. After all, a thriving University means a thriving community. Together, we will continue to foster a community that will flourish for generations to come.
