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Dixie State College History
By Dan Watson
Dixie State College of Utah emerged from the desire for learning of the Mormon pioneers who lived in
the remote isolation of Utah's Dixie, a plain on the Virgin River in the heat of the Mohave Desert. The
people supported modest schools early, but permanent roots for secondary and post secondary education
were planted only after the colony had survived 50 years. The early LDS ward schools gave way to a
public school in 1901 when the handsome Woodward School was constructed on the town square. It
included two years of high school.
In 1908 church leaders from St. George and Salt Lake City undertook plans for an academy like those
in other Mormon communities. The Salt Lake authorities agreed to allocate $20,000 if the members of
the St. George LDS Stake would raise $35,000 to build a college structure. The sacrifices of the people
to build and equip the building have become legendary. That spirit of community contribution still
serves as the inspiration to sustain the present institution. This story testifies that the College
came about from the community's desire for learning and that drive is still fundamental.
On September 19, 1911, the College opened while the carpenters were still completing the building.
Initially it was called the St. George Stake Academy (and later nicknamed Dixie Academy), but in 1916
the name became Dixie Normal College, in 1923, Dixie Junior College, in 1970 Dixie College, and in
2000, Dixie State College of Utah. Its initial 42 students partook of a curriculum which included
Algebra, Domestic Art, Domestic Science, Economics, English, Geometry, Ancient and Modern History,
Physiography, Physiology, Physics, Theology and Music.
In 1933 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints discontinued its support of the College as
part of a wider policy to favor state-supported education instead of parochial. The austerity of the
1929 Depression also bore on the decision to close most of the 22 Church academies. A crucial moment
had arrived for the College. Dixie College President Joseph K. Nicholes, Mathew Bentley, and many
community leaders determined that the College should not die and that the State of Utah should become
its sponsor. Arthur F. Miles introduced a bill in the Utah Legislature (House Bill 58) to accomplish
that. There was considerable opposition. Utah Governor Henry Blood said he would veto any new
appropriation because of the severe economic problems in the State. Mathew Bentley undertook a
tedious but effective campaign to convince each senator and representative that Dixie College was
essential. His quiet and sincere manner won many friends to the cause. Orval Hafen and Othello
Bowman, as well as other community leaders, were influential in the uphill battle. The Governor
finally withdrew his objections to State ownership if the bill had no appropriation. So, the State of
Utah took ownership in 1933 with the understanding that Dixie Junior College would receive no funding
for the duration of the depression austerity. The LDS Church, the community, the faculty and the
students rallied to gather goods in kind to keep the College open for two years until a State
appropriation was finally achieved.
During that period, community support was organized through a group known as the Dixie Education
Association. They came to the rescue to finance the transition period. The officers included
William O. Bentley, Orval Hafen, Mathew Bentley, Wilford W. McArthur and B. Glen Smith. They
undertook many projects to promote education, including the building of a girls dormitory
(Dixiana) and acquiring various kinds of equipment and property.
From 1935 to 1963 Dixie College grew on the St. George city square, expanding from the original
(administration) building into five other structures clustered together around the St. George LDS
Tabernacle and Woodward School. The college curriculum and the high school courses were taught by
the same faculty, creating a four-year school with two years of high school and two years of college
known as the 6-4-4 plan -- six elementary grades, four years of high school (7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
grades) and four years of college (11th, 12th grades, freshman and sophomore college years). At the
time, it was thought this plan would revolutionize the education system, but it was abandoned in less
than 20 years. This was a period (1935-63) fondly remembered by devoted alumni who talk of the superior
teaching by such faculty as Linna Snow Paxman, S. Ralph Huntsman, John T. Woodbury, Jr., A. Karl Larson,
H. Lorenzo Reid, Arthur K. Hafen, Earl J. Bleak, Juanita L. P. Brooks, B. Glen Smith, Maurice J. Miles,
D. Elden Beck, Beth Gardner Schmutz, Joseph W. McAllister, Anna Page Robinson, Dean Peterson, Rodney
Ashby, Mariam Ahlstrom Robinson, Myrtle Henderson, Coach Leland Hafen, Arthur A. Paxman, E. Ellis
Everett, Nadine Ashby, Elizabeth Snow Beckstrom, Ronald L. Garner, Robert O. Dalton, Andrew H. Barnum,
Marion J. Bentley, Pansy L. Hardy, H. Loraine Woodbury, Edna J. Gregerson, Wayne R. McConkie, Gerald P.
Olson, Dona K. Parkinson, Howard H. Putnam, William E. Purdy, Donald C. Cameron & others.
Two large problems faced the College: space for growth and identification with the high school.
For years, President Joseph K. Nicholes looked for land to expand. The options near the campus were
very limited. Mathew Bentley also searched for alternatives after President Glenn E. Snow left Dixie
to fill a position with the National Education Association (where he later served as president). Mr.
Bentley served as President of Dixie College for one year. In 1951, the State Legislature appropriated
money for a new gymnasium. At that time, Dr. Ellvert H. Himes was Dixie College President, and with
the Dixie Education Association leaders, despaired of options near the campus and entertained the idea
of moving the campus from the center of town. Once that idea surfaced, it took off. The DEA purchased
four blocks of land on the east side of town near the cemetery. Through the leadership of Senator
Orval Hafen, who was president of the Utah State Senate, the State accepted the land as a gift in
return for permission to relocate the campus.
The first building (a new gymnasium) was completed in 1957. President Arthur F. Bruhn then undertook
the building of a new campus. In 1963 the Fine Arts Center and a heating plant were completed.
It then became his delicate task to separate the high school and college faculties, and to transfer
the latter group to the new campus.
The enrollment was 355 students when the move was made to the Fine Arts Building on the new campus
(which building housed all departments initially). President Bruhn's vision was that Dixie College
would be a small, quality liberal arts college with strong academic programs in the sciences and
liberal arts. He hoped that enrollment would reach 500 students and stay at that level so everyone
would know everyone else. The Fine Arts Auditorium, the Library, the Science and Home Economics
buildings were constructed to accommodate that enrollment size.
In the 1970s Dixie College took on new dimensions. A vocational curriculum was added, opening up a
second thrust of the institution. President Ferron C. Losee led out in this effort and in the
construction of a number of new buildings -- the Liberal Arts building, the Trades and Industries
complex, the Student Center, and residence halls. It became clear that the move to the new campus
had also created a new image, making Dixie State College attractive not only to Washington County
residents, but also to students from all over the state of Utah, surrounding states and beyond.
Under the administrations of Dr. Losee and Dr. Wm. Rolfe Kerr, enrollment grew to over 1500.
In the 1980s a Continuing Education thrust was expanded to the rapidly growing community of
St. George. (Whereas the population of St. George was less than 5,000 in 1950, and just over 7,000
in 1970, by 1980 it was over 11,000, and in 1990, approximately 30,000). In 2000 the population of
St. George is 50,000, with such developments as a five-story 137-bed regional hospital (Dixie
Regional Medical Center) and 138 medical doctors to serve Washington County (and its 90,000 residents
in 2000) as well as the surrounding tri-state area. Ground-breaking will take place in 2000 for a new
five story, 144 bed hospital on River Road which will have the name: Dixie Regional Medical Center,
and making it a two-campus hospital. Many retirees have made St. George their primary residence,
while others have second homes. The Institute of Continued Learning was established on the Dixie
College campus in 1976, and currently involves well over 1,000 retirees. An Elderhostel program is
housed in the old Dixiana dormitory (now named the Elderhostel Center) in midtown and during the
1999-2000 year attracted over 2,500 retirees to St. George for week-long courses. The Elderhostel
Program has expanded to include 22 locations. In addition to offering Baccalaureate programs, many
re-entry programs, GED high school diplomas, Developmental Education programs, and Short Term Intensive
Training programs (STIT) for industry, attract students from far and wide and contribute in signaling
Dixie's change from a junior to a State College.
Recently, other structures have expanded the campus to a major academic and cultural center.
An expanded Science building, the Browning Learning Resources Center, and the Hansen (football)
stadium, provide up to date facilities. The Udvar-Hazy School of Business building (completed in
1996, during the administration of President Robert C. Huddleston) is also a beautiful and
state-of-the-art structure. During the tenures of Presidents Wm. Rolfe Kerr (1976-80) and Alton
L. Wade (1980-86), a joint venture was undertaken with Washington County communities to create the
Avenna Center, a magnificent convention-cultural complex, which includes a sports arena, a fine arts
center, a fitness center, and a convention center.
Fall Quarter 2000, Dixie State College enrolled 6,945 students (compared to 6,191 Fall Quarter 1999,
5,716 Fall Quarter 1998 and 5,501 Fall Quarter 1997) and is expected to enroll 10,000 students as
Baccalaureate degrees will allow such an increase in the next few years while St. George continues
its steady growth into one of America's most desirable communities.
Chase Econometrics Associates, Inc. conducted a survey in the late 1980s which designated St. George,
Utah, as number one in the USA as a most desirable retirement community. The St. George Chamber of
Commerce slogan reads:
St. George -- Where the Summer Sun Spends the Winter.
Rand-McNally recently listed the ten most desirable communities in the USA, with St. George ranked sixth.
St. George is fast becoming the
family, recreational and retirement center of the West because of its "Palm Springs" like weather
and centralized location. As of 2000, there are twelve golf courses, numerous tennis courts,
eighteen movie theaters, ten bed and breakfast homes and fifty motels (totaling over 3000 rooms),
numerous historic sights, and some of the finest restaurants in the western USA.
Dixie State College has increasingly taken on a vital role in the economic development of Southern Utah.
It is indeed a cultural center and serves as the home of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra, the Celebrity
Concert Series, and the Southwest Guild, as well as the home of national sports champions. Dixie State
College won the men's national basketball championship (NJCAA) in 1985, and won the women's national soccer
championship (NJCAA) in 2000. Dixie basketball is ranked No. 1 in the nation at the end of the 2000-01
basketball season. It is consistently ranked in the top twenty nationally and more often in the top ten.
The Dixie Rebel football team is also consistently ranked in the top ten teams in the nation. In 2000
rankings, Dixie was No. 2 in the nation, as in 1997 and 1996, and has been in that position a number of
times since 1987. It is the home of the Dixie Rotary Bowl. The Dixie College baseball team participated
in the national finals, ranked in the top ten in the nation in 1989 and in 2000 and is often ranked in the
top twenty. Strong academic programs in the Sciences, Liberal Arts, Fine Arts, Computer Technology,
Business Administration, Trades and Industries, Physical Education and Continuing Education attract students
of all ages.
The Utah State Legislature granted a name change and Baccalaureate degree status in 2000 in recognition
of the growth of Dixie State College from approximately 2500 students in 1990 to approximately 7000
students in 2000.
NOTE: Between 1992 and 1997, St. George has been highly praised and listed among the best places
in the USA to retire.
Rankings (USA)
No. 1 by Newsweek for affordable housing; No. 3 by Prentice Hall
No. 6 by Rand McNally; Top Ten by Changing Times Featured on cover of Motor Home Magazine and
listed as a golfer's paradise Among ten best in the West by Sunset Magazine
Featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine
Featured in National Geographic Traveler Magazine
PRESIDENTS OF THE COLLEGE:
1911-18 - Hugh M. Woodward (wife: Emily Timothy)
1918-20 - Erastus S. Romney (wife: Roxey Stowell)
1920-23 - Joseph K. Nicholes (wife: Olive Maiben)
1923-26 - Edgar M. Jenson (wife: Ivie May Gardner)
1926-33 - Joseph K. Nicholes (wife: Olive Maiben)
1933-38 - B. Glen Smith (wife: 1. Wildee Dixon; 2. Mrs. Ruth Stephenson Jackman)
1938-50 - Glenn E. Snow (wife: Laura Gardner)
1950-51 - Mathew M. Bentley (wife: Iris Stowell)
1951-54 - Ellvert H. Himes (wife: Mildred Harter)
1954-64 - Arthur F. Bruhn (wife: Lorna Chamberlain)
1964-76 - Ferron C. Losee (wife: 1. Faye Greer; 2. Mrs. Mary Snyder Thomas; 3. Mrs. Mildred Hunt Ashworth)
1976-80 - Wm. Rolfe Kerr (wife: Janeil Raybould)
1980-86 - Alton L. Wade (wife: Diana Daniels)
1986-93 - Douglas D. Alder (wife: Elaine Reiser)
1993- - Robert C. Huddleston (wife: Linda Hamilton)
DIXIE COLLEGE FOUNDERS:
Edward H. Snow, Thomas P. Cottam, George F. Whitehead, James G. Bleak, David H. Cannon, Arthur F. Miles,
David H. Morris, John T. Woodbury
DIXIE COLLEGE PRESIDENTS - 1911-1997
1. 1911-18 - HUGH M. WOODWARD, President
Known as the "Father of Dixie", he was the pioneer President. Under his leadership, the original
Administration Building (of pink sandstone) and the Gymnasium were constructed on Main Street in
downtown St. George.
Through his efforts, approval was given, in 1916, for the establishment of Dixie Normal College.
This guaranteed two years beyond high school courses offered at the St. George Stake Academy.
He believed in the phrase "a soft answer turneth away wrath." He was held in high
regard by the community.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 15 to 122 students)
2. 1918-20 - ERASTUS S. ROMNEY, President
While he was President, the St. George Stake Academy became known as Dixie Normal College,
offering 60 hours of college work. Character building was considered to be the primary duty
of the college, as well as maintaining high standards of scholarship and efficiency.
He was President only one year and one semester. His early death during the flu epidemic
of 1920 ended his dreams for Dixie.
He was well known for arousing enthusiasm in a group of students like none other,
and wisely directed his efforts.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 15 to 20 students)
3. 1920-23 and 5. 1927-33 - JOSEPH K. NICHOLES, President
The College won what amounted to accreditation during his presidency, and Dixie Normal College
became Dixie Junior College. In January of 1931, he received a letter from the LDS Church
Commission of Education stating that all junior colleges were to be terminated. He had a mind
for finance, and since the College was destitute, his talents were needed and used. His firm
leadership allowed the College to continue under State control.
He had amazing ability to inspire students with self-confidence, and his great desire was
to see young people rise above their potential by setting an example for them to emulate.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 21 to 54 students, 1920-23 and 81 to 130 students, 1927-33)
4. 1923-27 - EDGAR M. JENSON, President
A methodical, precise and professional leader, he initiated a program for teacher training.
He organized and supervised the program, training teachers who served Washington County and
the surrounding area for many years (some serving a lifetime.) A skilled artist, many of his
paintings are in homes of longtime residents of St. George. He created the Art Circle and Art
Gallery at Dixie College.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 50 to 94 students)
6. 1933-38 - B. GLEN SMITH, President
While he was President, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints relinquished control of
Dixie Junior College, turning it over to the State of Utah. No financial support was offered,
and the faculty took salaries in hay, wood, nuts, fruit, and anything parents and students
could contribute for tuition.
He offered leadership and operated in a smooth and efficient manner under stress and
unfavorable circumstances, proving himself indispensable to Dixie College in its fight for continuance.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 142 to 180 students)
7. 1938-50 - GLENN E. SNOW, President
He was known for his close-knit faculty and his and their dedication. Dixie College had just come
through a period of starvation, and he was instrumental in "putting the College on its feet."
He began the move to get Dixiana constructed, determined to have a women's dormitory, especially
after learning an LDS Stake President in Nevada has asked bishops not to send girls to Dixie College
as there were no suitable living accommodations.
He was the first man west of the Mississippi to be added to the Board of Directors of the National
Education Association, based in Washington, D. C., and became President of NEA in 1947-48.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 67 (WW II) to 304 students)
8. 1950-51 - MATHEW M. BENTLEY, President
Mathew Bentley was known for holding Dixie College together while faced once more with its doors being
closed. He was keenly knowledgeable and diligent, and a financial wizard as well, handling every facet
of administrative responsibility.
Those who worked with Mathew say the one year he was President was the most pleasant of the years
at Dixie to that date.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 240 students)
9. 1951-54 - ELLVERT H. HIMES, President
He was the President who brought the concept of a community college to Dixie, and his great contribution was
the vision of a new campus and finding the area for Dixie College to expand.
He organized a campaign not only to solicit donations to finish Dixiana dormitory, but for the new campus,
which he determined would be a campus of beauty.
The first block on the new campus was purchased in December 1951, while Dr. Himes was President.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 167 to 193 students)
10. 1954-64 - ARTHUR F. BRUHN, President
Perhaps a more devoted president was not known at Dixie. Under his direction, Dixiana was finished and ready
for inspection by Governor Bracken Lee, who had come to St. George to inform President Bruhn that Dixie College
doors would have to be closed. After the inspection, and learning that Dixiana had been constructed entirely
from community funding, with no dollars from the State, the Governor said "if this community wants Dixie College
that badly, they should have it."
President Bruhn fought to retain Dixie College as a State institution of higher learning and presented deeds
to the new campus to Governor Lee.
While he was President, the move was made from the downtown campus to the present campus at 225 South 700 East.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 214 to 355 students)
11. 1964-76 - FERRON C. LOSEE, President
President Losee was known as "the Builder of the Dixie College Campus." He opened doors in Salt Lake City that
previous presidents were not able to do and established a working relationship with Governor Calvin Rampton,
convincing state officials he could give Dixie the new direction it needed. He changed the image of Dixie from
a small campus with an enrollment of 383 students (Spring 1964) to a campus covering 89 acres with an enrollment
of over 1200 students.
The name of the College was officially changed from Dixie Junior College to Dixie College while he was
President, this change taking place in 1970.
Dr. Losee was President at the time of the completion of the beautiful outside water fountain in the
center of the campus (dedicated November 8, 1975) and the building of the Obert C. Tanner Amphitheater
(in Springdale, Utah) at the mouth of Zion National Park, which acquisition increased the campus acreage to 201 acres.
The generosity of Dr. O. C. and Grace A. Tanner made possible both the fountain and the amphitheater.
(The first performance in the Tanner Amphitheater took place on June 11, 1976, in a combined concert of the
Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Utah Symphony Orchestra.)
Dedication of the Dixie College Outdoor Mosaic Mural (Fine Arts Center) on November 20, 1975, took place
under President Losee's administration. (Harrison T. Groutage, Artist; Hanns Joachim Scharff, Mosaicist).
A generous contribution from Mr. and Mrs. William H. Child, Mrs. Helen W. Barber, and a grant from the
National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, D. C., made this possible.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 524 to 1204 students.)
12. 1976-80 - WM. ROLFE KERR, President
Dynamic, enthusiastic administrator. His unique strength spearheaded the Cooperative Education work program
with local businesses, brought about salary increases for the faculty, and promoted closer ties between
college and community.
He had a keen understanding of human nature, and his distinct leadership changed the word "competition"
to "cooperation" between Dixie College, Dixie High School, the Washington County School District, and in
areas of his service, ie. as Chairman of the Board of the Dixie Medical Center Trustees, as well as a high
councilor in an LDS Stake, which made him a leader who was followed by students, faculty and residents of
all southern Utah. He later served as Commissioner, Utah System of Higher Education.
Dr. Kerr dreamed the dream imitating the concept of an educational, cultural, recreational facility
to be built through the joint efforts of Dixie College, Washington County and the State of Utah.
(The dream which began in 1977, became a reality in 1987, and is known as the Dixie Center.)
A new Trades & Industries building was built and dedicated (January 11, 1980) during his tenure.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 1343 to 1589 students)
13. 1980-86 - ALTON L. WADE, President
The magic of Alton Wade was that he could and did communicate with everyone, and will forever be remembered
for his magnetic personality, positive attitude and administrative expertise. With clear vision and a keen
sense of humor, he became the essence of the "Dixie Spirit".
A man who 'caught the vision' of the Dixie Center, and, as chairman and executive director of the Dixie
Center Administrative Control Board, skillfully moved the concept into reality with a ground-breaking on
April 2, 1985. The Center has been called a prototype of similar ventures soon to become nationwide.
He became the first President to see a Dixie College athletic team win a national championship when
the Rebels, on March 23, 1985, defeated Kankakee College (Illinois) 57-55, at the NJCAA national tournament
in Hutchinson, Kansas, to become the National Basketball Champions.
A beautiful Sculpture Garden (east of the Fine Arts Center) was dedicated on May 10, 1985, during his
tenure. Dennis Smith was the sculptor.
Under Dr. Wade's administration, computerization was introduced across campus. The Hansen Football
Stadium & Track and the Dixie Bell Tennis Courts were built while he was President.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 1790 to 2191 students)
14. 1986-93 - DOUGLAS D. ALDER, President
Dixie College "An Academic Climate" was the slogan for the campus during Douglas Alder's tenure. He emphasized
the importance of academic rigor.
During his administration, the Val A. Browning Learning Resources Center was built to house developmental
education as well as music and computer laboratories. An addition to the Science building was completed.
The College expanded continued education offerings, particularly the Elderhostel program for senior citizens.
Funding was secured for library additions. One of the larger contributions was a $1.5 million endowment for
library collections from the federal government and Val A. Browning.
Dr. Alder received the 1991 Governor's Award in the Humanities for his work in organizing conferences,
lectures and book groups dealing with history, literature and public issues throughout the State.
(Enrollment during his tenure: 2201 to 2963 students)
15. 1993 - ROBERT C. HUDDLESTON, (Current President - 2001)
Tremendous growth occurred under the administration of Bob Huddleston. Student enrollment headcount soared
from 3000 (1993) to 7000 (2000). Full-time equivalent enrollment also increased from 2300 to 4000.
An average of $3 million annually was raised from private donations plus millions more in deferred gifts.
Perennial nationally ranked teams or team members in Football, Basketball (Men and Women), Soccer (Women),
Baseball, Volleyball and College Newspaper.
Among his many accomplishments, he:
- was the positive force to oversee Dixie College become Dixie State College, offering Baccalaureate programs.
- established a plan for institutional effectiveness.
- created a policy and procedures manual which flows from the mission and purposes of the College and is
utilized and understood by faculty and staff.
- reorganized the College so that the organizational structure has a clear definition of roles and
responsibilities that lead to a comprehensive internal communications program indicating clear lines of
budgeting and decision-making authority.
- expanded post associate degree programs in cooperation with the state universities to meet the
educational needs of
- improved the working relationships with the Board of Trustees, Utah State Board of Regents and the Legislature
to fund the College to meet its operational and capital needs for students and the community.
- established a community educational television channel.
- increased faculty salaries 18% over a three-year period.
- managed a $20 million operational budget, over $5 million gifts, contracts and grants budget, plus a
physical plant consisting of 663,212 gross square feet and a one hundred (100) acre campus.
- expanded the library, built a new institutional residence, business and student service buildings and seven
(7) acre encampment mall, soccer and play fields and baseball/softball complex.
- established the first paid professional position for economic development in Washington County.
- challenged the faculty to examine the general education curriculum which resulted in a complete revision.
- played a major role in the conversion of the State of Utah Higher Education System converting from the
quarter to semester academic calendar.
- implemented a county-wide in-service project for all faculty and staff in conjunction with the Washington
County School District.
- activated the Strategic Planning Committee which resulted in a major revision in the Mission and Vision
Statements and Goals for the College.
- organized the Leadership Dixie Committee and chaired the first year of its operation. (The mission
and purpose is to develop a corps of informed qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic
leadership for Washington County.)
(Enrollment during his tenure: 3014 (1993) to 6945 (2000)) *
* On July 1, 2001 Pres. Huddleston begins his ninth year as President.
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