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2002 News Archive

FALL SEMESTER 2002
December 13, 2002-National security and individual rights topic lecture
December 10, 2002-‘Tis the season for music
December 9, 2002-DSC tuition rates topic of Dec. 11 meeting
December 9, 2002-DSC to host "Stress Day"
December 5, 2002-Ground is broken for Dixie's fine arts building
November 27, 2002-Groundbreaking set for fine arts facility.
November 14, 2002-The new Dixie Applied Technology College
November 14, 2002-Dixie State College to host Career Day
November 13, 2002-DSC nursing program receives donation
November 11, 2002-Groundbreaking set for DSC’s fine arts facility
November 11, 2002-November once again CAREER MONTH
November 11,2002-"I CAN DO THAT Therapy" subject of next Forum
November 8, 2002-DSC book drive kicks off Monday
November 4, 2002-Concert to feature trio of DSC musical groups
October 24, 2002-DSC's nursing program steps towardsaccreditation.
October 21, 2002-Community invited to DSC accreditation meeting
October 21, 2002-Mountain Meadows Massacre topic at Dixie Forum
October 16, 2002-How about that Jazz!
October 11, 2002-Health Sciences facilities dedicated at Dixie State
October 11,2002-Religions of the World on display at DSC library
October 10,2002-Health Sciences facilities to be dedicated at Dixie State
October 10, 2002-Six to be inducted into DSC Hall of Fame this weekend
October 9, 2002-DSC receives accreditation commendations and recommendations
October 7, 2002-Homecoming takes center stage at Dixie State
October 6, 2002-End of an era, beginning of a new one at DSC
October 4, 2002-Spectrum managing editor next up a Dixie Forum
October 4, 2002-DSC undergos accreditation evaluation
September 27, 2002-Composers John Duffy and Phillip Bimstein next up at Dixie Forum
September 27, 2002-DSC’s block schedule about to start
September 18, 2002-Growth continues at Dixie State College
September 18, 2002-Immigration and diversity the topic of next Dixie Forum
September 16, 2002-Service topic of next Dixie Forum
September 17, 2002-Homeless or not, DSC theatre to kickoff season
Septem ber 9,2002-USU MBA returns to Dixie State for 3rd cycle
September 9, 2002-Dixie Forum speaker to reflect on 9-11
September 6, 2002-World awareness to be promoted during DSC’s World Week
September 6, 2002-End of an era, beginning of a new one at DSC
September 4, 2002-New Dental Hygiene Clinic opens at DSC
August 30, 2002-DSC art professor next up at Dixie Forum
August 30, 2002-Earning college credit abroad, in Costa Rica
August 23, 2002-Osmond brothers to kick off Dixie Forum
August 23, 2002-DSC Launches New Elementary Education Program

SUMMER 2002
August 8, 2002-DSC Preschool gears up for fall
August 7,2002-Fall Registration up at Dixie State College
July 25, 2002-And the winner is…KCEC-TV
June 27,2002-DSC High School Automotive Program places 6th at nationals
June 12, 2002- DSC’s Gardner Student Center to expand

National security and individual rights topic of public lecture at DSC
(ST. GEORGE – Dec. 13, 2002) National security and individual rights will come under examination during a public lecture Friday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Dunford Auditorium at Dixie State College.
Dr. J.D. Williams, emeritus professor of political science at the University of Utah, will present the lecture, which will be the culminating event of a weeklong faculty seminar led by Williams at the college.
"J.D. Williams is a master teacher and speaker, and he’ll be speaking on a topic that should be of concern to every American citizen," said seminar director and DSC English professor Dr. Tim Bywater, a former student of Williams’ at the University of Utah. "A course taught by Professor Williams is an experience one never forgets. He has incredible power as a teacher as well as genuine empathy for students that makes all the difference."
Professor Williams earned his degrees at Stanford and Harvard, and began teaching at the University of Utah in 1952, retiring in 1992. He received the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 1983, the Rosenblatt Prize for excellence in 1992, and a doctor of laws degree in 1996.
The protection of liberty has always been one of Williams’ primary interests. His work has been honored by the Utah Bar Association with its Liberty Bell Award, B’Nai Brith’s award for contributions to human brotherhood, and the Utah Library Association’s citation for the defense of the First Amendment.
The seminar and lecture are products of a Challenge Grant awarded to the college by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in 1993. Private donations helped complete the grant funding of nearly $1 million.
The grant’s purpose is to enable Dixie faculty to interact with some of the finest teachers and scholars in the world. Others in the series thus far have included scholars from Cambridge University, David Bromwich from Yale, and Terre Tempest Williams, one of America's finest environmental writers.
"The public lecture enables the general public to benefit from the NEH grant as well," Bywater said. "The topic, "our loss of civil rights in the wake of 9-11" is important to every citizen."
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‘Tis the season for music
(ST. GEORGE – Dec. 10, 2002) Dixie State College’s Chamber Orchestra and Chamber Singers will join together in a combined concert Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church and School.
"This will be a wonderful night of music celebrated in the Christmas spirit," said Chamber Orchestra director Scott Tanner. "The music selected for this performance has been chosen to appeal to audiences of young and old alike."
In addition to Christmas selections by the Chamber Singers, the concert will consist of "Greensleeves," by Vaughn Williams, "Holberg Suite," by Edvard Grieg, and the highlight performance, Vivaldi’s "Gloria."
"Vivaldi’s "Gloria" is a musical experience not to be missed," Tanner said.
The DSC Chamber Singers is a select, auditioned group of singers taken from the campus at large and is directed by Dr. Ken Peterson.
The Trinity Lutheran Church and School is located on 2260 E. Red Cliffs Drive. A donation of $2 per student and $5 per family is appreciated.
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DSC tuition rates topic of Dec. 11 meeting
(ST. GEORGE – Dec. 9, 2002) Last month, the Utah State Board of Regents approved a 4.5 percent first-tier tuition hike for all Utah colleges and universities for the 2003-04 academic year. It is now up to each individual institution to decide whether it will increase tuition on top of that.
An open meeting will be held Wednesday, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Dunford Auditorium, Browning Building to discuss potential second tier tuition increase scenarios at Dixie State College. All students and community members are invited to attend the meeting.
"College officials want to make sure that DSC remains financially accessible for any and all students who want to enroll here," said DSC vice president of student services Bill Fowler. "We strongly encourage student input at this meeting."
DSC student body president BenJoe Markland has met with students regarding a potential second tier tuition increase, Fowler said, and is working hard to keep any additional increases as low as possible while helping the college meet its financial obligations in the midst of reduced state appropriations. A final determination on 2003-04 tuition rates will be made in January.
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DSC to host "Stress Day"
(ST. GEORGE – Dec. 9, 2002) Just hearing the words "final exam" is enough to make any student’s palms sweat. In order to alleviate some of the stress associated with finals week, Dixie State College’s REACH Club is hosting a "Finals Stress Reduction" day Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Gardner Student Center.
The activity coincides with Stress Awareness Week at colleges and universities nationwide.
Students can look forward to prizes, snacks, games and other activities.
"This is a stressful time for students," said DSC Wellness Center director Barbara Johnson. "The hustle and bustle of the holidays is enough to stress anyone out. Couple that with multiple final exams, and you’ve got quite a stressful combination. This activity is designed to help students blow off some of that steam."
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Ground is broken for Dixie State fine arts building
(ST. GEORGE – Dec. 5, 2002) Ground was broken today for the new 70,000 square foot-plus Delores Dore’ Eccles Fine Arts Center, marking the first official day of construction for Dixie State College’s long awaited new fine arts building. The anticipated completion date for the building is January 2004.
"Oh, you don’t know how grateful I am to have this day arrive," said DSC president Dr. Robert Huddleston during the groundbreaking ceremonies. "It’s been a long and arduous journey, a journey with a goal in mind and a goal accomplished."
According to Huddleston, there were those who doubted that this was the right building to pursue. Many of those doubters, he said, don’t recognize DSC’s longstanding commitment to the arts, a commitment that, in addition to successful fine arts programs, has produced a Celebrity Concert Series, an amphitheater at the mouth of Zion National Park, an annual invitational art show, and successful partnerships with many community groups, including the Southwest Symphony.
"We’ve been committed to this project," Huddleston said. "We’ve never wavered. No doubt we could have gotten other facilities up quicker, but we think we made the right decision, and today confirms that."
"This process has been filled with yield signs, speed bumps, U-turns, and stop signs," Huddleston added. "Fortunately, w e& #146;ve busted through those barriers and accomplished the task."
The college’s pursuit of the new building spans nearly two decades. The original fine arts building on campus was built in 1962 for a maximum student body of 500. In 1981-82, total enrollment at Dixie State was 1,904. Enrollment at the college now nears 8,000.
In addition to a lack of space, various safety and code violations began to surface in the early 1990s. Conditions became so bad that the basement floor was ordered vacated in 1998.
The college pursued capital improvement funds, but in the end, it was determined that total demolition was the only viable option.
The prospective new building has been near the top of the Utah State Board of Regents’ priority list since 1997, yet the money for the new building, nearly $19 million, has not come easy. Despite significant contributions from the Eccles Foundation and Sears and Graff families, the remaining state funding for the building has been on spin cycle on Utah’s Capitol Hill the past three years.
Local legislators and college officials continued to work tirelessly to ensure the building received its fair share of representation, however, and the building received new life and ultimate approval in January 2002.
"This is a building that has been substantially earned by this institution," said State Representative David Clark. "At a time when state budgets and revenues are certainly in the challenge category, I think it should indicate to this community and to the college the significant role that we place on arts and theatre and the importance and the relevance it has within our community."
In addition to office and classroom space, the new facility will include a 500-seat performance theatre, a black box theater, a music concert hall, and several rehearsal halls. It will also include a new art museum, which, in addition to various traveling exhibits, will house the college’s annual Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show.
"I can’t think of a better place for a beautiful fine arts gallery than at the edge of the desert, where so much of the beautiful art is inspired," said Alan Layton, president of Layton Construction, which will head the project. "We’re inspired to be a part of this project and look forward to a wonderful celebration when we cut the ribbon."
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Groundbreaking set for DSC’s fine arts facility…finally
(ST. GEORGE – Nov. 27, 2002) The wait isn’t quite over, but it’s getting close. Dixie State College will break ground for its long-awaited fine arts building Thursday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m.
"This is 30 some odd years of effort culminating in the groundbreaking for this building," said Fine Arts Department Chair Eric Young. "It’s past time, and Dixie and the community are ready for this building to happen."
All community members are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony, which will take place west of the Graff Arts Building (tile mosaic). Similar to the Avenna Center, the new Delores Dore’ Eccles Fine Arts Building – named in honor of the major gift contributed by that foundation – will be a community-centered facility in addition to its academic and student functions. The 70,000 square foot-plus building will be the largest on campus.
"It’s right on the border of our campus, perhaps one of the more public borders we have," Young said. "It will be a showplace and a very unique building. It has been designed to integrate into the rest of the campus’ architecture, but it will have a definite quality about it that it will become a nice gathering place for the community."
In addition to office and classroom space, the new facility will include a 500-seat performance theatre, a black box theater, a music concert hall, and several rehearsal halls. It will also include a new art museum, which, in addition to various traveling exhibits, will house the college’s annual Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show.
While the bulk of the $19 million allocated for the building has come from state funds and private contributions, the building is, in part, a product of the Sears Dixie Invitational. The invitational originated with the purpose of raising funds for a new fine arts building. Since 1987, the show has netted over $500,000 toward that end.
Appropriately enough for a fine arts building, the saga that has finally led to the new facility’s groundbreaking has been a dramatic one. Originally constructed in 1962 at a cost of $934,605, the Auditorium and Multi-purpose Center, later named the Graff Building, was designed to accommodate a student body of 500. Three hundred students were enrolled at the college at the time.
In the early 1990s, various safety and code violations began to arise. In 1997, the college requested nearly $1 million in capital improvement funds to address the problems. One year later, however, it was determined that 70-percent of the Graff Building needed replacing and that demolition should result. Seismic problems were also revealed at that time. Also in 1998, the fire and safety code violations became so extreme that the basement floor was ordered vacated.
The proposed new building then went the way of the pinball in the state legislature for the next three years before receiving final approval earlier this year.
"It’s been a process that’s seen a lot of ups and downs, but we’re looking forward and not backward," said DSC President Dr. Robert Huddleston. "This is going to be a wonderful and very striking addition to our campus and community as a whole. It’s a facility we’ve needed desperately for a long time for instructional purposes, but it’s also going to enhance the cultural opportunities available in this area. We’re all looking forward to its completion."
Construction on the Delores Dore’ Fine Arts Center will take just over one year with an expected completion date of January 2004, two months earlier than previously anticipated. The project’s general contractor is Layton Construction. Two webcams have been installed showing construction activities and progress. They can be accessed online at http://webcam.dixie.edu/.
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The new Dixie Applied Technology College - what is it??
Demand high for students with applied technology skills
(ST. GEORGE – Nov. 14, 2002) Have you seen the new sign on the east side of the North Plaza Building on the DSC campus along 100 South and wondered just what the DXATC is? You may have also been curious as to know how this new technical college relates to Dixie State College.
Perhaps the best way to picture this new college and its relationship to Dixie State is to think of it as a close friend and partner. It is a separate college, which provides applied technology programs to high school and adult students.
The mission of the DXATC is to work closely with the Washington County School District and with Dixie State College to make sure that duplicate programs are not offered, and to offer additional programs needed in the community that Dixie State College does not offer. Emphasis is placed on creating career pathways for students so they can begin preparation for a job in an applied technology field while in high school and continue with an easy transition after graduation.
Training for high-demand jobs and training for industry certifications are also a major focus of the new college. President Huddleston and Superintendent Granger have been very supportive of this new college and continue to be close partners as the DXATC begins to develop new training programs.
The Dixie Applied Technology College began with the passage of the UCAT legislation in June 2001, which created a new, tenth college in the Utah System of Higher Education. This new college was named the Utah College of Applied Technology. UCAT is made up of 10 regional colleges severing different areas throughout the state. The DXATC is the regional technical college set up to serve Washington County.
Utah high school students may enroll in any one of the 10 regional applied technology colleges tuition-free, and tuition for adults is minimal. Adult students are charged a base tuition of 95 cents per clock hour; however, some programs require additional fees due to industry standards for equipment and materials needed to offer state-of-the-art training.
Students may register at any time during regular business hours and receive instruction in a self-paced format. The flexible schedule is ideal for working adults with limited time and for high school students who want to supplement their high school schedule. Classes are offered during both daytime and evening hours depending on the program.
Examples of programs being offered are the building construction program, where students learn skills required to build a home, the diesel mechanics program, which partners closely with the Dixie State College auto mechanics program, and the new dental assisting program, which will partner with the DSC dental hygiene program beginning spring semester.
A high demand exists for students who complete their training in all of these programs. A complete list of available programs and instructions for registration are available on the DXATC web site. The address is www.dixieatc.org or call 652-7730 for additional information.
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Dixie State College to host Career Day
(St. George, UT – Nov. 14, 2002) Daytime classes on Nov. 19 have been cancelled at Dixie State College, but the campus will be abuzz nonetheless between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
High school seniors from Utah, Nevada, and Arizona will congregate on campus for the college’s annual Career Day. The event has been a fixture at the college for 25 years.
Some 25 high schools will participate in Career Day this year. Some will bring their entire student body, consisting of as few as four students, while some will bring as many as 350. All, however, will come for the same purpose.
"Our goal is to present the best up-to-date, credible and useful information available on a wide variety of occupations to students in the process of making decisions that will affect the rest of their lives," said DSC Career Center Director Virginia Woodward.
Presenting that information will be over 100 local professionals representing nearly 85 different occupations. Students will be able to select four workshops of their choice to attend. Approximately 120 workshops filling nearly every classroom on campus will be available to choose from, with 30 workshops running each of the four hours.
Morning and afternoon classes have been cancelled, not only to make way for the high school students, but to allow DSC students to attend as well. Evening classes (after 5 p.m.) will go forward as scheduled.
"One of our best measures of success as a college is when our former students find satisfying and rewarding employment," Woodward said. "Many of our DSC students are struggling to make career decisions. Numerous studies indicate that when students set career goals, even if they change their goals at a later date, they are more likely to stay in school and their grades tend to be better."
Community members are invited to attend workshops as well.
Career Day begins at 9 a.m. in DSC’s Cox Auditorium with a general assembly and introduction. Workshops will begin at 9:30 a.m. and run through 1 p.m. Workshop schedules will be sent to the respective high schools prior to Career Day. For more information, call Virginia Woodward at (435) 652-7736.
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DSC nursing program receives donation
(ST. GEORGE – Nov. 13, 2002) It has been an eventful month for Dixie State College’s nursing program.
In October, the program dedicated a new nursing skills lab. Later that month, it received resoundingly high marks on its initial accreditation bid. And now, the program is on the receiving end of a $50,000 donation.
On the giving end of the donation was Dixie Regional Medical Center.
"DRMC is an integral part of our health science programs at the college," said Dr. Robert Huddleston, president of Dixie State College. "They’ve lent tremendous support to our entire institution over the years and this is just one example of that. This really is a gift to the entire community because it’s only going to help raise the level of health care available in this area."
One of the purposes of the donation is to help keep the effects of the national nursing shortage at bay, DRMC officials said.
"We have challenges in nurse recruiting – all hospitals do," said Vicki Wilson, human resources administrator for DRMC. "However, the impact of the shortage has not been as severe here at Dixie. We are proud of or nursing staff and are working hard to be the ‘employer by choice’ to reduce turnover."
Even so, the hospital plans to hire over 60 RNs next year when new positions and turnover replacement are taken into consideration.
"We are optimistic that with solid support of nursing programs like Dixie State’s and aggressive recruitment, we will have the staffing we need to sustain the excellent level of health care we currently provide," Wilson said.
Fortunately for Utah, interest in the nursing profession does appear to be high statewide. Students are applying to nursing schools in strong numbers, Wilson said, and at many institutions there are not enough spots available to take them all. In Dixie State’s case, enrollment in the college’s individual nursing programs is near capacity.
"DRMC is hopeful that this donation will boost the number of openings available at DSC," said DSC Director of Health Sciences Kevin Tipton. "We’ve got a great partnership. They are very willing to step onto our turf and say, ‘What can we do to help?’"
One thing both parties are looking forward to is a new 400,000 square foot IHC hospital currently under construction in St. George. Dixie State hopes to prepare many of its graduates for the positions that the new hospital will create.
In terms of nursing alone, the college currently offers a practical nurse certificate and an associate degree in nursing (RN). In addition, DSC graduates 120 certified nurse assistants each semester. The college is currently seeking funding for a new health sciences building and has plans to offer baccalaureate degrees specific to health occupations in the future.
"The DSC nursing program is vitally important to our hospital's success," said DRMC Administrator Steve Wilson. "DRMC is committed to helping increase the capacity and success of our major community partner in health education -- Dixie State College."
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November once again CAREER MONTH at DIXIE STATE COLLEGE
(ST. GEORGE – Nov. 11, 2002) Two years ago, DSC President Robert Huddleston issued a proclamation designating November as Career Month for the purpose of encouraging students to select an academic or technical major early in their college experience. That proclamation continues to remain in effect.
Numerous studies have indicated that selecting a major early is an important factor in achieving success in college.
"The decision of selecting a career is one of the most important choices students will make in their lifetime," said Dr. Max Rose, DSC vice president of academics.
Career Month will kick off Nov. 14, with, "Discovering Your Work Style," a workshop conducted by Tonja Easson of Academic Innovations. Academic Innovations is the company that created the award winning textbook, "Career Choices." The workshop will be held on Thursday at noon in room 113 of the Science Building.
In addition, the "Career Wizard" will again be around campus dispensing wisdom and helping students with their "future" career plans.
"Students wishing to shorten their time to a degree should choose a major early," said Dr. David Borris, dean of business, technology, and health sciences. "The costs for obtaining a higher educational degree continually increase. It pays to plan early on a career choice to minimize cost."
November is also the month that high school seniors throughout southern Utah converge on the DSC campus to participate in Career Day, which falls on Nov. 19 this year. Over 117 workshops introducing students to a variety of careers will be available for career exploration purposes.
"Your career, the endeavor of your life, is a journey," said Joe Peterson, dean of arts, letters, and sciences. "It’s important that students begin that journey well. Students should spend time now to make sure that the steps they are taking now will lead them to a destination that is right for them. It's important to choose your major and set forth plans for the trip you'll make."
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"I CAN DO THAT Therapy" subject of next Dixie Forum
(ST. GEORGE – Nov. 11, 2002) The importance of education – for both men and women – and preparing for the unknowns that lie ahead will be the topic of this week’s Dixie Forum: A Window on the World Tuesday at noon in DSC’s Dunford Auditorium.
Elisabeth Rhodes Bingham, current chair of Dixie State College’s National Advisory Council (NAC), will be the forum speaker.
A successful businesswoman and humanitarian, she will talk about the world that was opened up to her because of her experiences in work and school. She will also touch on the subject of being a professional and the benefits it brings to parenting, as well as the humanitarian aid projects she is currently involved with.
The title of her presentation is "I Can Do That Therapy."
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DSC book drive kicks off Monday
(ST. GEORGE – Nov. 8, 2002) Last fall students at Dixie State College, together with the help of the community, raised $5,000 to help aid an eight-year old near drowning victim.
This fall, DSC students are out to collect 5,000 new and used books of all reading levels for children and various organizations, such as Dixie Care and Share and Purgatory Correctional Facility.
The book drive is part of the college’s "Camps to Community – Drive for Five" service program, a bi-annual service event at the college. This fall’s Drive for Five will be done in memory of the late Lois Wells, a local educator and literacy advocate who helped many in Washington County learn to read.
"Just like last year, we can’t do it without the help of the community," said DSC Studentbody President BenJoe Markland. "Everybody has a book or two laying around the house that they don’t need anymore. Instead of keeping them on the shelf to collect dust, this is an opportunity to pass it along to someone else."
Local high schools are also getting involved in the project. Beginning Monday, college and high school students will distribute grocery bags and flyers to homes around the community explaining the service project. Those interested in donating can fill the bags with books and leave the filled bags on their curbside Friday morning for pick-up later that afternoon.
The book drive will culminate in a "Book Bash" Saturday, Nov. 16, in the college’s Old Gym parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free food, live entertainment, and prize giveaways will all be a part of this final push to reach the 5,000 mark. All community members are invited to attend.
In addition, A DATS trailer will be in the Old Gym parking lot along 700 East, serving as a drop-off point throughout the week. Book donation boxes will also be available at many local grocery stores beginning Monday and will remain throughout the month of November.
The Campus to Community program was instituted at the college last year under the leadership of 2001-02 student body president Connor Shakespeare. In addition to last fall’s project, DSC students helped plant trees at the newly dedicated Southern Utah Water Conservation Garden.
"We want this to become a longstanding tradition at the college for years to come," Markland said. "We at Dixie State appreciate the overwhelming support the community gives us. It’s important to us the students that we give something back."
If you have any questions or would like to help with the book drive , call Donna Stafford at 652-7513 or BenJoe Markland at 652-7517.
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Concert to feature trio of DSC musical groups
(ST. GEORGE – Nov. 4, 2002) The Dixie State College Symphonic Band, Brass Choir and Woodwind Choir will team up in concert this Thursday at 8 p.m. in the Avenna Center Cox Auditorium.
The program will be of a patriotic nature in honor of Veteran’s Day. Cost is $2 a person or $5 a family. Faculty, staff, and students with an activity card will be admitted for free. Veterans will also be admitted at no charge.
The band will perform "A Festival Prelude" by Alfred Reed, "American Folk Rhapsody No. 3" by Clare Grundman, "Resting In The Peace Of His Hands" by John Gibson, "American Overture For Band" by Joseph Willcox Jenkins, "American Civil War Fantasy" by Jerry Bilik and "Celebrations" by John Zdechlik.
The program will also include four marches by John Philip Sousa, "The High School Cadets," "El Capitan," "Bullets And Bayonets" and "The Star And Stripes Forever." A special musical salute to the men and women of the armed forces will also be presented.
The Symphonic Band is a 70-member group of very fine college musicians. Performing regularly for various programs in and around the community, they are directed by Gary Caldwell. The Brass Choir is directed by Ronald Garner and the Woodwind Choir by Denis Zwang.
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DSC's nursing program steps towardsaccreditation.
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 24, 2002) Throughout the week, an accreditation committee representing the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission evaluated the college’s Practical Nursing and Registered Nursing (ADN) programs according to a number of standards dealing with mission and governance, faculty, students, curriculum and instruction, physical facilities, integrity, and educational effectiveness.
"We will recommend to the Panel of Review that we grant initial accreditation with a visit in five years," said evaluation committee chair Kathy Hankel (University of South Dakota) to faculty and administrators. "All three of us our very confident in what we’ve recommended."
The committee reported its recommendation early Thursday in an exit meeting. Patterns of strength and patterns of concern were also brought forward by the committee.
Specifically, patterns of strength included:
1. Strong leadership within the program, specifically by the division director.
2. Strong community support for the program, expressed both in words and financially.
3. A cohesive, dedicated, caring, faculty interested in student success.
4. The program’s systematic plan for program evaluation and assessment of outcomes.
5. The program’s effective achievement of its goals and purposes.
The committee also expressed pleasure with the progress made in a number of other areas.
"I’ve been doing business since 1988, and I must say this is one of the best student groups I have ever seen," Hankel said.
"When it comes to curriculum, we think (the program’s) conceptual framework is very strong," Hankel also commented. "For a program that is this young, I’ve never said that before – ever – in 14 years."
Both programs are less than five years old.

The committee also took an interest in the expansion of Dixie Regional Medical Center.
"We think that’s a real plus for the program because it’s only going to give you more clinical opportunities at different levels that you’ve never had before, Hankel said.
The committee also pointed out two areas in which the programs could improve:
1. Fit of the program in the overall college structure in terms of the organizational chart, job descriptions, titles, etc.
2. Lack of sufficient human resources in terms of full-time faculty and clerical support.
"I felt that we would meet the standards, and we’re pretty close to that mark," said Kevin Tipton, director of health sciences at DSC. "I knew we weren’t perfect, but I felt we were ready. It’s nice to have this step under our belt."
The initial recommendation is considered the first step in the accreditation process. The committee’s recommendation will now be turned over to a Panel of Review in January. A recommendation will then be made to the Commission. The Commission will then make its final recommendation, and DSC will be notified of the program’s official accreditation status in April.
The accreditation visit comes at the heels of an institution-wide accreditation evaluation. Dixie State College is seeking initial accreditation at the baccalaureate level and will be formally informed of its accreditation status in January.
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Community invited to DSC accreditation meeting
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 21, 2002) Fresh off the heels of a campus wide accreditation evaluation, Dixie State College’s nursing program will now undergo its first accreditation evaluation. Specifically, accreditation officials will evaluate DSC’s Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Nurse (RN) programs.
A community meeting will be held in conjunction with the accreditation visit Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Udvar Hazy Business Building, room 361. All community members are invited to meet with the accreditation team and offer input regarding the programs.
"I feel real good about it," said Health Sciences Director Kevin Tipton of the accreditation evaluation. "I know there are things that we haven’t gotten like clockwork. That’s all right -- we want to improve, and we hope the evaluation team points those things out to us. But I feel that we’re going to match the requirements."
An accreditation exit meeting will be held Thursday at 8 a.m. in the Udvar Hazy Building, room 361, at which time the accreditation team will present its initial findings.
The college’s Registered Nurse program is an associate level program. The Practical Nurse program is a certificate program and paves the way for students to get their LPN. Both programs are seeking accreditation by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.
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Mountain Meadows Massacre topic at Dixie Forum
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 21, 2002) The student produced documentary film, "The Mountain Meadow Massacre," will be the subject of the next two presentations at Dixie Forum: A Window on the World, the first taking place Tuesday at noon in the Dunford Auditorium at Dixie State College. The documentary won two Telly Awards in 2000.
The film’s executive producer, Eric Young, will speak about what went into producing the film and will lead a discussion about the film’s impact. The first half of the documentary will also be shown Tuesday, the second half being shown the following Tuesday, Oct. 29.
"I was very impressed when I saw what he, his students, and colleagues put together," said Dixie Forum coordinator Terre Burton. "I think audience members will be, too, particularly if they haven’t yet seen it."
Young is both the director of the Digital Motion Picture Production Program and chair of the Fine Arts Department at Dixie State College. He also teaches courses in communication.
He is the former director of photography in film production for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has 15 years experience producing and directing in the commercial film and video production industry.
Other projects that Young has had a direct hand in include "Ancestors," a nationally aired documentary series on PBS and "Falling Out," a documentary detailing the history of above-ground nuclear testing in southern Nevada.
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How about that Jazz!
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 16, 2002) The professional basketball team up north isn’t the only one gearing up for another season of "Jazz." Dixie State College is getting set for some Jazz of its own. The college’s Jazz Ensemble will be in concert Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. in the Avenna Center Cox Auditorium.
"This year, we have one of the strongest group of jazz soloists ever," said DSC Band Director Gary Caldwell. "What a great addition to the program and what a joy these musicians are to work with."
Tuesday’s program will include a variety of compositions including "Well You Needn’t," "On Green Dolphin Street," "Chelsea Bridge," "Coastline Cruise," "Hot Strip Shuffle," "Wind Machine," "Santa Fe Trail," ‘How Sweet It Is," and "Georgia On My Mind."
Represented at the concert will be some of the great jazz composers, such as Sammy Nestico, Hoagy Carmichael, Louie Bellson, Frank Mantooth, Billy Strayhorn, Phil Wilson and Thelonious Monk.
The Jazz Ensemble is a 17-piece big band comprised of some very fine student jazz musicians, Caldwell said. Featured student soloists are Josh Marshall, tenor sax; Antoinette Rennerfeldt, alto sax; John White, alto sax; Lisa Shelton, trombone; Jeff Caldwell, trumpet; Kali Terry, piano; Dan Garofalo, guitar.
Special guest artist for this concert will be Denis Zwang on tenor and soprano sax. Denis is a local musician who performs regularly for recording studios, casuals, Tuacahn and the Utah Jazz among others. He also teaches and works at Music Affiliates.
Cost is $2 a person or $5a family, no charge for students with an activity card.
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Health Sciences facilities dedicated at Dixie State
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 11, 2002) Two new health sciences facilities, a dental hygiene clinic and a nursing lab, were dedicated Friday at Dixie State College.
Administrators, faculty, and graduates from both programs expressed appreciation to the donors who made the facilities possible and recounted student success stories within both programs.
"To those individuals who donated to this particular project and to our faculty who work in this area, bless your heart," said Dr. Robert Huddleston, college president. "May God bless you for your help because you won’t just change peoples’ careers, you’ll change generations."
The Dr. Mervyn & Sue Cox Dental Hygiene Clinic opened this summer to students and the public. The clinic consists of 14 operatories and accompanying equipment, including X-Ray equipment.
Prior to the clinic coming on board, all clinical instruction for the program had taken place off campus in local dentist offices, clinic space that was donated in the college’s behalf. Now, all clinical and classroom instruction take place in the same building. The new clinic was made possible primarily through donations from within the local dental community, many of whom were honored at the dedication ceremony.
"I’m very proud to say I’m a graduate of the Dixie State College dental hygiene program," said Ashley Ence, a graduate of the program who spoke at the dedication. "As I look back on those two years, I learned many lessons that have helped me become who I am today."
The new nursing lab nearly quadruples its predecessor in both size and equipment. Eleven beds and accompanying equipment are available for student training compared to the four formerly available. Each of the college’s three nursing programs – Certified Nurse Assistant, Practical Nurse (LPN), and Registered Nurse – now has its own segmented lab space.
"This is a special program, this is a special school – I’m glad to see its growth," remarked DSC nursing graduate Matt Trane Webb, also a clinical instructor for the college’s CNA program. "I can see Dixie State College one day becoming Dixie State University. I envision the day when we will have a bachelor’s degree and even a master’s degree (in nursing)."
Both facilities are located in the Jennings Technology and Health Scienc es Center, the new home to Dixie State’s entire health sciences division. This marks the first time all health sciences programs have been consolidated under one roof.
"For the students, it’s made them feel like they’re more of a bigger picture," said Kevin Tipton, director of health sciences. "Nursing students are here with dental hygiene students and EMT and EMS students. I think they feel like they’re part of a bigger program, here with other health professionals and colleagues."
In the future, the college hopes to build on the health sciences foundation now firmly in place.
"The next step will be to have a building specifically dedicated to the health sciences where we can expand the number of programs," said George Whitehead, director of institutional advancement at the college. "I think I’ll see that take place while I’m still working here at Dixie State College – I’m certain of that."
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Religions of the World on display at DSC library
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 11, 2002) Religions of the World, a Utah Arts Council traveling exhibit, will be on display at the Browning Library on the campus of Dixie State College through Nov. 4.
The exhibition displays the illustrations and text from the book, A World of Faith. Peggy Fletcher Stack, religion writer for the Salt Lake Tribune provided the text for the paintings done by Utah artist and educator, Kathleen Peterson.
All of the text and imagery have been reviewed by people of each religious tradition for accuracy and tone. The exhibit serves as an introduction to the remarkable diversity of religion to young people.
Bigotry begins with ignorance, and many of today’s children know little or nothing about faiths other than their own, said Traveling Exhibition Coordinator Glen Richards. The goal of the exhibit is to demonstrate the similarities and connectedness that exist among the world’s religions.
The Traveling Exhibition Program is a statewide outreach service of the Utah Arts Council. The program provides schools, museums, libraries and galleries throughout the state with a variety of exhibitions. For further information on the program, contact the Traveling Exhibition Program of the Utah Arts Council. The program is supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Washington D.C. and by programming funds from the Utah Arts Council.
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Health Sciences facilities to be dedicated at Dixie State
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 10, 2002) Two new health sciences facilities will be dedicated Friday at Dixie State College. A new dental hygiene clinic and nursing skills lab recently opened on campus and will be the primary focus of the dedication, which begins at 2 p.m. in the Jennings Technology and Health Sciences Building.
"Both are wonderful facilities," said DSC Vice President of Academics Dr. Max Rose. "They reinforce two already solid programs and improve the all around quality of both. They’re wonderful additions to their respective programs and to our institution in general."
Both facilities are considerable upgrades to those the ones they replaced.
In the case of the dental hygiene program, the new clinic has enabled all classroom and clinical instruction to take place under the same roof for the first time in the program’s four-year history. Up until now, all clinical instruction took place off campus in dentist offices around town, space that was largely donated in the college’s behalf.
"It’s definitely taken some of the pressure off our dental hygiene program," said DSC Health Sciences Director Kevin Tipton. "Being in two clinics just ran them ragged because they had to schedule themselves at two different times to do the same thing they’re able to do now in one clinic."
The new clinic was made possible primarily through donations from within the dental community.
While a nursing lab has existed on campus, it was a far cry from what nursing students enjoy now. The new nursing skills lab nearly quadruples the former lab in both size and equipment. Nursing students from three programs – Certified Nurse Assistant, Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse – once shared four beds with which to do their training. Eleven beds and accompanying equipment now fill the new lab, room enough for three separate segments within the lab, one for each nursing level.
The Jennings Building is the new home to the entire health sciences division, which before was scattered throughout campus. The dedication will also serve as an open house for the entire division. The community is invited to attend the dedication and tour all of the division’s facilities. A tour will take place immediately following the dedication, beginning at 2:50 p.m.
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Six to be inducted into DSC Hall of Fame this weekend
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 10, 2002) Dixie State College will honor four outstanding individuals and one couple as this year's inductees into the college’s Hall of Fame.
Each inductee or their representative will be presented a medallion at the fifth annual Hall of Fame ceremony to be held in conjunction with Homecoming Founder's Day activities Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the St. George Tabernacle.
"The Hall of Fame is composed of Dixie State College’s greatest – CEOs, professional athletes, national politicians, research scientists, and humanitarians," said Director of Institutional Advancement George Whitehead. "The college is extremely fortunate to have such prestigious and fine alumni."
Honored in the area of Public and College Service will be Dan C. Watson ('41), a Dixie College legend and icon. Among numerous duties and talents, Dan wrote songs, served as administrative assistant to five Dixie State College presidents and worked as Commencement Committee Chairman for 28 years. His honors are many including the "Distinguished Alumnus Award." His service and dedication to Dixie are heart felt and generous and have spanned over 40 years.
Also to be honored in the area of Public and College Service will be Dr. Mervyn K. Cox who is a graduate of both Dixie High School and Dixie College. He was the first orthodontist in St. George. His kindnesses to Dixie State College include the MK Cox Auditorium, the new Dr. Mervyn and Sue Cox Dental Hygiene Clinic, the family fountains sculpture garden, and the library carpeting.
Ferron C. Losee (deceased), Dixie's eleventh president ('64-'76), will be honored in the area of Education. He is widely known as the "Builder of the Dixie College Campus." During his tenure, enrollment grew from 383 students to 1,200. He directed the building of the O.C. Tanner Amphitheater, Dixie State College Outdoor Mosaic, and the water fountain in the campus center. He is also remembered for hiring Mrs. "D" who started Program Bureau and set in motion the "Dixie Spirit."
To be recognized for their contributions in the area of Business, are Ken and Wilma Gardner. Ken founded Electrical Wholesale Supply with several units in Utah and Idaho. The Gardners’ love Dixie State and have always affirmed that any success they've had in life was a result of their associations with those inspired with the spirit of Dixie and their focus on excellence. Ken passed away in 1988. Wilma has served on the National Advisory Council. The Kenneth N. Gardner Student Center in the heart of campus was made available by their commitment to Dixie.
Dixie College graduate Phil Tuckett will be honored in the area of Athletics. Phil played football for Dixie from 1964 to 1966 where he was Honorable Mention All-American running back (he shared this honor with O.J. Simpson). He began his professional football career with the San Diego Chargers. Tuckett is currently vice president of special projects at NFL Films. Since 1978, he has won 28 Emmys for cinematography, writing, editing and directing, and a Billboard Music Award. He has served as a member of the Dixie State College National Advisory Council.
Additional details of the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of the these six Hall of Fame honorees will be given at the Founder's Day Assembly.
The Hall of Fame was introduced at the college in 1998 at which time 18 individuals were inducted as charter members. The photos and plaques of this year’s inductees will join the past 52 inductees on the Wall of Fame located in the Avenna Center, Cox Auditorium.
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Dixie State College receives accreditation commendations and recommendations
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 9, 2002) Dixie State College is one step closer to becoming an accredited institution at the baccalaureate level. After two days of intense evaluation, an accreditation team representing the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges today reported its initial findings.
Dr. John Lawson, chair of the evaluation team and academic vice president at Idaho State University, reported on the committee’s general commendations and recommendations to DSC faculty, staff and administration in an exit meeting this morning.
The college received six commendations. Specifically, Dixie State College was commended for:
1. Its high level of dedication and commitment to the success of its students.
2. Its commitment to provide a high level of information technology for students and faculty.
3. Its exemplary performance in providing community service, continuing education, and cultural activities in the local community.
4. Its extraordinary success in fundraising exemplified by the amount of scholarship funding made available to support student access to the institution and the major gifts that have played a significant role in ensuring the construction of key facilities.
5. The physical appearance of the St. George campus, which serves to welcome visitors and reinforce the sense of pride so evident in the members of the community, students, faculty, staff, and trustees, and citizens of the region.
6. The priority given to the planning of the physical development of the campus.

Four recommendations were also given. It was recommended that the college:
1. Review and revise its faculty evaluation process.
2. Engage in a process that will cut back on faculty and staff workloads.
3. More clearly and accurately communicate with its constituencies.
4. Review its current mission statement, both to affirm its general content and to implement adjustments that would make it fully consummate with current institutional realities and reflect Dixie State College’s unique and wonderful characteristics.
"We were extremely well prepared for this evaluation, and I think it showed in the committee’s findings," said DSC President Dr. Robert Huddleston.
The committee’s complete report and recommendation on accreditation status will now be turned over to both the college and the Commission on Colleges and Universities for review in December. In early January 2003, the college will be notified in writing of the Commission’s action. Dixie State College is seeking both initial accreditation at the baccalaureate level and to have its lower division accreditation reaffirmed.
"The college is very grateful to the members of the committee in helping the college review its overall performance as an institution and improve its services," said Joe Peterson, DSC dean of arts, letters, and sciences and the college’s accreditation liaison officer.
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Homecoming takes center stage at Dixie State
(ST. GEORGE – Oct 7, 2002) Dixie State College will lay out the welcome mat for its alumni, friends, and the community Oct. 7-12 during its annual Homecoming Week. This year’s theme is "Unite the Dixie Spirit."
Homecoming Week officially gets under way Monday, with the majority of the week’s activities taking place Friday and Saturday. All community members are invited to attend, regardless of their tie to the college.
"This is a great time of year, one we always look forward to,& quot; said Kalynn Larson, alumni association director at DSC. "Homecoming is not only a great tradition that alumni get excited about, but it’s a fun time for the entire community. We like to see everyone get involved, whether they’re a Dixie State alum or not."
The DSC Homecoming Queen Pageant will lead off this year’s activities Tuesday at 7 pm in the Cox Auditorium. Over twenty freshman and sophomore candidates will participate. The eventual homecoming queen will qualify for the Miss Utah Pageant. Cost is $3 a person.
The heart of Homecoming Week kicks off Friday, Oct. 11. An Alumni Assembly will be held at 10:30 am in the Cox Auditorium. The assembly will feature performances by DSC alumni. Admission is free, and the public is invited to attend.
At noon on Friday will be the annual Golden Generation Luncheon and Program in the Gardner Center Ballroom. Cost is $10 a person.
The first annual Alumni Golf Tournament will also take place Friday. The tournament tees off at 2 pm at Sunbrook Golf Course. Cost is $85 a person. All proceeds benefit the college’s scholarship program.
The events of Saturday, Oct. 12, begin with the Homecoming Parade. The parade begins at 9:30 am and will travel down Tabernacle Street beginning at 400 East and ending at 100 West. All entries must line up at the parade’s starting point (between 700 East and 400 East on Tabernacle) at 9 am. Parade entries must contact Donna Stafford at 652-7513 by Thursday at noon.
Immediately following the parade will be the DSC Founder’s Day Assembly and Hall of Fame Ceremony, which will be held in the St. George Tabernacle Saturday at 10:30 am. The public is invited to attend. Admission is free.
The DSC Alumni Association tailgate party gets underway Saturday at noon. The Rebels will host Eastern Arizona beginning at 1 pm. Tickets to the game are $5 and can be purchased at the box office.
The week wraps up Saturday evening with the alumni banquet, which will be held at 7 pm in the Old Gym. Speaking at this year’s banquet will be alumnus Bruce C. Hafen. Jim Lundberg (’50) will be honored as this year’s "Distinguished Alumnus." Cost is $11 to attend. A dance will follow at 9 pm in the Gardner Ballroom.
Tickets for the luncheon, banquet, and golf tournament can be purchased from Kalynn Larson in the North Administration Building. She can also be contacted at 652-7535 or via email at larson@dixie.edu. Tickets may also be purchased from Dan Watson at the Alumni House located at 658 E. 200 S. Phone: 652-7538.
Other student events include the Powder Puff Football game Wednesday at 7 pm at Hansen Stadium, a service project Thursday at 10 am (meet in the Gardner Center), and a Rebel Spirit Day Bonfire Friday at 9 pm. The DSC soccer team also has matches both Thursday and Friday at 6 pm at Hansen Stadium.
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End of an era, beginning of a new one at Dixie State College
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 6, 2002) A 40-year era has come to a close at Dixie State College, and a new one is about to begin.
After nearly 20 years of anticipation and three years of planning and state requests, Dixie State College will finally have its new fine arts center.
The Graff Fine Art Center’s long-awaited and much anticipated date with the wrecking ball began Aug. 14. Demolition on the 39,000 square foot building will run through October, and construction on the new 70,000 square foot Delores Dore’ Eccles Fine Arts Center will begin in November.
"We’re on our way," said executive director of campus services Ned Carnahan.
The new building is scheduled for completion in March 2004, quick turnaround, Carnahan said, considering the building’s size. The facility will have the distinction of being the largest on campus, overtaking the 58,000 square foot Udvar-Hazy Business Building and the 67,000 square foot Burns Arena.
The sentiment is a bittersweet one for many on campus. After all, the building was one of the first on campus and has been a college icon since it was built in 1961-62.
"It was a wonderful place to go, but a bit inadequate," said fine arts department chair Eric Young who attended classes in the building as a Dixie student in 1980-81 and again in 1983-85. "It’s hard to see it come down, but it’s good to see the campus progressing."
Even the most sentimental, however, can’t dispute the need for the new building. The old building was originally designed to accommodate a mere 500 students. Today, enrollment at the college has exceeded 7,000. In addition, an architectural and engineering study has indicated that replacement of the building is the only reasonable solution to correct all of the ADA, fire, building code, and seismic problems that have recently plagued the building and rendered much of it unusable.
The new facility will include an art museum, which will house traveling and campus collections, a 500-seat main performance theater, a 150-seat black box theater, a concert hall, and supporting rehearsal halls, offices, and classroom space. Much of the fine arts department, including the music and theatre departments, will call the new building home.
"It should be an exciting building and we’re anxious to see it come on line," said vice president of college services Stan Plewe.
The price tag for the project will just exceed $18 million, the majority coming from state funding. The new facility has been named in honor of the Eccles Foundation, which contributed $3 million in the project’s behalf. In addition, $500,000 has been raised through the Sears Dixie Invitational Art Show.
Though much of the Graff Fine Arts Center has been reduced to rubble at this point, the building’s legacy will live on. In fact, part of the old building, the section that the historic tile mosaic adorns, will remain standing after it undergoes some safety code upgrades and remodeling. That section of the old building will continue to bear the Graff name.
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Spectrum managing editor next up a Dix ie Forum
(ST. GEORGE – Oct. 4, 2002) The Spectrum and Daily News’ own Todd Seifert, managing editor, will shed some light on the world of journalism at Dixie Forum: A Window on the World Tuesday at noon in the Dunford Auditorium at Dixie State College.
Seifert will speak on the role a local newspaper plays in a community and how it has evolved over time. Specifically, he will address the role of local newspapers today.
"I think this topic is an important one," said forum series coordinator Terre Burton. "We often expect small town newspapers to do the same thing as big city newspapers, but we also want all the local touches as well. It’s a difficult balance, and I think people will leave this forum with some unique perspectives."
Seifert has been in the journalism profession for nearly a decade and has "worked for both small and large newspapers – and everything in between."
Born in Leavenworth, Kan., he attended the University of Kansas and graduated from that institution’s William Allen White School of Journalism.
While in college, Seifert worked as a sports reporter for the Wichita Eagle in Lawrence, Kan., and did internships at newspapers ranging from a weekly newspaper in Paola, Kan., to the Kansas City Star.
Seifert formally began his journalism career in 1994 at the St. Cloud Times in St. Cloud, Minn., where he worked as a copy editor through 1997. In 1997, he became the assistant sports editor at The Springfield News-Leader in Missouri where he was later promoted to the position of news editor.
He has worked in his current position at The Spectrum and Daily News since May 2001. He and his wife, Amy, have two children, ages 3 and 6.
Seifert will be followed by southern Alabama photographer Stephen Savage, currently an artist in residence at The MESA in Springdale, who will speak at Dixie Forum Oct. 15.
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Dixie State College to undergo accreditation evaluation
(ST. GEORGE, UT – Oct. 4, 2002) After two years of operation at the baccalaureate level, Dixie State College will undergo its first four-year accreditation evaluation next week. A team of thirteen evaluators will be on campus Oct. 7-9.
"The accreditation process reviews an institution to its core," said Dean of Arts, Letters, and Science Joe Peterson who has overseen the college’s accreditation preparation. "It has given the college a chance to sift through all of its practices – everything from chemistry classes to the cafeteria – and make sure that all institutional facets are functioning and coordinating effectively."
Dixie State is currently accredited at the associate level, its most recent evaluation occurring in 1992. In 2000, the college applied for and was granted "candidate status" for accreditation at the baccalaureate level. The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges will now evaluate DSC’s track record thus far. Not only is the college seeking initial accreditation at the baccalaureate level, but also to have its lower division accreditation reaffirmed.
Over the past two years, Peterson has been charged with coordinating and compiling an institutional self-study in preparation for the evaluation, documentation that spans 45 feet in shelf space. Virtually every employee on campus has been directly or indirectly involved in writing this self-study.
In addition to scrutinizing the self-study, evaluators will interview faculty and staff during their three-day visit. Students may also be asked to provide input to the accrediting team.
"In my opinion, we're completely ready for the evaluators' visit," Peterson said. "After they've read our materials and visited our campus, they are going to see the obvious quality of our college and the good that we're accomplishing. I'm nearly certain that we'll receive high marks."
DSC will receive those marks Wednesday. An exit meeting is scheduled at 10 am in the Duford Auditorium, Browning Building. Ten commendations and 10 recommendations will be read at that time by the evaluation committee chair. Prior to the exit meeting, a meeting will take place between the committee chair and the college president at which time the "Recommendation on Accreditation Status" will be given. The team’s recommendation will then go to the Accreditation Commission for review.
A full accounting of DSC’s accreditation self-study can be found online at accred.dixie.edu.
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Composers John Duffy and Phillip Bimstein next up at Dixie Forum
(ST. GEORGE -- Sept. 27, 2002) Emmy Award winning composer John Duffy and Fellow composer Phillip Bimstein will be the guest speakers at Dixie Forum: A Window on the World Tuesday at noon in the Dunford Auditorium at Dixie State College.
"Each will share an overview of their artistic careers and play some of their musical compositions," said Dixie Forum coordinator Terre Burton, an English professor at DSC. "In addition, they will discuss their views on the artist's social responsibilities within their communities. We’re excited to have them both on our campus."
Duffy has composed more than 300 works for symphony, orchestra, theater, television and film. His Broadway and off-Broadway theater scores include "The Ginger Man," "Macbird," "Mother Courage," "Playboy of the Western World," and numerous Shakespeare plays.
He is well-known in Utah for his Symphony No. 1:Utah, commissioned by the Sierra Club in the late 1980s, to draw attention to the preservation of public lands in southeastern Utah.
Duffy, who currently lives in Maine, has received an artistic grant to stay at The MESA, an arts and humanities residency center in Springdale, Utah, through Oct. 17. During his stay he will research and compose new works, including a boxing opera based on Joe Louis, Max Schmeling and Hitler, an opera about the biblical David, and an opera based on Shakespeare's love scenes.
A popular Dixie Forum speaker last March, former Springdale Mayor Phillip Bimstein is an alter native classical composer. His 1997 album, Garland Hirschi’s Cows, received international acclaim, and his music has been performed by a host of ensembles in venues ranging from the Kennedy Center to the Aspen Music Festival. He has also recently performed and written for the chamber folk quartet blue haiku.
In the 1990s, Bimstein began a career in politics as the mayor of Springdale, Utah where he currently resides. In 1997, he was elected to a second term as mayor. In the 1980s, he led the new wave band Phil ‘n’ the Blanks whose three albums and six music videos were MTV hits. He has been described by Outside Magazine as "America’s only all-natural politician-composer."
The forum is a part of The MESA’s "First Forums" funded by the Utah Humanities Council. For additional information about The MESA contact Kim Konikow at 435-772-0300.
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DSC’s block schedule about to start
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 27, 2002) The block schedule at Dixie State College is about to get underway, giving students a second chance to get an entire semester’s worth of college credit completed by the end of fall semester if they’re not already on their way to doing so.
Fall semester block courses, which follow an accelerated schedule, begin at Dixie State College Sept. 30.
Block courses follow an eight-week schedule as opposed to the traditional 16 weeks that make up a semester. While classes are taught at a faster pace, most of which meet daily, course duration is cut nearly in half.
"Block courses open up opportunities for students," said Dean of Arts, Letters, and Science Joe Peterson. "Overall, they give students a chance to modify their class schedule if they need to or enroll in classes if they were unable to do so at the top of the semester."
Most of the classes offered during the block either satisfy general education requirements or are popular electives. A complete list of block offerings can be found on page 18 of the fall class schedule. A number of block courses are also offered at DSC’s Hurricane Center.
Students interested in adding block classes can do so through Oct. 11. Registration can be done in person at the college, online at www.dixie.edu, or by calling 435.652.7701.
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Growth continues at Dixie State College
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 18, 2002) Dixie State College this week announced fall enrollment increases in both headcount and FTE over fall semester last year. Three weeks into the semester, full-time enrollment has topped off at 4,260, a four percent increase over last year and the college’s tenth consecutive FTE increase for fall semester in as many years.
Total enrollment (headcount) for the semester is 7,473, a three percent increase over last fall’s third week totals.
Both enrollment totals are the highest in the college’s history.
"The vitality of Dixie State is strong," said vice president of student services Bill Fowler. "Our cutting-edge excellence in instruction, technology, degree offerings, facilities, and cost make us one the best college options in the intermountain region. The mix is an attractive one to students, and we continue to grow as a result."
Fowler also attributes part of the recent growth to an increase in transfer students into the college’s bachelor degree programs.
To compare to a decade ago, total enrollment for fall semester 1992 was 2,868 (FTE was 2,402). The Utah State Board of Regents has projected that over the course of the next two decades, Dixie State College will grow at a faster rate than that of any institution in the Utah System of Higher Education.
"As a two plus two institution," Fowler said, "meaning students can get their two-year degree plus two more, I think Dixie’s on the front end of many wonderful things."
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Immigration and diversity the topic of next Dixie Forum
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 18, 2002) One of the enduring themes in United States history is immigration. The U.S. been called a "nation of immigrants," yet do native-born Americans really know how to treat newcomers?
Earl Mulderink, associate professor of history and social sciences department chair at SUU, will address this issue at Dixie Forum: A Window on the World Tuesday, Sept. 24 at noon in DSC's Dunford Auditorium. "Natives vs. Newcomers: Immigration and Civil Society" will be the theme of his presentation.
"At present, one in ten people currently living in the United States is foreign-born,
and these newcomers often face an unfriendly reception from native-born
Americans - themselves the products of earlier waves of migration," Mulderink said.
The forum will explore the historical patterns of immigration and provide a
context for discussing fundamental questions about citizenship, discrimination, assimilation, and "Americanization," significant issues today in Utah and the intermountain West.
Mulderink has taught courses in American, African-American, and South African history since joining SUU's faculty in 1995. Educated at Northwestern University and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his scholarly work has centered on the histories of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States, mainly during the Civil War era.
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Service topic of next Dixie Forum
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 16, 2002) Former Zion National Park superintendent Donald Falvey and his wife, Carole, will be this week’s guest speakers at Dixie Forum: A Window on the World Tuesday at noon in the Dunford Auditorium at Dixie State College. The couple has a long track record of volunteerism and service and last year at this time served as volunteers in New York City.
Don Falvey currently serves as an advisor to UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, where he assists in organizing disaster response efforts. In addition to post-Sept. 11 efforts, the c ouple has recently helped provide disaster aid relief in Houston (Tropical Storm Allison), in Happy, Texas (tornado) and in western Colorado (wildfires).
Carole Falvey has given decades of service in a variety of activities and organizations. While functioning in a support role of her husband’s work and career, she has provided leadership in such diverse areas as education as a tutor and in the PTA, community service, including fundraising, March for Parks, environmental clean-ups, and probation counseling, service organizations such as the Lions and Lionesses Clubs, and church service as a teacher and in various committees.
Don Falvey retired from his position at Zion National Park in 2000 after 36 years of continuous federal employment. In addition to implementing the innovative transportation system at the park, he was key in helping Zion obtain a precedent setting Water Rights Settlement Agreement, providing a federal reserved water right and eliminating the potential for construction of dams on the Virgin River above the park.
Falvey is currently serving as the planning team leader for an open space preservation project – the Confluence Park – in southern Utah.
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Homeless or not, DSC theatre to kickoff season Sept. 26
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 17, 2002) Though a new fine arts center is on the way, Dixie State College’s theatre department is temporarily without a home. But that won’t stop the show from going on.
DSC Theatre’s opening production The Cripple of Inishmaan will remind you that even in the worst of times, love and laughter do triumph.
It is 1934 on Inishmaan, a tiny island off the coast of Ireland. The town is buzzing with talk about the coming of Hollywood director Robert Flaherty to a neighboring island to film his new movie The Man of Aran. This is the chance for which Cripple Billy, an orphan boy whose chief occupation has been gazing at cows, has been waiting. Billy will do anything to audition for the Yank filmmaker. Life on the island is hard and bleak, but the whimsy of its inhabitants and their ability to triumph in the face of adversity is uproariously funny and uplifting.
The production is being staged by Varlo Davenport, director of Theatre at DSC.
"The first time I read this play I knew I had to direct it," said Davenport. "The characters reminded me of people I knew growing up. I recognized them and wanted to share their quirkiness, humor and strength with an audience."
The Cripple of Inishmaan was written by Martin McDonagh, who has been called "the most wickedly funny, brilliantly abrasive young dramatist on either side of the Irish Sea." At the age of 16, he ventured out on his own because he was exasperated with teachers who felt the need to tell him how to write.
Now, at the young age of 31, McDonagh is one of the most celebrated playwrights of western contemporary theatre. He is the youngest playwright to have ever had four plays running simultaneously in London. His plays have been honored with Tony, Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle awards.
"With the demolition of the Graff Fine Arts Center, DSC Theatre was rendered homeless for at least a year and a half," said Davenport. "That presents some interesting challenges, not the least of which is figuring out where we will stage our shows."
The Cripple of Inishmaan will be presented in a black box theatre configuration on the Cox Auditorium stage with the audience sitting up on the stage with the actors.
Professor of Theatre Dr. Brent Hanson is designing the set for this production. Costumes and an original score are being created by designer Andrea Davenport. Josh Scott, program technical supervisor, is designing lights and sound and overseeing construction. Katie Puusalu, a DSC student, is serving as stage manager.
The Cripple of Inishmaan runs September 26, 27, 28, and 30, with a 7:30 curtain. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Cox Auditorium Box Office. For additional information call 652-7880.
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USU MBA returns to Dixie State for 3rd cycle
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 9, 2002) Beginning in January, Utah State University’s MBA program will once again be available at Dixie State College.
Dr. David Luthy, associate dean of the College of Business at USU, will be on the DSC campus Friday, Sept. 13, to meet with students interested in pursuing an MBA degree. Two information meetings, one at 2 pm and one at 7 pm, will be held in the Udvar-Hazy Business Building, room 220.
The College of Business at USU is very well known for its "Traveling MBA" program taught throughout the state, region, and internationally in cooperation with industry and professional associations.
Utah State University previously sponsored successful programs with Dixie State College in 1997-1998 and 2000-2001, and both institutions are excited at the prospect of a third cycle.
"I think the relationship has worked out wonderfully," said DSC business department chair Dr. Phillip Lee. "We’ve been able to graduate 20-plus students each year. A lot of them have been returning students who have already begun their careers, but the program is for anyone who qualifies."
In order to qualify for the program, students need to have completed a bachelor’s degree and all basic business and related accounting prerequisite course work. The program takes approximately a year and a half to complete and is offered on weekends, primarily Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Students enter the MBA program and proceed through it as a cohort, working in groups on team projects that reflect the real-world setting of industry. All courses are taught in person by USU faculty.
"We’re excited to offer another round," Lee said. "As I’ve looked around at other programs, it’s one of the better ones out there."
For further details regarding the MBA program, contact Dr. Phillip Lee at (435) 652-7832 or call Mary Jo Blahna at Utah State University at (435) 797-1773.
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Dixie Forum speaker to reflect on 9-11
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 9, 2002) Dr. Sharon Richens, eye physician and surgeon who lived and practiced in the Middle East for two years, will be the guest speaker at Dixie Forum: A Window on the World, Tuesday at noon in DSC’s Dunford Auditorium. The forum coincides with the college’s annual World Week.
Richens be talking about her experiences in Jerusalem and how they have affected her reflections about September 11.
"Although Dr. Sharon Richens could talk to us about her experiences as an eye surgeon, it seems more appropriate this September to speak to us of her own knowledge of and reactions to what is going on in this turbulent part of the world," said Dixie Forum coordinator Terre Burton.
In 1997 and 1998, Richens was a fellow at St. John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem, a charity eye hospital established in 1882 by Queen Victoria and the Order of St. John. This hospital provides ophthalmic care to residents regardless of race or creed.
"Her experiences in Israel, working with Muslims, Jews, and Christians have led her to insights that are, I think, worth hearing about," Burton said.
Richens earned her medical degree at the University of Utah and has practiced in Virginia and Washington.
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World awareness to be promoted during DSC’s World Week
(ST. GEORGE – Sept. 6, 2002) Dixie State College is opening its window on the world next week. The college’s annual World Week, now a ten-year tradition, kicks off Sept. 9 and run through Sept. 13. This year’s them is "Uniting Hands and Hearts."
"This activity is a celebration of the differences in people," said Donna Stafford, director of student activities at Dixie State College. "We look forward to this event every year, but it holds special significance this year since it will coincide with the anniversary of the September 11 tragedy. At no time has it been more important to come together and embrace and understand new cultures than it is today."
Most prominent among the week’s activities will be a candlelight vigil in honor of September 11, which will begin at 8 pm in the Encampment Mall. The community is invited to take part.
Retired Air Force Col. Joseph Bebel, who has worked at the Pentagon and is a Nobel Peace Prize winner, will speak, as will St. George City Prosecutor Larry Meyers. In addition, the vigil will include a Native American flag song, the singing of the National Anthem and other patriotic songs, and a short video presentation.
Earlier Wednesday, students and the various campus clubs will take part in the national day of service as designated by President Bush. Each of the clubs will clean in and around a different building on campus from 11 am to 1 pm. Those interested should meet in the student government room on the second floor of the Gardner Center.
World Week kicks off Monday at noon in the Gardner Center Plaza with a parade of flags in which each nationality represented at DSC will be recognized. In all, 44 different flags will make up the parade. Business professor Dr. Verl Anderson, who regularly travels to Russia to aid deaf and blind children, will offer remarks.
On Tuesday, Dr. Sharon Richens, an eye physician and surgeon currently practicing in St. George, will speak about her own reflections on Sept. 11 at Dixie Forum: A Window on the World at noon in the Dunford Auditorium. Richens was a fellow at St. John Ophthalmic Hospital in Jerusalem, a charity eye hospital established in 1882 by Queen Victoria and the Order of St. John, where she treated Muslims, Jews, and Christians.
Thursday has been designated international food day. Beginning at noon, a half-dozen international cuisines will be made available on the Gardner Student Center Plaza. Friday will feature a kanikapila, or gathering, again on the plaza at noon where Hawaiian band, Circle Island, will perform. A dance will be held Saturday in the Gardner Student Center Ballroom from 9 pm to midnight to wrap up World Week. Admission to the dance is $3 with activity card, $2 for those who wear some article of clothing native to a certain culture or ethnicity.
Once a month throughout the year the college will hold an activity designed to promote diversity.
"Despite all the differences that we might see on the outside, on the inside we all have things in common," said campus life vice president and World Week organizer Quinnton Rees. "We don’t always see what we have in common. Sometimes it takes an event like this to help us