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CAMPUS NEWS 2006
In addition, all offices on campus will remain closed Dec. 27-31, including the college’s information center. The college will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Dixie State College students will be on winter break until Monday, Jan. 8, when spring semester classes begin. Registration for classes without instructor permit will continue through Jan. 10. The last day to add a class for spring semester is Feb. 2, 2007. Registration can be done on the Internet at www.dixie.edu/reg and in person at the registrar’s office in the Student Services Center. For questions about registration, call 652-7708. For help selecting courses, call 652-7690. The section and corresponding lab, under the instruction of Dr. Tom McNeilis, will teach students to understand the structure of cells, tissues and organs at microscopic and ultramicroscopic levels. Students will also be able to identify various tissues from the samples characteristics. According to Dr. McNeilis, the section could also be a good supplemental course for middle and high school science teachers wanting to know more about the cell. For more information about the course, please call the DSC Science Department at 652-7760 or email Dr. McNeilis at mcneilis@dixie.edu. Students can register for spring semester courses at DSC now through the first few weeks of the semester, which begins Jan. 8, 2007. To register for the course or for the entire semester, please call 652-7701 or visit www.dixie.edu/reg. A complete list of course offerings is also available on the website. “This latest report confirms what people in Utah have known for years, that Dixie State College is one of greatest educational bargains in the country,” DSC President D. Lee Caldwell said. “When you couple the low costs with an extraordinarily well qualified faculty and deeply caring campus and community, you have a truly extraordinary institution. One where students matter and where students catch a glimpse of their potential and make major strides in achieving their most optimistic dreams.” Three other Utah schools ranked in the top-100 overall in in-state tuition and fees, including Weber State University (No. 58; $3,432), Southern Utah University (No. 72; $3,565) and Utah State University (No. 88; $3,799), while the University of Utah was listed No. 104 with a price tag of $3,948. Meanwhile, regional institutions UNLV (No. 66; $3,510) and Northern Arizona (No. 157; $4,545) finished among the top-160 on the list. “Tuition costs nationwide have risen faster than the rate of inflation,” explains vice president of student services Dr. Joe Peterson. “The proportion of public funding allocated to higher education has diminished and in this fiscal environment, Dixie State strives to maintain affordability. “This report puts Dixie State’s tuition costs in context,” Peterson added. “Despite recent increases, Dixie State remains a bargain.” Currently Dixie State College offers seven baccalaureate degrees, including biology, business administration, computer & information technology, communication and new media, elementary education, English and nursing, along with numerous associate degrees and certificates. The course and corresponding lab, taught by Dr. Curt Walker, will teach students to observe the natural behaviors of animals, including experimental design, ultimate and proximate causes of behavioral strategies, and current research in the field. Students will also be required to design and carry out their own experiment, and write it for publication. “If you have ever been interested in what animal behavior really involves, aside from Discovery Channel specials, register for this course and give it a shot,” Dr. Walker said. “I will especially emphasize the lab component of the course, which will involve field observations of local wildlife, along with laboratory experiments in behavior, both human and animal, which will include dog training among others. “In addition, I think this course is perfect for middle and high school science teachers wanting to do some simple science lab work and could be beneficial to education majors as well.” Potential students interested in the animal behavior course should have at least junior or senior standing and some other college biology course experience. For more information about the course, please call the DSC Science Department at 652-7760 or email Dr. Walker at walker@dixie.edu. Students can register for spring semester courses at DSC now through the first few weeks of the semester, which begins Jan. 8, 2007. To register for the course or for the entire semester, please call 652-7701 or visit www.dixie.edu/reg. A complete list of course offerings is also available on the website.
During his time at Dixie State, Professor Farrington will teach and work in the science department. His teaching will include a new course, “Introduction to Oceanography”, which will cover the essential principles of ocean sciences. “I am looking forward to coming to Dixie State College and sharing the excitement of oceanic discovery and knowledge of the ocean,” Dr. Farrington said. “Whether you live by the water or not, the fact is that the oceans are important to the lives of everyone. “I am also anxious to learn what goes on at Dixie State College and learning about the undergraduate activities as the college continues to grow.” Professor Farrington is a distinguished international expert in oceanography and has been recognized nationally for his extraordinary service as an advisor to the nation in matters of science, engineering and health. “Dixie State College and the Washington County area are privileged to have Dr. Farrington, a distinguished professor and research scientist, available to speak to various civic groups during the spring,” said Dr. David Borris, DSC dean of business, health, and technology. “We are excited to have the opportunity to share ideas and learn about the effects the oceans have on the world's ecosystems and the problems of getting various governments to address these global issues.” At WHOI, he served as vice president for academic programs and dean of graduate studies and has devoted his career at WHOI in chemistry, bio-organics and environmental sciences. He holds many honors in addition to a vast number of professional, academic and society affiliations and memberships. An abbreviated listing of some of John's interests includes leadership in educational, academic, and research organizations; education in the sciences – especially marine and environmental sciences; environmental quality; science-policy interactions; organic geochemistry of marine ecology; petroleum geochemistry; and biochemistry of marine organisms. Some of his teaching experiences include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)/WHOI Joint Program, a graduate level program in Marine Organic Geochemistry, and a University of Massachusetts-Boston graduate level program in environmental geochemistry; organic geochemistry; and seminar in environmental geochemistry. Professor Farrington has published numerous reports, journals, book chapters and proceedings volumes, along with several U.S. Congressional testimonial appearances, and he has reviewed many books. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Chemistry from Southeastern Massachusetts University, and received his doctorate in Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island in 1972. In addition, Professor Farrington has embarked on 19 oceanographic cruises, including eight serving as chief scientist. “Introduction to Oceanography” is a three-credit course, which will satisfy a science elective at Dixie State College. The course will explore the ocean; how life in the ocean shapes the features of the Earth; and how it comprises two-thirds of the Earth’s biosphere. In addition, the course will cover the ocean’s influence on weather and climate and making Earth habitable
; the ocean’s support of a great diversity of life and ecosystems; and how the sustainability of ocean resources depends on the understanding of those resources and their potential and limitations. “Professor Farrington will be teaching a day and night course in oceanography that is open to the public for college credit or audit for those not needing credit,” Dr. Borris added. “Enrollment is currently taking place and this is a wonderful Christmas gift for those anxious to learn more about the oceans from the man who was involved with the discovery of life on the ocean bottom.” For more information about the course, please call the DSC Science Department at 652-7760 or email Dr. Borris at borris@dixie.edu. Students can register for winter semester courses at DSC now through the first few weeks of the semester. To register for the course or for the entire semester, please call 652-7701 or visit www.dixie.edu/reg. A complete list of course offerings is also available on t he website. NOTES: The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute was involved with the development of the deep diving submersible “ALVIN” and the development of remote-operated underwater vehicles, which have found the deep smokers on the plate tectonic ridges with living organisms that live in an oxygen-free environment. In addition, those ROVs have found and confirmed the wreckage of the Titanic. The winners included Dawna Pedersen, a sophomore f rom H urricane, Utah, in the associate nursing program; Erin Wall, a sophomore from Bountiful, Utah, in art; Cyndia Johnson, a senior from St. George in the four-year nursing program; Ashley Soper, a junior from St. George in business accounting; Elizabeth Putnam, a sophomore from Santa Clara, Utah, in the certified nursing assistant program; Christina Anderson, a sophomore from Mountain View, Calif., in communication; Melissa Howes, a freshman from Beaver, Utah, in dance; Haylee Larson, a freshman from St. George in developmental composition; Janette Stratton, a freshman from St. George in developmental mathematics; and Matt Johnson; a freshman from Washington, Utah, in developmental reading. In addition, Sarah Henderson, a freshman from West Jordan, Utah, received the award in the area of education and family studies, as did Rachel Drake, a junior from St. George in elementary education; Kristy Hunt, a sophomore from Santa Clara in English (major); Alyssa Anderson, a freshman and high school senior from St. George’s Dixie HS in English (non-major); Jacob Vane, a sophomore from Washington, Utah, in foreign language; Denise Holladay, a sophomore from Hurricane in the licensed practical nursing program; Chris Burton, a sophomore from St. George in philosophy; Chad Wirig, a freshman from Highland, Utah, in political science; Shaun Ha, a freshman from Hurricane in psychology; and Nick Adams, a sophomore from St. George in science. DSC received a $20,000 grant from Utah’s State primary Care Grants Program which will go toward its dental hygiene services, while the College and SWCHC received an additional $20,000 from the state for the Center’s dental services to address the dental needs of the underserved and uninsured. Dixie State’s newly christened Mobile Dental Hygiene Clinic will be the centerpiece of the project under contract with the SWCHC. The clinic has four operatories on board and will serve Washington and Kane Counties in addressing the dental health needs of the community. The clinic will be utilized to reach transportation-limited populations of southwestern Utah, including visits to qualifying elementary school children, rest homes, Paiute reservations, and various community health centers. “This grant allows the Dental Hygiene Outreach Program at Dixie State College to provide dental hygiene service to the uninsured and underserved in our southern Utah communities,” said Dr. David Borris, dean of business, health, and technology. “The college's Community Outreach Program is focusing on poor children and mobility-limited seniors in rest homes and health care facilities.” The award decisions, made by the Utah Department of Health’s Office of Primary Care and Rural Health, were based on applicants who most effectively met statewide needs for primary health care services, as well as criteria established by State law and rules governing the grant program. Dixie State students Daniel Seegmiller, a sophomore English major from St. George; Felicia Corrie Bennett, a junior dental hygiene major from Heber City, Utah; Hilary Nielsen, a sophomore pre-nursing major from Ivins, Utah; and Timothy E. Thorley, a sophomore psychology major from St. George, were the four Dixie State students honored at the second-annual luncheon Nov. 9, hosted by Governor Jon M. Huntsman Jr. at the Governor’s mansion. “It was really fun to get to know the other students who have similar goals,” Nielsen said. “I was honored to be chosen and to be able to participate. It was a good experience and it has definitely motivated me to keep doing what I’m doing.” Now in its second year, the Governor’s Scholar Award is designed to encourage more Utah students, early in their college experience, to prepare and apply for prestigious post-graduate scholarships such as the Gates, Marshall, Truman, and Rhodes scholarships. "I thought it was pretty awesome to meet other students and leaders from the rest of the Utah schools and to get a feel for what they are doing," Seegmiller said. "I was honored to meet the Governor. It's great to know that he cares about education and it was special for me to be a part of it." Governor Huntsman honored four students from each of Utah's 11 colleges and universities who have demonstrated academic excellence in his or her first or second year of higher education. “It was a wonderful opportunity to meet the Governor,” Bennett noted. “I felt inspired and really supported to continue my education and it was great to meet others who have worked hard in school. I also hope that this honor can make a difference here at Dixie State College, especially in the [dental hygiene] program as it continues to grow.” In addition to the Governor’s remarks at the luncheon, the students heard from Dr. Chase Peterson, professor of medicine and president emeritus for the University of Utah, who encouraged the honorees to pursue academic excellence and civic engagement, including applying for prestigious scholarships for graduate studies. “These four students represent the brightest of possibilities for Dixie State College, Utah, and the country,” said vice president of academic services Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans. “The possibilities for these students are unlimited and we are proud that they have chosen Dixie State College to further their educations.” Students and the public will receive free admission by donating one unwrapped gift, including toys or clothing, that will go toward making a needy child’s Christmas wish come true here in St. George and Washington County. The admission charge for those that do not bring a gift donation will be $10, with proceeds benefiting the St. George and Washington County “Coins For Kids” holiday campaign. Over his 45-year career with the Festival, he has directed 19 of Shakespeare's plays along with numerous other theatrical productions. Adams has received many awards with his work, including the 2000 Utah Theatre Association's Lifetime Service Award, the 1998 Institute of Outdoor Drama's Mark R. Sumner Award, and the First-Annual Governor's Award in the Arts in 1989. In addition, he and the festival won a Tony Award in 2000 for Outstanding Regional Theater.
Moorty, who grew up in Cedar City, holds academic degrees from Yale University and the University of Michigan, and learned the native dance of South India as a child in commuting back and forth from Utah to Los Angeles, Calif. Tuesday’s performance is her second visit to the DSC campus. “The last time Neela was here for a Dixie Forum, she kept us mesmerized,” Dixie Forum coordinator Terre Burton said. “From the moment she steps on stage, we are entranced at her costume, the beauty of the dance, and her knowledge of this classical form. We’re excited to have her back on campus.” The association received a generous $500 donation from Eagle Mountain Ranch to build a tree entry as part of its fall service project. The tree, decked out in DSC’s school colors or red and blue along with handprints from DSC preschool children, was then put on display at the festival and promptly dedicated as one of three trees that would be bought and donated to one of three local charities. The tree, which sold for $3,500 Friday, has been donated to the Doctor’s Free Clinic and will be displayed throughout the Holiday season, while the money raised was pledged to Intermountain Health Care Foundation, in honor of IHC’s donation of land for DSC’s new health sciences building located near the hospital and for financial aid provided for the school’s nursing program. The money will go to benefit DMRC’s Pediatric Services and NICU as well as help fund the Jubilee Home No. 2, which will provide housing for the hospital’s outpatients and families of patients. That facility, which is located on the River Road campus of DMRC, is currently under construction. “This semester we felt that we wanted to give back to IHC for all that they have given to Dixie State’s nursing program,” says Braydon Nielsen, president of Dixie’s Student Nurses Association. “We want to thank IHC for giving us a chance and believing in us. “Our theme for the tree was ‘Reaching for the Stars’. We wanted to keep an educational theme with a Christmas flare.” Nielsen, along with association vice president Camille Chandler, secretary Laura Lisonbee, treasurer Brady Golding, Becky Beard, Maria Siggs and Meagan Riddle, served as the design team. The DSNA was created this past September and has a membership of 70 students at Dixie State. The association is part of a national organization which helps promote the development of professionalism in nursing students. Nielsen notes that the DSNA has set a goal to do a service project in each semester this year to enhance the character building and professionalism of the association. “The true meaning of Christmas is to take the time and talents that each of us have been given and use them to help others,” Nielsen went on to say. “This was our goal to make to a difference in the lives of those we may never know, but need the help. We as nurses, want to make a difference in the lives of those around us and we felt that this was one way to help those in need. We truly feel that we did make a difference this year with a single Christmas tree.” The DSNA is currently working on a fundraiser to attend its organization’s national convention in Anaheim, Calif., next April. “This is an exciting opportunity for students with an interest in the sciences,” Dixie State President D. Lee Caldwell said. “We’re also thrilled that the project engages minority students. We have a large Hispanic population in Washington County, and we hope to target some of these bright young students and help them through the language barriers so that they can achieve academically and obtain careers in a science related field.” Dixie State has designed a joint-funded scholarship program between the college and the NSF’s S-STEM program (Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The NSF’s funds will be focused on recruiting and funding need-based scholarships for first-year academically gifted underrepresented freshmen in the S-STEM disciplines. This project will allow the college to serve a greater number of incoming freshmen, an estimated 37 students overall, while it will increase the number of S-STEM graduates by 57 and with appropriate academic progress ensures their financial support through graduation with four-year degree. In addition, Dixie State will fund upper-division scholarships. “We’ve been having difficulty getting students to enter the sciences, and this was our reason for going after the NSF grant,” DSC Engineering Professor Dr. Vic Hasfurther said. “It was a competitive grant. You had to write t he propos al by a certain date, then you go through a review, then they call and ask many questions, and then they decide which schools receive the grants. We were competing with universities across the country for these dollars.” During this program the students will be engaged in collaborative learning opportunities including internships within industry, participation in discipline (i.e. engineering and computer science) club activities, and seminars presented to students by practicing professionals. An external industry advisory board will evaluate, advise and help promote the program. “The grant will support approximately 39 students for 2-4 years,” Dr. Hasfurther went on to say. “This is a four-year project grant; we’ll get so much money each year for these scholarships. For the fall of 2007, we’re trying to recruit mostly freshmen. We’re planning on giving 13 full ride scholarships, which will cover tuition, books and fees. As long as each student maintains a 3.0 GPA, the scholarship can continue for up to four years.” Prospective students who are incoming freshman, who are female or minority, and who maintain appropriate academic progress, are eligible for the program. For more information about the grant and program, contact Dixie State College Admissions Office at 435-652-7702.
Public Invited to Dixie State College Humanities Faculty Lecture The Dixie State College National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grant mandates that Dixie State College professors from across the curriculum and occasionally scholars and teachers from the community attend and participate in humanities-based seminars. These seminars are led by prominent national and international professors. According to Dr. Tim Bywater, Professor of English and Grant Seminar Director, “the NEH Grant has given Dixie State College faculty the opportunity to enhance their humanities education by meeting and learning from the finest humanities professors, experiencing cultural diversity, expanding personal and professional development, improving language skills, and gaining international experience.” Each year the NEH grant activity involves a rigorous academic seminar, the highlights of which are shared with the community. For further information, contact Tim Bywater at 652-7808 or bywater@dixie.edu “This will be a special event honoring our veterans and our founders of Dixie State College,” said George Whitehead, director of institutional advancement. “It will be a fantastic blend of patriotism and the “Dixie Spirit.” In addition to the spoken word, the program will include music from the Dixie State College Band, the Rebel Chorus, and the Dixie State College Chamber Singers. Dixie State’s Homecoming royalty will be introduced, and three new members of the Dixie State College Hall of Fame will be inducted. American Legion Post 90 will provide color bearers and color guard. A tribute to Veteran’s and Founder’s will be given by Thales A. "Tad" Derrick. He was born in Salt Lake City and graduated from South High School and attended the University of Utah prior to joining the United States Air Force. He earned his Air Force pilot wings and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He served as a fighter pilot for seventeen of his twenty years in the Air Force and flew 129 fighter combat missions in Vietnam. Tad received his bachelors degree in business management from the University of Nebraska and masters degree in systems management from USC. He finished his Air Force career with the Fighter Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base. Follo wing his retirement from the Air Force, Tad's second career began at Dixie College where he enjoyed seventeen years serving as Dean of Instructional Support Services and as Associate Director of Institutional Advancement in securing needed funds for capital improvements. Mr. Derrick has served in numerous ecclesiastical leadership positions since his retirement from Dixie State College in 2000. He is married to Willa Nita Brooks and are the parents of five children, four of which are Dixie College graduates, and have 22 grandchildren. Dixie State College Ribbon Cutting For Mobile Dental Hygiene Clinic and Stephen & Marcia Wade Alumni House “The Mobile Dental Hygiene Clinic will give our dental hygiene students the opportunity to provide preventive dental procedures in areas of Southern Utah that have received little or no dental care in the past,” said Karmen Aplanalp, Interim Program Coordinator/Assistant Professor of DSC’s Dental Hygiene Program. “Educating our community on good oral hygiene care and how to prevent oral diseases will also be an important component to the service that is provided.” At 11:30 a.m. guests will proceed to the Stephen & Marcia Wade Alumni House located at 684 East 500 South. This home was formerly the College’s institutional residence and was occupied by Dr. Robert Huddleston and his family during his tenure as Dixie State College President. This venue serves as a gateway to the College for alumni, community members, businesses, clubs, schools, visitors, and churches. The facility is available to rent for weddings, receptions, meetings, and events. “Stephen & Marcia Wade have made a
significan
t leadership gift to endow the Alumni House,” said Christina Schultz, DSC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Dixie State College is eternally grateful to all the donors and partners who have supported our Mobile Dental Hygiene Clinic and the Stephen & Marcia Wade Alumni House. Their generosity and commitment is setting the pace for future private philanthropy at Dixie State College.” Dr. Caldwell was named the 16th president of Dixie State College on July 12, 2005. Prior to accepting this position, he worked at five different universities as a professor and administrator, and held executive level positions at three Fortune 500 high tech companies – Unisys, IBM, and Hewlett Packard. He also spent six years with Novell, Inc. In addition to his 13 years in the high tech industry, Caldwell had regular senior management interactions with global corporations such as Daimler Chrysler, British Telecom, Merrill Lynch, Royal Bank of Canada, General Motors, AOL Time Warner, and many others. Before coming to Dixie State, Caldwell served as the associate dean for undergraduate business programs at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, Georgia. A licensed pilot, Caldwell was a navigator in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He and his wife, Bonnie, are the parents of two children and have one granddaughter. The Kane Schools Foundation for Students and the Kanab Chamber of Commerce join Dixie State College in hosting Dr. Caldwell’s visit. Those interested in attending the event should RSVP via phone to Debbie at (435) 652-7509, via email to schultz@dixie.edu, or to Ed Meyer at info@kanabchamber.com by Monday, Nov. 13. "This is a great time of year, one we always look forward to," 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." In addition to the customary events, this year will feature a few firsts. It is the first time a Rebel football team will compete in a Homecoming game at the Division II level. It is also the first year that the traditional Homecoming parade will double as the community’s Veterans Day parade as well. Homecoming activities get underway in earnest Tuesday, November 7, with the Homecoming Queen Pageant at 7 p.m. in the Cox Auditorium. The ten pageant entrants, Britta Anderson, Jakki Button, Jennica Debenha m, Brittany Edlefsen, Kaitlin Ensminger, Sara Mahoney, Camela Merkley, Aubrie Millard, MaCall Tanner, and Alicia Windsor, will compete in talent, on-stage question, swim suit, and evening gown categories. The eventual homecoming queen will automatically qualify for the Miss Utah Pageant. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students, faculty, and staff (with I.D.), and $3 for children. On Wednesday, November 8, at 3 p.m. DSC students will re-paint their huge D at the intersection of 300 South and 800 East on campus. The students will also host the annual Homecoming Powder Puff football game on Thursday, November 9, at 7 p.m. at Hansen Stadium. Activities on Friday, November 10 include the Alumni Assembly in the Eccles Concert Hall at 10:30 a.m., followed by the Golden Generation Luncheon at noon, where the class of 1956 will be inducted. Cost for the luncheon is $10. Friday evening at 7 p.m. is the 2 nd annual Decades of Dixie Reunion in the Old Gym where Dixie alumni can reconnect with old friends and classmates and enjoy refreshments. Later that evening at 8:30 p.m. the students are hosting a pre-game party at the amphitheater with head football Coach Ron Haun and the team. On Sat urday, November 11, the Homecoming/Veterans Day parade begins at 9 a.m. and will travel down Tabernacle Street from 300 East to 200 West. Following the parade, the Founder’s Day Assembly and Hall of Fame Inductions will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the St. George Tabernacle. At noon, the Alumni Association will host a tailgate party at the new Alumni House across the street from Hansen Stadium (684 East, 500 South). The party is free to all alumni and their families. Kickoff for the Homecoming football game is 1:00 p.m. at Hansen Stadium, where the Rebels will face the Raiders of Southern Oregon University. Tickets to the game are $6. The week wraps up Saturday night with the Homecoming Alumni Banquet at 7 p.m. in the Old Gym. This year’s keynote speaker will be alumnus and former Rebel football head Coach Sark Arslanian. Arslanian made his mark at Dixie in 1963 coaching the Rebels to the only undefeated football season in team history. Cost is $11. The Homecoming dance will follow at 9 p.m. in the Gardner Center Ballroom. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. Tickets for the Golden Generation Luncheon and Alumni Banquet may be purchased at the Alumni House (652-7538 or 652-7535) or by email: larson@dixie.edu
“It’s an embarrassment of riches,” explains Terre Burton, coordinator for the Dixie Forum series. “I was negotiating with both and this was the best day for both Cesspooch and Martin to come. Larry Cesspooch is visiting many Utah communities as a speaker for the Utah Council for the Humanities and Joe Martin will be speaking earlier in the day as part of SUU’s Convocation series. I didn’t want to say no to either one, so Dixie students will get a chance to hear both.”
Cesspooch grew up on the Uintah & Ouray Ute Reservation in Northeastern Utah. He takes care of one of the sweat lodges on the reservation and participates in the Ute Sundances, Bear Dances, and other ceremonies. After serving in Vietnam, Cesspooch attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in ’75, then graduated from the AnthropologyFilmCenter in ‘77, both in Santa Fe, N.M. He created the Ute Audio-Visual Department, the oldest tribal production group in the U.S. They documented the Ute Culture for 23 years, and their work has screened at international film festivals, including The Sundance Film Festival. His presentation, “A First Nations’ History of the Great Basin,” will give our audience a wonderful opportunity to learn about early Utah history as well as ideas that are still alive today.”
“Our other speaker, Dr. Joe Martin, offers the provocative title: “Give & Grow Rich,” says Burton. At the age of 24, Martin became the youngest faculty member ever hired to teach at a state university in Florida. He also has the distinct honor of being the youngest professor at his institution to ever be nominated twice for the "Distinguished Teacher’s Award." He has addressed more than 450 organizations, associations, businesses, colleges and universities, helping hundreds of thousands of students and staff members across the country achieve more, live and serve more passionately, and maximize their leadership potential. In 1999, the Association for the Promotion of Campus Activities selected Joe as its national "College Speaker of the Year." And in 2003, Campus Activities Magazine nominated him Joe as "Speaker of the Year."
Martin is also the founder and president of "RealWorldUniversity" (www.RWuniversity.com) - an award-winning college success web site designed to help students meet the personal and professional challenges of college and life, and the creator of NewTeacherSuccess.com - a web site designed to motivate, inform, and retain new teachers as they enter the field of education.
“When I talked to friends at SUU, I was told that Joe Martin’s presentation last year was so powerful that many of the 1100 students who heard him asked that he be invited back. I’m sure our students will be equally impressed,” says Burton.
The Dixie Forum presentations are free and open to the public. The noon program with Larry Cesspooch called “A First Nations’ History of the Great Basin” will be in the Dunford Auditorium at noon. Dr. Joe Martin speaking on “Give and Grow Rich” will be in the Eccles Concert Hall at 7:30 P.M. Both will be on October 3rd.
For further information contact Terre Burton at burton@dixie.edu or at 652-7812. “In this, the second Dixie Forum of the fall, we’ll get a chance to learn how the move to the NCAA is going to impact students, the institution, and the future of DSC,” said Terre Burton, the coordinator of the Dixie Forum series. DSC student athletes currently comprise a
lmost 10 perce
nt of the full-time student body at the college, and Irvin believes that student-athletes may soon account for one-half of all bachelor’s degrees granted by Dixie State as early as 2008. He also believes that some might be surprised at just how strong a positive force the transition to the NCAA will be to the academic climate of the Dixie State campus. Eckroth came to Dixie State last year after serving as head women’s basketball coach at the University of New Mexico. Irvin has doubled as head women’s basketball coach at DSC before recently dedicating all of his time to directing the athletic department’s shift to the NCAA. Irvin has been the athletic director at DSC for the past seven years. The event is free and open to the public. For further information contact Terre Burton at Burton@dixie.edu. The remainder of the fall Dixie Forum schedule will be as follows. All forums will be Tuesdays at noon in the Dunford Auditorium, unless otherwise specified: Oct 3 Larry Cesspooch ~ “A First Nations’ History of the Great Basin” Oct 3 Dr. Joe Martin ~ “Give & Grow Rich” (in the Eccles Concert Hall at 7:30 P.M.) Oct 17 Mark Sedon ~ “The Decline & Fall of Journalism & The Rise of the New Media” (in the Eccles Main Stage Theatre at 7:00 P.M.) Oct 24 Dr. John Jones ~ “Obedience & Dissent” Oct 31 Carol Lynn Pearson ~ “Circling the Wagons” Nov 7 Dr. Brent Hanson ~ “What the Dickens: You, too, Can Be a Designer” Nov 14 DSC International Students ~ “Love Makes the World Go Round” (Starts at 12:30 P.M.) Nov 16 KUED ~ “Maynard Dixon: To the Desert Again” (in the Dunford Auditorium at 7 P.M.) Nov 21 Penelope & Tim Eicher ~ “Ancient Wisdom for our Troubled Times” Nov 28 Neela Moorty ~ “Classical Dance of South India” (in the Eccles Concert Hall at 7:30 P.M.)
Terre Burton, coordinator for the Dixie Forum: A Window on the World series is delighted to welcome Dr. Harris back to the DSC campus where he taught before accepting his current position in Colorado. “Matt was a wonderful member of our faculty,” Burton said. “I’m sure friends and former students will be delighted to hear him speak about one of his favorite topics, the Constitution. Those who haven’t had a chance to listen to him before should take the opportunity to join us on campus for this important address celebrating “Constitution Day.” The title of his address is “Ten Things Americans Don’t Know About the Constitution.” Dr. Harris has published numerous articles and essays on the Constitution and the founding era. His writings focus on the revolutionary origins of American constitutionalism, race and the Founding Fathers, and religion and politics during the formation of the new American republic. His book, The Founding Fathers and the Debate Over Religion in Revolutionary America, will be published by Oxford University Press in 2008. His second book, a collection of essays on the American explorer Zebulon Pike, will be published in 2007 by the University Press of Colorado. A native of Maine, Dr. Harris earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in history from Brigham Young University, and his Doctorate, also in history, from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. For more information on Dixie Forum, call Terre Burton at 435-652-7812.
The program will be held Monday, Sept. 11 at Hansen Stadium on the DSC campus (along 700 East) and will begin at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature several speakers and musical numbers, color guard and 21-gun salute by local fire and police officers, a slide show tribute, and a moment of silence/candle ceremony. The speakers will include Jed Townsend (Triple Deuce member), Lenae Warr (mother of eight and wife of a Triple Deuce member), and Camille Mortenson, whose brother was killed in the Pentagon attack. The Dixie High School Choir, Dixie College Chamber Singers, and other DSC students will perform musical numbers. The theme for the event is “United We Still Stand.” Admission is free. “We really do want this to be a community event. We have men and women from our community serving in the military,” said ASDSC service vice president Kristalyn Wood. “This date in history is now a part of what our country is today and shouldn’t be forgotten. It’s something that affected all of us, even right here locally.” In the weeks to follow, DSC students will spearhead a service project in which they will assemble care kits for military troops containing snack items, hygiene products, coffee, wet wipe s, handheld games, batteries, envelopes, pens, paper, and other items. Donation drop-off boxes for these items will be located at the stadium entrance prior to the event for those wishing to donate to this cause. Students will also be collect “beanie babies” that troops can distribute to children. “Just like any person in a foreign country, it’s nice to hear from home, which is why we’re doing the care kits,” Wood said. Students will also be selling yellow ribbon pins, which will help with shipping fees. For more information regarding this event, call the DSC Student Council at 652-7517.
In addition to teaching business classes this upcoming school year, former president Dr. Robert Huddleston has been charged with creating an Institute for Business Integrity on campus, which, among other things, will host a bi-monthly noontime Business and Ethics Forum every other Thursday on the DSC campus beginning Aug. 31. DSC students, the entire Washington County business community, and the general public are all invited to attend. Admission is free. The college’s business program is currently seeking initial accreditation with the high profile Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In order to become accredited with the AACSB, ethics must be integrated into the college’s business curriculum. As a result, each business class on the DSC campus will now include an ethical component. The business forums will give students – and current and prospective local business owners – an added dose of ethics training that is so sorely needed into today’s business world, Huddleston said. “It’s crucial that our business graduates leave here with the wherewithal to deal effectively with ethical situations,” Huddleston said. “The trap people fall into is they say, ‘I don’t need that – I know right from wrong.’ But nobody is immune. Everybody, regardless of position, is faced with ethical decisions in their job. The key is to have an ethical system in place – not a 10 commandments of do’s and don’ts.” Another common trap, Huddleston said, is basing a decision on whether or not the outcome is legal or not. That, Huddleston said, is how the Enrons of the business world – and their accomplices – get into hot water. “Over 85,000 people no longer work for Arthur Anderson – once the fifth biggest accounting firm in the country – due simply to their auditor’s inability to say, ‘No, you can’t do it that way,’” Huddleston said. By the time students leave Dixie State College, Huddleston hopes students will have been exposed to enough ethical cases that, when they get out in the workforce, they will have the wherewithal and the intestinal fortitude to do the right thing, even when their job might be on the line. He believes the fall semester line-up of speakers will give students and business owners just that. The fall Business & Ethics Forum schedule kicks off Thursday, Aug. 31 at noon in the Udvar-Hazy Business Building (Boeing Auditorium, RM 121) with Bruce Wisan, who is currently serving as Special Fiduciary to the United Effort Plan Trust. Wisan is also a certified public accountant and has been appointed by a District Court Judge to manage a $110 million trust that deals with the communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz. Each speaker throughout the year will speak on business matters in thei r respective professions and has been asked to integrate ethics into the discussion. “I’m really excited about the line-up of speakers we have this fall,” Huddleston said. “We have a good variety of small and large businesses and organizations involved, and everybody I asked to speak agreed to. These aren’t featherweights we’re talking about – each is a heavyweight in this game.” The remainder of the forum schedule is as follows: Sept. 14 Brad Rich, Executive Vice President for Finance at SkyWest Airlines Sept. 28 Terri Kane, CEO of Dixie Regional Medical Center (DRMC) Oct. 12 Paul Broadhead, Manger of Wells Dairy (Blue Bunny Ice Cream) Nov. 2 Scott Gubler, President & CEO of Deseret Laboratories, Inc. Nov. 30 Randy Wilkinson, President of Wilkinson Electric, Inc. and Ace Mechanical Contractors Huddleston is currently working on the schedule of speakers for spring semester as well and expects the forum to be an annual occurrence. He hopes one day to see the college host something on a regional or national stage. The Dixie State College Institute for Business Integrity is a partnership between the college, the Small Business Develo pment Center, the Washington County Economic Development Council, and the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce. For questions regarding the DSC Institute for Business Integrity forums, contact Bob Huddleston at: huddleston@dixie.edu or 435-652-7740.
Each year, revenue generated through SITLA is distributed to each college and university in the state in proportion to the number of teachers each produces each year. Approximately $250,000 will be divided among six institutions of higher education this year. The distribution is slated to be an annual occurrence. “I am pleased to deliver the first in what will be a perpetual stream of income to Dixie State College for its college of education,” said Kevin Carter, Dir ector of the State of Utah School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration. “There will be a distribution to the college every year from now on to assist in funding the education of teachers. No money we generate could go to a more worthy cause.” Created in 1994 by the state legislature, the School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration is an independent agency of the state government that manages 12 real estate trusts with the mission of providing financial support for public schools and 11 other beneficiary institutions. The trust lands were granted to the state of Utah by the federal government when it became a state in 1896. The interest and dividend earnings generated from the trusts are distributed to 12 beneficiaries on an annual basis, one of which is the Normal School (currently comprised of the colleges and universities in the state that offer education degrees). Originally, 100 percent of higher education’s share benefited the University of Utah. Senate Bill 120 – sponsored by Sen. Tom Hatch, Dist. 28 – now requires that the revenue be distributed across the entire Utah System of Higher Education to benefit education programs. The trust lands are scattered throughout the state and are sold from time to time. In fact, more than one-half of the original land grant has been sold, much of it during the first 35 years following statehood. About 30 percent of all private lands in Utah were originally trust lands. Money from the management of trust lands comes from a variety of different sources. At this time, the largest source of trust land revenue is oil and gas – about 63 percent of all revenues. This annual infusion of revenues moves SITLA closer to its goal of $1 billion in total assets by the end of fiscal year 2010. The ultimate goal of the Trust Lands Administration is to make the school lands’ trust a major source of public school funding. “This is a nice boost to our program, and we are extremely pleased to be able to benefit from the Normal School distribution on an ongoing basis,” said Dr. Brenda Sabey, director of elementary education at Dixie State College. “This funding will be put to good use and will be an essential component of meeting the educational needs of Washington County.” Sabey plans to discuss spending options with her faculty members when they return for fall semester. Dixie State College has offered a baccalaureate level elementary education program since 2002. The degree includes a built-in ESL (English as a Second Language) endorsement, the first program of its kind in the state. Originally, a cohort group of approximately 30 students was admitted to the program annually. Currently, the program admits two cohort groups each fall and, as a result, will graduate between 50-60 students in Spring 2007, which is about double the number that graduated in Spring 2006.
The program will prepare DSC students majoring in a given subject – including biology and English – to also become certified to teach that subject at the secondary level. All classes for the program will be available on Dixie State College’s campus. With the exception of a few courses that may be taught by SUU faculty, the majority of the secondary education classes will be taught by Dixie State College education faculty. “This partnership is critical at this time because it means that students in Washington County can immediately begin pursuing their secondary certification without waiting for state approval for Dixie State College to grant certification itself,” said Dr. Don Hinton, dean of education, humanities, arts, and social sciences. “It also means that any of our students who complete bachelor’s degrees can graduate jointly with those degrees and a secondary education teaching certification.” Those wishing to teach in secondary education must have a degree in a specific discipline and the course work required for secondary education. When students graduate, they will graduate with a content area bachelor’s degree (English, communication, biology, etc.) from Dixie State and secondary education certification from SUU, Hinton said. Two classes associated with the new joint program will be available on the DSC campus this upcoming fall semester, which begins Tuesday, Aug. 22. The classes include: EDUC 1010 (Introduction to Education) and EDUC 2010 (Introduction to Exceptionalities). There are no prerequisites to these two courses. To register for these courses, students can visit http://w ww.dixie.edu/reg/fall2006.html. Applications for acceptance in SUU’s Secondary Education Program will be collected from those who enroll in either course. For more information, please contact Dr. Brenda Sabey at 435-652-7841or sabey@dixie.edu; Deborah Connolly at 652-7842 or connolly@dixie.edu ; or the Advisement Office at 652-7690.
The College is also curr
ently working cooperatively with Southern Utah University this fall to offer a secondary teacher licensure program, which will operate hand-in-hand with the English and biology degrees, and other programs, to prepare DSC students to teach these subjects at the secondary level. Dixie State’s current emphasis on teaching degrees is due in part to the growth of Washington County School District, which has projected that it will need 1,200 additional teachers by 2015, including double the number of secondary math, science, and English teachers. Compounding the issue is an anticipated 20 percent retirement/replacement level each year within the District. As a result, Washington County School District has specifically requested that DSC develop degrees in biology, math, and English. Other data indicate that 46 percent of the teachers in Utah are currently prepared outside of the state and that 42 percent of the teachers in Utah will be eligible for retirement over the next 10 years. “This is a major step toward meeting the economic needs of Washington County,” said Dr. Donna Dillingham-Evans, vice president of academic services. “These degrees were so high on our priority list due to the fact that Washington County so desperately needs English and biology teachers, not to mention other areas. It’s a critical need of the school districts in our service area to provide these degrees.” Students wishing to major in biology and English can begin taking upper division classes that are applicable to the English and biology degrees this upcoming fall semester, given they have taken the prerequisites to those courses. For prerequisite course information, students can contact the advisement center at 435-652-7690. The new programs will NOT operate on a cohort basis in which a predetermined number of students are admitted to a given program each year or semester (as is the case with DSC’s elementary education and nursing baccalaureate programs). English and biology majors will simply need to take the necessary prerequisites before beginning upper division coursework. In addition to teaching careers, biology and English degrees – both of which are considered core degrees – also serve as a steppingstone to advanced degrees for many students. Forty-five percent of all English majors go on to earn a graduate degree. In addition, students who major in English are prepared for careers in education, law, writing and publishing, journalism, public relations, advertising, business, and management, among others. Biology oftentimes serves as a preparatory degree to further studies in the health arena, particularly for students who go on to medical, dental, and pharmacy schooling. Because a biology degree opens the door to such a large number of career options, a very large portion of DSC’s student body has declared the biology major (even though DSC hasn’t offered a biology degree up until now). Of the approximately 4,800 degree-seeking students at Dixie State in Fall 2004, 189 were declared biology majors. Dixie State now offers bachelor’s degrees in seven (7) areas of study, but today’s action marked the first time two degrees have been approved simultaneously. In 2000, Dixie College became Dixie State College and was granted license to begin offering bachelor’s degrees in high demand areas, which initially included business administration and computer & information technology. Several other degrees have since followed, including elementary education (2002), nursing (2004), and communication & new media (2005). In 2005, the Board of Regents approved a change in mission for Dixie State College, allowing the college to begin offering bachelor’s degrees in “core” or “foundational” areas consistent with four-year colleges. Dixie State College also continues to function as a comprehensive community college as well, offering associate degree and certificate programs to its students. The overall strategic goal for Dixie State College is to offer core and high demand educational opportunities at both the associate and baccalaureate levels that are consistent with and responsive to the needs of the community. Future programs for Dixie State College will likely center in three primary strategic clusters, which include business & technology, health care & public safety, and education. These clusters cover a comprehensive set of needs identified for the dramatic growth and on-going development in Washington and Kane Counties, Dillingham-Evans said. Students interested in more information regarding the new English and biology programs call 435-652-7590 or visit www.dixie.edu. “It felt really good to do something for the college,” Webb said. “It was great to get such an honor. I didn’t expect it.” Extemporaneous Speaking candidates were given five minutes to come up with a speech on a specific topic. They were then allowed up to five minutes to give their speech. Webb competed against 21 other candidates from across the United States. Over 13,000 students and advisers attended the national conference, competing in over 80 different categories. Webb chose extemporaneous speaking because she competed in debate at Snow Canyon High School. She plans to complete her education at Dixie State College and then possibly continue her schooling in the area of law. SkillsUSA, formerly VICA, is a national organization serving over a quarter-million high school and college students and professional members in technical, trade, industrial, and health occupations education. Two other Dixie State College students qualified for nationals by winning gold in their respective categories at the state competi tion. Jeremy Luke comp eted in Graphic Communications and Charlie Iverson in Power Equipment Technology. Adam Eaton represented the college and state as a Utah delegate. Eaton is also a state officer this upcoming academic year and has plans to run for national office at the 2007 national competition. The Dixie State SkillsUSA-VICA chapter is advised by Mel Jensen, Robert McMicken, and Jay Slade.
The 78,000 square foot facility will sit on the new River Road campus of IHC subsidiary Dixie Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in St. George, located approximately two miles from the Dixie State campus. The four-acre site at the base of Medical Drive has been donated to the college by IHC and the Foremaster family of St. George. Project completion is expected by January 2008 in conjunction with the start of spring semester, said Stan Plewe, vice president of college services. “To me, the significance of this project is that Dixie State College has gone from offering no health science programs in the early ‘90s to a 78,300 square foot building that will now house some of the finest health science programs in the state, thanks to help from the state and donations from the local community,” Plewe said. “It also signifies our first major offsite partnership location that will allow us to take education to a site where students will have an incredible opportunity to get some of the best training available right in DRMC’s backyard.” The new facility, which will also double as a training facility for DRMC, will house programs in nursing – including registered nursing, practical nursing, and nursing assistance – dental hygiene, emergency medical services, medical radiography, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, and phlebotomy. According to Dr. David Borris, dean of business, health, and technology, the timing couldn’t be better. “Our dental hygiene graduates will increase by 100 percent due to these expanded facilities,” said Dr. David Borris, dean of business, health, and technology. “We have expanded our nursing program and are temporarily using multiple buildings on campus to accommodate 300 percent growth in our nursing programs over the past three years. The Russell Taylor Health Science Building will also accommodate the anticipated additional growth in our nursing program.” The facility will also have space to accommodate programs in other high demand health care fields, Borris said, such as physical therapy assisting and medical laboratory technology. In addition to the donated land, Russell and Joyce Taylor and Mervyn and Sue Cox have provided significant donations to this project. Private donations for the new facility total in excess of $3.5 million thus far. Over $17 million has been funded by the state, but the private donations laid the groundwork to securing the state funding. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the college would not have gained approved for this facility from the state had it not been for the generous donors who stepped forward,” said Christina Schultz, vice president of institutional advancement. “That sent a message to the state that there is a true need for this facility in this community and that the community wants to be vested in a facility such as this. That kind of community involvement makes all the difference in the world when we go to the state and request a new facility.”
“Dr. Gordon Jennings made a significant impact on the lives of those who worked with him. The students in the dental hygiene program have had their lives changed by his mentorship,” said Dr. David Borris, dean of business, technology and health. “He and the faculty he hired built the dental hygiene program from a dream to one of the top ranked programs in the country.” Jennings created the college’s dental hygiene program from scratch in 1998. He led the program to national prominence almost immediately. Since graduating its first class in 2000, the program’s students have scored in the top 10 percent or better among all two-year and four-year programs in the nation on the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam. Plans are currently in the works for the program to make a leap from the associate level to the baccalaureate level, which is currently being considered by the Utah State Board of Regents. Both were goals of Jennings’ from the outset according to Karmen Aplanalp, interim coordinator of dental hygiene, who has worked with Jennings since 1998. “He was very inspirational — a real visionary,” said Aplanalp. “You can tell that by the goals that we had at the very beginning. He didn’t let boundaries stop him. Whenever someone would say, ‘You can’t do that,’ he would say, ‘Watch me, I’ll find a way.’ He was so creative to find ways to get things accomplished. He never let ‘no’ be the final answer – he found a way to accomplish his vision.” Another of Jennings’ goals, Aplanalp said, was to start an outreach dental hygiene program. That vision will soon lead to the development of a mobile dental clinic at Dixie Stat e to help train dental hygienists in community health care and provide needed dental hygiene care to the economically disadvantaged, elementary school children, and mobility impaired senior citizens. The legacy Jennings will leave for the program will also soon include a new health science facility, which he helped inspire. Each of the college’s health sciences programs will enter the new Russell Taylor Health Sciences Building in January of 2008, which will allow the college to double the number of dental hygiene graduates annually. “Gordon’s vision has been and continues to be realized,” Borris continued. “His work and his students’ accomplishments are a living tribute to Dr. Jennings.” Dr. Jennings’ funeral services will be held Saturday, June 17 at 11 a.m., at the 6th Ward chapel on 100 North and Valley View Drive. There will be a viewing at 9:30 a.m.
In the early 1980s, scientists found an interesting, but fragmentary fossil (an incomplete hind leg) of very early birds in an ancient lake bed in the remote town of Changma, located about 2,000 kilometers west of Beijing. In the summer of 2004, Harris and his colleagues – Dr. Hai-lu You of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences and Carnegie Museum of Natural History paleontologist Dr. Matt Lamanna – began quarrying in that area and have found literally dozens of specimens, mostly of birds, but also some turtles, salamanders, plants, insects, and a lot of fish. Most notably, the scientists have discovered approximately 40 well-preserved fossils of the ancient bird Gansus yumenensis that date back approximately 110 million years ago to the Early Cretaceous period. The fossils reveal that Gansus is the oldest known member of the Ornithurae – the group that includes all modern birds and their closest extinct relatives – and is the most evolutionarily advanced bird ever discovered. The discovery is the subject of an article in today’s issue of the journal Science. “In general, the bird fossils that we’re finding are very unlike – and much more advanced than – any bird fossils from that time period that have been found anywhere in the world before,” Dr. Harris said. The discovery helps fill gaps both in time and on the evolutionary tree leading to modern birds, Harris said. The age of Gansus puts it in a period of time in which no other good bird fossils are known. Its position on the evolutionary tree is more advanced and closer to modern birds than even some younger bird fossils, which indicates the relatively fast rate at which “modern” bird features evolved and how long ago many of them first began appearing, Harris said. The fossils are extremely well preserved and include such detail as fossilized feathers and webbed skin between the toes, suggesting that today’s birds may have had aquatic origins. Gansus likely lived a lifestyle similar to what would be stereotyped today as being duck or stork-like, Harris said, and was probably a foot-propelled diver. “Most bird fossils are very, very fragmentary,” Harris said. “Finding bird fossils that are very complete and still three-dimensional is extremely rare. Finding fossil birds that tell us so much about the origins of modern birds is even more rare. “The fossils themselves are absolutely exquisite,” Harris continued. “Most fossil birds that are nearly as complete are split between two slabs of rock, making it hard to see important anatomical details, but you can see virtually everything in our specimens.” The team’s findings were also the subject of a recent documentary, “Rise of the Feathered Dragons,” which debuted on the Science Channel in February. The hour-long documentary is slated to air again on the Science Channel Monday June 19 at 7 p.m. MST. Funding for the Changma research was provided by the Discovery Quest program for The Science Channel, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Dixie State College of Utah, the Chinese Geological Survey of the Ministry of the Land and Resources of China, and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China. Dr. Harris has taught science courses at Dixie State College since 2004. He teaches Introduction to Geology and Introduction to Dinosaurs. He also works closely with the City of St. George and the new Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm in St. George. Harris holds a doctorate in earth and environmental science from the University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in geology from Southern Methodist University and a bachelor’s degree in geoscience from the University of Colorado at Boulder.
Snow was laid to rest Saturday at the Pine Valley Cemetery this past weekend. A memorial service was also held Monday in Provo. "We have been honored to serve with one of Dixie's homegrown favorite sons. R.J. Snow’s wealth of knowledge, experience, judgment, and his intense interest in Dixie State College has provided a steadying influence to the institution during his service on the board," said Jeannine Holt, vice chair of the Dixie State College Board of Trustees, who grew up with Snow. " R.J. worked in some very prestigious positions over the years and has had a very decorated career, but every person was important to him regardless of rank or position. That has always been his hallmark – he truly cared about people. It's a devastating blow to lose him, not just to Dixie State College and all of higher education in Utah, but to anyone who had the good fortune to know him. This scholarship is our small way of paying tribute to a giant of a man." Snow attended Dixie College as a student in 1956 and 1957 and served as student body president. He served the 2005-06 academic year as a member of the college’s board of trustees. His father, Glenn E. Snow, served as president of the college for over a decade from 1938 to 1950. Snow’s career in higher education spanned well over 30 years. He held several positions at both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. With retirement nearing, Snow was slated to teach his final semester in BYU’s political science department this summer, where he has taught since 2000. Prior to that, he served for two years as director of the BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies in Israel. He began his career at BYU in 1990 as student life vice president and later served as advancement vice president. Snow worked as assistant to th e president at the University of Utah beginning in 1971, then simultaneously as vice president for university relations and director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics and associate professor of political science. In addition, he also held positions at the University of California Santa Barbara and at the University of Bordeaux in France. The Dixie State community continued to mourn Snow’s loss this week. President Lee Caldwell ordered that all campus flags be flown at half-mast as a tribute to Snow through the end of memorial services, which ended yesterday. "RJ’s passing is a tremendous loss to us,” said Dr. Caldwell. “I would be hard pressed to name anyone in the state with more experience in higher education than R.J. With his added global perspective, he was extremely valuable to our board. R.J. was renowned for his gentle intelligence, and that’s a good way of describing his contribution as a trustee." Those wishing to donate to the R.J. Snow scholarship fund can call (435) 652-7509, email forman@dixie.edu, or send correspondence to Dixie State College located at 225 South 700 East in St. George, Utah (84770) in care of the college’s institutional advancement office. Most recently, Kristensen was the head women’s basketball coach at College of Saint Mary (CSM) in Omaha, Nebraska. She has been at the helm of the Flames since 2002. During her tenure at CSM she led them to their first NAIA National Tournament birth and a sweet 16 appearance in the program’s history. Due to her success at CSM she was named MCAC coach of the year in 2004. Prior to being named the head women’s basketball coach at CSM, she spent four seasons at Northwest Missouri State University, a NCAA Division II school. Coach Kristensen was an assistant coach for two years and another two years as a graduate assistant coach. During her time at NWSU she was named by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association as the Graduate Assistant of the Year. Dixie State Athletic Director Dexter Irvin said, “I was impressed with her enthusiasm and professionalism and I look forward to the continued development and success of the women’s program.” During her collegiate playing days at Briar Cliff University, she scored over 1000 points and grabbed over 1000 rebounds while amassing a 125-15 record. She was also a member of the softball team, earning NAIA All-American honors. Kristensen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance in 1999 from Briar Cliff University. She later earned her master’s degree in science education with emphasis in physical education in 2001 from Northwest Missouri State University. This year’s “Outstanding Freshman Student Award” went to Huck Stewart, from St. George. Stewart has been an ambassador with the college’s recruitment office. In addition, he is a member of the Chamber Choir, and has been on the Dean’s list. He was also a runner-up in the Mr. Dixie pageant. Winning the “Outstanding Sophomore Student Award” was Nicole Alsop, from Salt Lake City. She has worked tirelessly in the Career Resource Center and was very important to both the college’s employment fair and to the career day. She has also found time to participate in all of DSC’s campus service projects and still get enough homework done to be named to the Dean’s list. Amy Skousen, from Riverton, Utah, received this year’s “Distinguished Service Award,” awarded for significant contributions to the college without receiving recognition or remuneration. She has served as a college ambassador for two years and was the group’s president, working behind the scenes recruiting prospective students. The “Achievement of the Year Award,” given to a student who has made unusual sacrifices to gain a higher education, went to Vivian Scheltinga from Maracajo, Brazil. She came to the U.S. on a basketball scholarship with no knowledge of the English language and was forced to learn English while taking college courses simultaneously. Lacee Salazar, from St. George, received this year’s “Personality of the Year Award,” which awards, among others, school spirit, activity support, and school involvement. She has served as academic vice president for ASDSC, as administrative assistant to ASDSC, has been a member of the Institute Council, on the Dean’s list, and received a Spirit D Award. Last year she won the Outstanding Sophomore Rebel Award. Jerris Heaton, from Hurricane, Utah, and Mitch Symes, from St. George, were co-winners of this year’s “Dixie Spirit Award.” Heaton was named Mr. Dixie award at this year’s homecoming. He has also been named Student of the Semester, won the Spirit D award, and has been named Student of the Year by the Hurricane Chamber of Commerce. He is also president of the swing club, has been the multimedia chair for the student council, and has worked as a technician for our IT department. Syme s has played an active roll at sporting events as part of the Rebel Crew and as an honorary cheerleader. He donned the mascot costume in the homecoming parade. Symes has also been instrumental in bring back the pep band to DSC, formatting the Spread the Red movement, and encouraging everyone to dress in red for Rebel Red Fridays. Blair Jorgensen, St. George, received the “Scholar Athlete Award.” Jorgensen excels both on and off of the soccer field. She was a co-captain of this year’s soccer team, and was also named an Academic All-American. In addition, she earned the very prestigious Governor’s Scholar Award. Five Rebel Awards were also given for exemplary performance in each of the college’s five baccalaureate programs. Winning the “Outstanding Business Student” award was Stephen Adam, from St. George. Cheri Maxwell, from St. George, was recognized as “Outstanding Elementary Education Student.” John Lawton, from Toquerville, a computer and information technology major, was the recipient of the “Outstanding CIT Student” award. Teresa Mitchell, from St. George, was this year’s “Outstanding Nursing Student.” And Christina Phelps, from Brigham City, Utah, was named “Outstanding Communication & New Media Student.” The “Outstanding Teacher Award,” went to Tim Eicher, chairman of the education and family science department. And Chris Taylor, director of public relations, received this year’s “Distinguished Service Staff Award.” Also recognized at the ceremony were the college’s 2005-06 valedictorians (highlighted in a separate article) and honors graduates. The ASDSC Officers for the upcoming 2006-07 academic year were also introduced. Lance Adams was sworn in as ASDSC president and Abraham Thiombiano will serve as vice president. “We’ve competed in this competition a long, long time – decades even – but our students were particularly successful this year,” said business department chair Dr. Philip Lee, who has advised the Dixie State DEX chapter for 27 years and was named National Advisor of the Year at the competition. &ldquo ;Business students from all across the country and Canada were involved, so this really is a tremendous accomplishment for these students and a good barometer as to how our students stack up nationwide.” Contest winners at the state level from colleges and universities throughout the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico competed in approximately 20 different marketing and management events at the competition. To qualify for the national conference, students had to place first, second, or third in their respective categories at the state level. Most notably, Jennifer deVilliers, a senior computer & information technology major from St. George, won first place honors in the nation in the Web Page Design event, with Craig Cardall, a senior business administration major from Salt Lake, taking second in the nation in the Marketing Management event. Six other DSC students were named finalists (finished in the top 10) in their respective categories, including John Berger, a senior from Santa Clara, Sales Manger Meeting; Skyler Christensen, a senior business administration major from Santa Clara, E-Commerce Decision Making; David Kreitzer, a junior computer & information technology major from Washington County, Web Page Design; Timothy Provost, a senior business administration major from Ogden, Financial Services; Stanton Roseman, a senior from Spanish Fork, Entrepreneurial Challenge; and Kathy Tanasz, Travel & Tourism. Both Berger and Roseman are repeat finalists from the previous year. Cardall and Jessica Bueno – both DEX officers at the chapter and state level respectively in 2005-06 –received National Collegiate Education Awards for their high academics and service Delta Epsilon Chi, also known as DEX, is the college division of DECA and an international college level marketing club centered around turning business students into business professionals. More than 14,500 students are members of DEX, with more than 2,500 that attended the international conference held April 22-26 in Dallas. Delta Epsilon Chi’s renowned Competitive Events Program uses interviews, tests, role-plays, online simulations and written project reports to evaluate students’ marketing and management skills – specific skills identified by the business community as essential for success. Events are judged by business professionals who are active in their professional fields.
Hinton was called on to temporarily serve in the same position in 2003 upon returning home from a three-year church mission to Hong Kong. At that time, he was eager to be back at Dixie State College to resume his role as a professor of communications. Those plans changed, however, when he was selected to fill in for Peterson for a two-year term while Peterson served one year as acting vice president of academic affairs and spent the following year on sabbatical leave completing his doctorate. Dr. Hinton spent the 2005-06 academic year serving as chair of the college’s Department of Fine Arts and Communications. Hinton has been employed by the college since 1977 and has taught a wide variety of communications courses, coached the Dixie State College forensics squad, and has served as fine arts department chair, on two separate occasions now, during that time. “ This is an important time in the college history with changes on many fronts,” Hinton said. “I will do all in my power to fill my responsibility and I hope to apply an appropriate vision to the Dean's office. Joe Peterson has been one of my heroes on this campus and I am not very comfortable stepping into his shoes, but I will do my very best. “I am somewhat sobered by this move because I love teaching and have always seen myself as a professor first and an administrator second,” Hinton continued. “I will attempt to keep that professor window open in my life as I make decisions and implement policy. I hope in that way that I can always keep us focused on what we are all about at Dixie State College. ” A native of Hurricane, Utah, Hinton also attended Dixie College and holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in speech and drama from Brigham Young University. After several years serving as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the peak of the Vietnam War, Hinton again retu rned to southern Utah to teach communications. He stayed at Dixie State College for 10 years before taking a sabbatical to go to Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., where he completed his doctorate. Hinton and his wife, Ada, have six children, five of whom are alumni of the college. Current director of DSC’s communication & new media program, Eric Young, was a student of Hinton’s at Dixie in 1980. “There is no person better for the job,” Young said. “It is a great opportunity to work with him. He has a magnificent knowledge of the academic needs of the students on both a state and local level. His ultimate concern is the students.” **For the past several years, Dixie State College has had two primary academic divisions: the Division of Arts, Letters, and Science and the Division of Business, Technology, and Health Sciences. Effective this upcoming academic year (2006-07), the former will now be known as the School of Education, Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences and the latter will be known as the School of Business, Sciences & Health. The college’s mathematics and science departments will migrate to the School of Business, Sciences & Health. The majority of college employees will work Monday through Thursday, with offices being open to students and the public from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. College |