Dixie State University has officially rolled out its new name and identity with all of the usual trappings, T-shirts, athletic uniforms, letterhead and appropriate university names identifying buildings and other facilities. The new name now officially approved is Utah Tech University.
This a remarkable achievement, given the origins of the university as a two-year college and gradually advancing to university status, offering some graduate degrees.
This achievement has not been without challenges and controversy, in part because the university has been part of two communities. The first is the community of early pioneers and their descendants. who worked their way through multiple obstacles to shape the Dixie Spirit and to develop key institutions including the university. These institutions were affectionally named after the region’s identity, “Dixie.” It is a source of pride and accomplishment to many.
The second community has emerged from the growing population of the Southern Utah area and the increasing diversity of people, especially at the university. While the new people respected the Dixie name and spirit, they believed that the term Dixie carried certain connotations that did not reflect favorably on the university. The basic point was: “If the university is to emerge as a regional and national university the name needed to be updated.”
At the center of this development has been President Richard “Biff” Williams, who has provided extraordinary leadership, vision and patience in moving this name change and university identity forward. His ability to build strong coalitions and develop patterns of trust and mutual respect cannot be overestimated. He has been calm and respectful even under the harshest criticism.
So, congratulations to the Southern Utah communities, both past and present, who pulled together in a common effort to advance the university’s interests and long-term success. And congratulations to President Williams for demonstrating the best of what presidential leadership means.
Richard E. Kendell, Ph.D., former commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education
