Utah Tech University

Students in Utah Tech University's Physical Therapy Assistant program and the University of Utah's Physical Therapy program gave the gift of mobility this holiday season by customizing and gifting electric kids' cars to area children with mobility disabilities through the Go Baby Go initiative. "Go Baby Go is a way that we, as a program, can give back to the community," Burke Jorgensen, an instructor at Utah Tech, said. "As we modify these cars, we are providing a way for these children to choose to move instead of passively being carried or pushed all day. That independence makes all the difference in that child's development and it changes the family's life."

Utah Tech University's wrestling team completed the UT Tech Stampede Wrestling Invitational with 12 students placing first and 25 students finishing in the top 3 in their respective weight classes. Utah Tech's wrestling team is a campus club sport that has podiumed multiple times within the past year and has also had a nationally ranked third-place title by a former student. The club competes with larger schools, including UNLV, the University of Southern California, and Grand Canyon University, making it experienced and ready to compete against anyone. As a team, the women are ranked 4th, and the men are ranked 8th in the nation.

Chandler Jones, a second-year master's student in Utah Tech's athletic training program, experienced the opportunity of a lifetime interning for the National Football League's Jacksonville Jaguars this summer. Jones spent much of his internship at the field making sure things ran smoothly. He set up the practice fields, stocked the athletic training room and helped the staff wherever needed.

Students at Utah Tech University demonstrated outstanding academic performance during the Fall 2023 semester, with nearly 10 percent earning President's List recognition. A total of 1,233 students were included on the President's List, reflecting their strong commitment to academics. To qualify, students had to achieve a semester GPA of 3.9 and higher as well as complete at least 15 credits.

Students at Utah Tech University demonstrated remarkable academic performance during the Fall 2023 semester, with nearly 12 percent earning Dean's List recognition. A total of 1,489 students were included on the Dean's List, reflecting their strong commitment to academics. To qualify, students had to achieve a semester GPA of 3.5 to 3.89 as well as complete at least 15 credits.

Five Utah Tech University students were honored with Trailblazer Awards at an event held on campus last week. At the end of each academic year, Utah Tech University is pleased to host this annual award ceremony honoring students and members of the campus community for their many accomplishments. The Trailblazer Awards ceremony has been a traditional part of student life at Utah Tech University for decades, and recognizes the accomplishments of UT students, faculty, staff, community members and businesses who have been extraordinary in their commitment to success. As a formal event patterned after the Academy Awards, this annual ceremony recognizes the best and brightest at Utah Tech University and these awards are considered some of the most prestigious offered on campus. This year, UT student Trailblazer Awardees included: Student of the Year - Corey Gardner Stafford Student Involvement Award - Benji Welch Entertainer of the Year - Courtnee Ramos Personality of the Year Award - Dallas Clifford The GRIT Award - Lilliana Rogers

Utah Tech University recently celebrated its first group of graduates. Twenty-four students earned their Associate of Science degrees in Nursing and were honored at a pinning ceremony in early August. "These graduates are outstanding examples of those who are seeking excellence and professional growth." Associate Professor of Nursing Judy Scott said. "After graduation from the AASN program, all are ready to enter our RN-BSN program to continue to grow and learn." Utah Tech partnered with Dixie Technical College to provide pathway options for students who have already become licensed practical nurses or earned their paramedic certifications and want to work toward becoming a registered nurse.

Learning more about their art and working on their craft, select Utah Tech University dance students recently returned from participating in the Florence Summer Dance experience. The three-week intensive Study Abroad program offers students the opportunity to network with international artists, develop character, and release their artistic expression.

Utah Tech University's International Showcase is a celebration of cultures and talents from across the globe. Crowned international students are granted scholarships as encouragement to strive academically and be proud of who they are and where they come from. This year three winners were crowned - Alvaro Lopez, from Peru, won People's Choice, Ives Hong, from Vietnam, won Judge's Choice, and Amina Furuta, from Japan, won the runner-up award.

Kylee Newsome, an intern with Utah Tech's Digital Forensics Crime Lab, had the unique opportunity to spend six weeks at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences this summer. She spent this time exploring the Forensic Sciences program and piloting an upcoming student exchange program between Utah Tech University and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. While Newsome's emphasis at Utah Tech is Digital Forensics and Defense, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences emphasized additional programs, broadening Newsome's knowledge of forensics studies. As part of this opportunity, Newsome watched students participate in a mock fire crime scene investigation, listened to graduate students present their thesis projects, and gave a briefing to the Dutch students on American Universities and career paths post graduation. Newsome was also able to make connections with the Netherlands Forensic Institute and tour a local police department. For Newsome, Amsterdam offered a well-rounded experience beyond classroom studies, with weekend trips to Germany and Belgium, a river cruise, and time to immerse herself in a new culture. According to Newsome, it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. "Amsterdam was an amazing experience where I was able to learn about forensic sciences like biology and chemistry. It was a good way to broaden my knowledge of the field that I am studying."

Five Dixie State University students have been accepted into various medical schools after completing the Utah Health Scholars program available to them at DSU. All are on track to continue their education and follow their dreams of working in the healthcare industry. UHS is a program that helps students on the healthcare path including but not limited to medical, dental, physician assistant and pharmacy.

Dixie State University students showcased their dedication to their academic success with 2,627 students or 21 percent of the student body making the honors list in the Fall 2021 semester. Specifically, 1,212 students were highlighted on the President's List, with 1,415 students making the Dean's List. Inclusion on the honor roll requires all students to complete a minimum of 15 credits, with President's List awardees achieving a GPA of 3.9 or higher and students on the Dean's List obtaining a GPA of 3.5 to 3.89.

Erik Hughes is the first student at Dixie State University to receive the Global Scholar Award. The award was created last year by the DSU Global Engagement Committee to recognize students who incorporate global studies into their education to further enrich their experience. Erik studied at Meijo University in Japan from Fall 2018 to Spring 2019, as part of an exchange program through DSU Study Abroad. "I learned much about the Japanese culture and their way of life," said Erik. "There are things that I adopted that I still use to this day." This study abroad opportunity allowed Erik to beocme immersed in the Japanese culture and also interact with students from around the globe. "There were also students from France, China, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, and many other countries that I interacted with and had the chance to learn about their cultures. I think this knowledge about cultures is the most valuable thing I learned during my time spent in Japan," he said.

Twelve recent Dixie State University graduates who were accepted this spring to Rocky Vista University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, received their white coats on October 9, signifying the official beginning of their medical school journey. Many of these DSU alumni were able to acheive their medical school goals through the Utah Health Scholars program at Dixie State. Rocky Vista University is located in Parker, Colorado and in Ivins, Utah. "The hope is that many of these students will return to Utah communities to practice once they have completed their medical school and residency training, "Rita Osborn, executive director of the Utah Center for Rural Health, said.

Dixie State University's Business Resource Center offers no-cost business consultations and services to people seeking to launch or grow their business. Recently, the BRC began offering a Launch Series designed specifically for brand-new business owners and entrepreneurs. This 4-week, virtual series and follow-up business advising is free thanks to a grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The class teaches individuals how to successfully launch and grow a business. Participants learn about market testing, business development, financial strategy and more. New CEO and founder of OG Creative, Oreo Ogunsola, is just one example of how the Launch Series has not only impacted his education, but improved his future as both a digital designer and business owner.

After receiving a grant from the Mathematical Association of America, Dixie State University is organizing an Enhancing Advancement to Graduate Education through Research experience to provide students with the opportunity to participate in full-time research for seven consecutive weeks. By participating in this National Research Experience for Undergraduates Program, the four selected students get to take part in meaningful research. The program aims to increase undergraduate completion rates and encourage more students from underrepresented groups to pursue advanced degrees and careers in mathematics by exposing them to a focused and challenging research experience.

Trailblazer Sydney Anderson is passionate about volunteering in the community, and she is hopeful that by doing so, it may increase her chances of being accepted into DSU's Nursing Program. In an effort to serve the community and better her chances of having her application accepted, Sydney spent much of her college semester at a local non-profit animal rescue organization, P.A.W.S., as she prepared to apply to nursing school. Sydney has volunteered for three semesters now, accumulating about 75 hours in service commitments.

At the Dixie Awards ceremony held April 10 on the Dixie State University campus, five top finalists were recognized in six different student categories. The Dixie Awards highlights various extraordinary individuals annually and this year 30 students were recognized as part of this long-standing tradition.

At a time when the world's first responders are in high demand, five students from Dixie State University's Emergency Medical Services Program will receive a financial boost from the AT&T Foundation to help prepare them to work in the emergency response field. DSU students Melissa Andersen, Brennen Hill, Rachel Hillam, Chris Swann and Alexis Wasden were each awarded $2,000 scholarships to support their DSU first responder educational training.

Dixie State University freshman, Emily Isaacson, received a perfect 1000/1000 score on the Certiport Microsoft Office Specialist Word Exam, and has been selected to represent Utah at the Certiport U.S. National Championship competition in 2021. Isaacson, who is also a member of the DSU women's basketball team, will have the opportunity to travel to Orlando, Florida next June to compete with other state champions from across the United States.