Utah Tech University

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 senior Allie Garrow developed the "We Are Career Ready" campaign by creating six scarecrows to represent each of DSU's colleges for the Red Hills Desert Garden 2021 Scarecrow Walk and Haunted Canyon. The project was a huge undertaking but was rewarding, not only for Garrow but also for the nearly 20,000 attendees who have already visited the garden in the month of October. The local community can continue to enjoy the scarecrow displays at the Red Hills Desert Garden until October 31. "The vision with the scarecrows was to represent the unique 'active learning. active life.' opportunities each college department offers," Garrow explained. "I wanted the community to see through the scarecrow display that Dixie State is different from any other university because students have so many hands-on learning experiences."

Sixteen DSU students and five faculty members participated in the ultimate hands-on learning opportunity this summer filming a television series pilot in the green rolling hills of Ireland. Students took on the roles of a professional film crew, working with professional actors, deadlines, budgets, weather challenges and more. They lived together, bonded, played games and were able to explore their new surroundings for a month. Dixie State University is committed to an "active learning. active life" approach to education, providing students with hands-on opportunities both in the classroom and in the community. This approach equips students with the skills needed to be successful while attending DSU, in the local community and in their future careers.

Allstate and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) announced on Friday that Dixie State post-graduate student wide receiver Deven Osborne has been named to the 30th-Anniversary 2021 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. Osborne is among 22 football student-athletes and one honorary coach selected to the 30th-Anniversary team. In all, 109 student-athletes from all divisions across the nation were nominated by sports information directors with stories of exemplary community service, alongside academic dedication and impact on and off the field.

DSU students Kylee Newsome and Megan Combs recently participated in an enriching, career-focused event held by The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors in Boston, Massachusetts. The annual ASCLD Symposium is an industry-leading conference designed for leaders and managers in the forensic laboratory space. The symposium boasts workshops and plenary talks designed around all aspects of forensic science, but particularly focused on enhancing leadership and management in a forensic laboratory.

During her month-long internship with Pelagios Kakunja, DSU student Liberty Krieger participated in what she describes as an absolutely golden hands-on experience. The internship included taking diet and nutritional analysis, learning biopsy and blood sampling techniques, habitat sampling, underwater and aerial drone surveys, assisting with shark tagging trips, and more. Dixie State University's "active learning. active life." approach to education promotes hands-on, personalized learning experiences both in and out of the classroom and encourages a dynamic, engaged approach to life. This enables students to flourish not only while attending DSU but in their careers, community and in life.

In his first-ever appearance at the College National Finals Rodeo, DSU student Sebastian Hotalen placed 29th for bareback bronco riding last week in Casper, Wyoming. The national competition included all qualifying rodeo competitors from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. There are 11 regions included in the rodeo association. After placing 2nd in the Rocky Mountain region, Hotalen became the first member of the Dixie State Rodeo Club to qualify for nationals in four years.

DSU student Baylee Nelson-McKeachnie took second place in the Best Student Film awards at the Red Rock ScreenDance Film Festival last week with her film "Reformation". Inspired by the song "One by Sleeping at Last," the film is about perfectionism and striving to be the absolute best at everything you do. The Red Rock ScreenDance Film Festival is an international event filled with dance-film platforms in conjunction with the Red Rock Dance Festival, held in St. George, Utah. This has been the first year the film festival was introduced, while the Red Rock Dance Festival completed its 13th year. With submissions accepted nationwide, three major awards were given with titles of first, second and third place. These awards include Best Overall Film, Best Editing and Best Student Film.

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.

Brooke Marchetti-Curtis; a senior 23-year-old Trailblazer, recently won second place in a film festival titled Concorsi di Danza, held in Florence, Italy. Her film, "Searching for a Feeling" was inspired by the research process of creating movement that resembles looking for someone or something, the journey of getting to that final place, and your body's reaction once you've found it. Not only was her film submitted in the Concorsi di Danza Choreography Competition held in Florence, Italy, but it has also been featured in the Undergraduate Research Symposium at Dixie, Red Rock Choreography Competition and was recognized in the Red Rock ScreenDance Film Festival held earlier this month.

As a recent graduate from Dixie State University, Connor Lee has been awarded a $70,000 scholarship as part of a graduate program at Longy School of Music, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he will pursue his master's degree in Vocal Studies. With many musical talents starting at the age of seven, Connor has taken advantage of multiple opportunities during his college career to elevate his musical talents to new heights.

Dixie State University's Nursing Program will welcome 49 new students this coming fall semester. The program promotes a student-centered learning environment that facilitates active learning and the acquisition of skills, knowledge and attitudes consistent with the practice of a professional nurse. DSU offers an Associate Degree as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and both are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. "We are excited to welcome the fall 2021 semester incoming pre-licensure BSN students. These outstanding students were chosen from a group of 144 qualified and exemplary applicants," said Nursing Department Interim Chairman Judy Scott. "The rigor of our program will prepare them to function as a beginning nurse, as well as help them to grow in their chosen profession. Welcome to the DSU Nursing Department." Chosen applicants have a GPA ranging from 3.1 to 4.0. Many are first-generation students or from a challenging socio-ecomonic background. "No matter their background, all want to share their talents, helping those who need healthcare in ways that only a registered nurse can offer," said Scott. To learn more about DSU's Nursing Program, visit health.dixie.edu/nursing.

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.

Dixie State University alumnus Austin Montgomery was recently accepted into a MD/PhD program at Penn State, making him DSU's first student to enter this type of program. In 2019, Montgomery was the first student to graduate from Dixie State's Bioinformatics program. The degree was introduced in Montomery's sophomore year and is designed for students interested in the interdisciplinary fields of Biology and Computer Science.

Dixie State University celebrated the accomplishments of 2,273 degree candidates at the institution's 110th Commencement Ceremony on May 7. During the ceremony, held in Greater Zion Stadium on the DSU campus, the university honored the Class of 2021, including 25 master's candidates, 1,212 baccalaureate candidates, 773 associate candidates and 263 certificate candidates.

Due to the emergence of COVID-19, the need for registered nurses skyrocketed this past year. Therefore, with approval from the Utah State Board of Nursing, a Nurse Apprentice Program was designed for Dixie State University students in their senior year to help fast track their nursing careers while expanding the nurse workforce. The program was organized in the spring of 2020 and launched into full gear by January, 2021. Traditionally, students would not have been provided with increased opportunities such as involvement into an apprenticeship program until after graduation and passing their NCLEX exam. However, 12 participating DSU seniors, all in their final semester and in good academic standing with the University, actively practiced in the community under professional supervision gaining hands-on, real-life clinical experiences while also becoming part of the pandemic solution.

This week Dixie State University's Alumni Association announced the Dixie 11, celebrating eleven extraordinary bachelor's degree candidates of 2021 who have excelled in academics as well as university and community involvement. Dixie 11 awardees were honored at a dinner held on campus on April 28 and also received a letter of commendation from the University President for their remarkable achievements.

Showcasing Dixie State University's international students, 2021 DSU International Pageant was held on Thursday, April 15th as an opportunity for students to showcase their cultural background and heritage. Participating students gave spectacular performances including song and dance, cultural attire, and history. Students from all around the world, including Japan, Vietnam, Honduras, China, and Ecuador took the stage with smiling faces and heritage pride.

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.

As part of Dixie State University's Give Kids a Smile event, students and staff from DSU's Department of Dental Hygiene recently teamed up with local dentists to address the dental needs of children throughout the Washington Country region during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, students from DSU's Spanish Program donated their time and translation support as needed throughout the event. To help make children's smiles a little brighter, more than $13,600 in donated services including exams, X-rays, fillings, extractions, sealants and fluoride were administered free of charge to 47 children within the community who could not be covered by insurance or Medicaid. Additionally, local dentists from around the St. George community donated $38,292 in dental vouchers to 25 children with more extensive treatment needs.

Through his committment to helping at-risk youth thrive, Dixie State University student David Lenard founded RISE, an organization in St. George, Utah. After working as a youth counselor, and gaining a desire to help kids in the community, Lenard established RISE as a place to foster and support at-risk youth. Lenard is currently a junior seeking a bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a minor in communication studies. As a youth counselor at a local correctional facility, Lenard attributes his patience, understanding, and listening abilities to what he has learned in his classroom settings at DSU.

As part of Dixie State University's "active learning. active life." approach to education, many DSU students participated in the Alternative Breaks opportunity during Spring Break by giving back to the St. George community. The Alternative Breaks program, which functions under the Student Association's Service Branch, provides service opportunities during school breaks for students who want to give back to local and global communities. In lieu of traveling this year for Spring Break, 23 DSU students chose to give back to the community in a safe and fun way by improving the St. George area through landscaping, gardening and picking up trash.

In a display of their academic achievement, 32 percent of full-time Dixie State University students earned President's and Dean's List recognition for the Fall 2020 semester. Specifically, 1,054 students were highlighted on the President's List, and 1,324 on the Dean's List. Overall, 2,378 students were included on the university's honor roll, which showcases the students' committment to their academic career. 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.

As part of her social impact initiative, Miss Dixie State University partnered with the Dixie State University Student Association service branch to make comfort items for children in area hospitals and other health-focused agencies. The created items - including 300 activity kits, 46 fleece blankets, 30 courage capes and 264 handwritten letters - were delivered throughout the week to Dixie Regional Medical Center, Dixie Pediatrics, Canyonland Pediatrics, Imagine Pediatrics, St. George Kids Dental Snow Canyon, Root for Kids and the DOVE Center.

Committed to sharing the Trailblazing spirit throughout campus and beyond, Dixie State University's premier song and dance team, Raging Red, has made creative adaptions to fit COVID-19 constraints, offering virtual performances. Selected after an extensive audition process, the 24 student performers represent DSU at engagements on campus and throughout the community as they assist the University in recruiting efforts.

Dixie State University student and Eden Technologies Founder and CEO Hunter Manz, along with company Co-Founder Zack Manweiler, successfully secured $100,000 to help fund their desalination invention and address water scarcity issues in needed areas. Eden Technologies' desalination invention removes the salt from ocean water to generate pure drinking water. The device has its own energy recovery system which sets it apart from other desalination systems. With the initial funds secured, Eden Technologies will now begin to construct a fully-functional prototype of their desalination machine as well as obtain an international patent. Once the prototype is completed, the Saline Water Conversion Corporation of Saudi Arabia has agreed to consider allocating funding to develop a much larger commercial model if results stay consistent with previous data.

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.

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 proudly recognizes the institution's largest-ever graduating class during this unprecedented year, awarding 2,388 degrees to 2,021 graduates. Dixie State's 109th graduating class includes 17 master's candidates, 860 baccalaureate candidates, 943 associate candidates and 568 certificate candidates. Of these graduates, the majority - 63 percent - are female and students range in age from 17 to 68 years. Although the COVID-19 pandemic impacted DSU's initial commencement ceremony plans, originally scheduled for May 1, this graduating class will still be honored with a traditional commencement to be held on Friday, December 11, 2020, in the M. Anthony Burns Arena on campus, dependent on no social distancing guidelines being in effect at that time.