Past Presidents

Known as the “Father of Dixie,” Woodward was the Pioneer President. Under his leadership, the original Administration Building and the Gymnasium were constructed on Main Street in downtown St. George. Through his efforts, approval was given for the establishment of Dixie Normal College in 1916. This guaranteed that St. George Stake Academy would offer two years of coursework post-high school.

During his presidency, Dixie Normal College became Dixie Junior College. In 1931, he received a letter from the LDS Church Commission of Education stating that all junior colleges would be terminated. He had a mind for finance, and since the college was destitute, his talents were needed and used. Through his firm leadership the college continued to exist under Utah State control.

While he was president, the LDS Church relinquished control of Dixie Junior College and turned it over to the State of Utah. No financial support was offered, and the faculty took salaries of hay, wood, nuts, fruit and anything parents and students could contribute for tuition. Smith offered leadership and operated in a smooth and efficient manner under stress and unfavorable circumstances.

Bentley was known for holding Dixie Junior College together while faced once more with its doors being closed. He was keenly knowledgeable and diligent, and a financial wizard as well, handling every facet of administrative responsibility. Those who worked with Bentley say that the one year he was president was the most pleasant of the years at Dixie to that date.

Under his direction, Dixiana was finished and ready for inspection by Governor J. Bracken Lee, who had come to inform Bruhn that Dixie’s doors would have to be closed. After the inspection, and learning that Dixiana had been constructed entirely from community funding, Lee declared, “If this community wants Dixie College that badly, they should have it.” Bruhn also oversaw the move from the old campus to the current campus location.

Kerr spearheaded the Cooperative Education work program with local businesses, brought about salary increases for the faculty, and promoted closer ties between the college and community. His leadership changed the word “competition” to “cooperation” between Dixie College, Dixie High School, and the Washington County School District.

“An Academic Climate” was the slogan for Dixie College during Alder’s tenure. He emphasized the importance of academic rigor. Thanks to his fundraising efforts, the Val A. Browning Learning Resources Center was built and additions to the Science Building and Browning Library were completed during his administration. Construction of the Udvar-Hazy Business Building and Gardner Student Center also began. The college expanded continuing education offerings, particularly the Elderhostel program for senior citizens, and funding was secured for library additions. Additionally, Alder made a move to promote fine arts as a way to emphasize academic excellence.

During Caldwell’s term as president, DSU received approval to offer seven new baccalaureate degree programs, and a number of other offerings were created. Additionally, Dixie State’s intercollegiate athletics became a full member of the NCAA at the Division II level. Also under Caldwell’s leadership, the college began moving its health sciences program into the newly built Russell C. Taylor Health Science Center. DSC also received significant increases in legislative funding, and Caldwell worked tirelessly to improve the academic landscape and economic development opportunities in Washington and Kane counties.