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Home > Archive > Mar 20, 2008

Proposed Pathway to DSC, U of U Affiliation
By Rep. Steve Urquhart, Dist. 75
 Dixie State College enjoyed an excellent 2008 Legislative Session! Dixie actually brought home more state money this year than any other college or university in the system. Even better, that increase in funding is “ongoing,” meaning that it is slated to repeat in future years. That’s welcome news for the growing financial needs of our beloved institution.
Equally important, a pathway has emerged for a successful affiliation between Dixie and the University of Utah. Before anyone gets too worked up, the shape and extent of that affiliation are far from written in stone. The pathway is simply something that I came up with after countless hours meeting with community members, stakeholders from the two institutions, officials from the state system of higher education, and elected officials. I present it here, for your approval, rejection or modification.
My idea is that each year the two institutions – and their communities – will look at their respective needs and opportunities, and then determine whether a greater level of affiliation in some areas would be to their benefit. If so, our legislative delegation will need to make that step happen. Thereafter, the institutions and communities will go through the same process, as often and as far as each deems appropriate. Stepwise, we will arrive at the best scenario for the two institutions.
No foot dragging is allowed. We will gobble up opportunity as fast as we can. However, the size step we take each time and the direction we head will be determined by the communities of interest for each institution. Southern Utahans have an unmatched ability to collaboratively develop strategies to address complex issues. My proposed pathway is simply another variation on that important historic theme.
Quite simply, we cannot know what steps 8, 9, and 10 of an affiliation should be until we have at least taken steps 1, 2, and 3. As we proved this fall in awkwardly attempting to take our first steps, we can burn a lot of energy and passion fretting about ultimate steps. (With the possible result of that conclusory exercise being that we take no positive steps in any direction). Clearly, ultimate issues are truly important. They can’t be minimized.  But they can best be considered at the right time and in the right manner, after a functional working relationship has been established.
Let me be clear. I am 100 percent excited about an enhanced affiliation between Dixie and the U of U. I lose sleep, thinking about the possibilities. If done right, it could be wonderful for both institutions and for the State as a whole. That’s why I have been quietly researching and vetting the idea for three years. But what form should that affiliation take, and how far should it go? I don’t know. And, at this point, neither does anyone else. But if we take one step, things will become clearer. Another step, clearer still. In the meanwhile, with each step, we will increase funding, programs, and – most importantly – opportunities for our children and faculty.
By way of example, this year – based on the great planning efforts of staff from Dixie and the U – the Legislature funded additional faculty positions and information technology enhancements at Dixie so that our students will have more course offerings.  That’s a solid step. 
What’s the next step? That’s up to us to figure out together – with the same creativity, pluck, and collaboration that have defined this community since its inception. It simply is our turn to pioneer the future of this area. And, in my opinion, we have an opportunity to build Dixie State College into something that the Ages – past, present, and future – will revere. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!

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