Dixie State University welcomes its largest, most diverse freshman class

Dixie State University students walk from class to class on the DSU campus during the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Dixie State University, St. George News

ST. GEORGE — A sense of excitement ushered in Dixie State University’s first day of school Monday, when the institution welcomed its biggest class of incoming freshmen in the institution’s history.

Dixie State University students walk from class to class on the DSU campus during the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Dixie State University, St. George News
Dixie State University students walk from class to class on the DSU campus during the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 22, 2016 | Photo courtesy of Dixie State University, St. George News

Described by some as an air of celebration, the energy associated with a large class was palpable as students hurried from class to class, became reacquainted with friends and professors, and prepared for another semester of active learning experiences.

Joining this year’s returning students, approximately 2,300 first-year freshmen registered for classes for the Fall 2016 semester, which amounts to some 400 more new freshman students than seen before at Dixie.

“I am absolutely thrilled that so many students have chosen to attend Dixie State University this year to continue their academic careers,” President Richard “Biff” Williams said. “With our ‘active learning, active life’ approach to education, Dixie State is a great option for all students, regardless if they are fresh out of high school or returning adults. I am confident this is going to be a great year of learning and growing for our students.”

Dixie State’s largest freshman class brings with it opportunities for students to meet more peers and better learn from one another.

“This year’s freshman class is not only one of our largest, but also one of our most diverse,” Del Beatty, dean of students at Dixie State, said. “I’m so excited for the energy this large and diverse group of students will bring to campus. It’s going to be an amazing year for DSU!”

Contributing to the excitement felt on campus, the DSU Student Association set up booths in high-traffic areas to serve breakfast to students as part of their Week of Welcome. Dixie State’s student government will continue to celebrate the new academic year by hosting a show by Jessi Campbell, who was on “Last Comic Standing,” and closing the week with the popular Foam Dance.

“I’m literally so pumped to be here and I’m so excited for all the events and adventures I’m going to have here,” Cassidy Tippets, a senior majoring in business administration, said. “This year is going to be good.”

Student numbers are projections, and official enrollment numbers will be released by the Utah System of Higher Education after the third week of school.

Dixie State University is an open-enrollment institution that prides itself in offering its students active learning opportunities both in and outside of the classroom. To learn more, visit dixie.edu.

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2 Comments

  • .... August 25, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    This is good news for DSU. I’m glad to see them expand hopefully they keep growing. This is good St George. ..

  • 42214 August 27, 2016 at 10:26 pm

    DSU bragging about diversity is like the FLDS bragging about monogamy

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