Dixie State University’s Response to Racial Concerns Plaguing Our Nation

To all of our friends in Trailblazer Nation, especially our black students, alumni, faculty and staff, who are experiencing deep pain amid current tragic events, we hurt with you. As an educational institution, we are dedicated to listening, learning and continuing to grow as part of our commitment to cultivating an environment where all are safe, supported and thriving.

As Trailblazers, we stand for inclusion, justice and compassion. In line with our institutional values, it is our responsibility to address the racial concerns plaguing our nation due in part to the death of George Floyd. It is embedded in our value of Equity and Inclusion that Dixie State University creates a community of diverse individuals, ideas, and beliefs by practicing open discourse and collaboration. In line with our value of Accountability, we are honest, transparent, and respect others while holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We support the peaceful protests that are happening nationwide to foster change. We condemn any destructive behavior – racism, oppression, violence or destruction of property. 

Operating under the principle that every person’s unique experiences enrich campus life and add a profound element to a full education, our Multicultural and Inclusion Center provides a variety of resources. Over the last few years, Dixie State has increased its attention and funding for inclusion initiatives, and we encourage our students to take full advantage of this support system. To better understand the needs of all members of our community, we have meetings in place with students, faculty, staff, DSU Campus Police, St. George Police, and community leaders.

Allies should continue to share their knowledge, educate themselves, engage with people with diverse backgrounds and use their voices to represent marginalized individuals. In this spirit, we invite you to join us in an open forum with Chief Diversity Officer Tasha Toy, Ph.D., next week. This will be a safe space for sharing and learning in an effort to increase understanding and cultivate unity. If you are interested in participating, please complete this simple form.

If you are a student, faculty or staff personally impacted at this time or if you are an ally looking for resources on how you can help, reach out to Dr. Toy at cdo@utahtech.edu or 435-652-7735. 

We are Trailblazers. When we stand together, we can make a difference.

Richard B. Williams
President

Michael Lacourse
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs

Paul Morris
Vice President of Administrative Affairs

Peter Gitau
Vice President of Student Affairs

Brad Last
Vice President of Institutional Advancement & Development

Jordon Sharp
Vice President of Marketing & Communication

Tasha Toy
Assistant Vice President for Campus Diversity/Chief Diversity Officer

Jason Boothe
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics

Becky Broadbent
General Counsel

Courtney White
Chief of Staff

Henrie Walton
Assistant to the President for Government & Community Relations