Dixie State University, Dixie Technical College team up for students’ continued learning
In the spirit of academic cooperation, Dixie State University and Dixie Technical College signed an academic articulation agreement this week to help Dixie Tech graduates easily transfer to DSU.
“We’re excited to be able to create this pathway for Dixie Tech students who want to continue their education and become Trailblazers,” Dixie State President Richard B. Williams said. “As sister institutions, we are working together to ensure that our students have every opportunity to be successful. This milestone move also helps meet workforce demands in our region and beyond.”
The agreement outlines how Dixie Tech students can transfer their applicable credits toward a Dixie State degree. Transferring students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in General Technology with emphases available in digital design, business and information technology as well as earn partial credit in the pharmacy technician program. Students can also work toward a bachelor’s degree in these areas and, upon completion, apply credits from their Dixie Tech coursework to the degree. In addition, DSU will reserve twelve spots each year for a seamless transition from Dixie Tech’s LPN program to DSU’s Associate Degree in Nursing program.
“We call it articulation, but you can call it a win-win!” Dixie Technical College President Kelle Stephens said. “This agreement allows students to customize their college education by stacking technical skill development with traditional academics if they choose. I am thrilled for the opportunities this will open to Dixie Tech graduates. Because of this partnership, college students in the Dixie region can benefit from the best of both worlds.”
Signed by Presidents Williams and Stephens, the agreement was created to build an equitable and responsive student transfer system between the two institutions. The resulting memorandum of understanding is the culmination of months of working through details to create a clear process.
“When Dillon Hurt, Jordan Rushton and I went into a few DTC classrooms in the fall and asked who is interested in attending DSU, many hands were raised,” said Sarah Vandermark, DSU’s associate provost for academic success. “I thought, let’s be more intentional and create awareness about DSU’s degree options moving forward. We want to make sure all students’ needs are met when transitioning so they don’t repeat content from Dixie Tech at DSU. We also want to track who is interested in transferring.”
As part of their ongoing partnership, the institutions also have plans in place to raise student awareness about this opportunity and help make the transfer process seamless. “Building relationships and raising awareness is key, more than anything,” said Vandermark. “We want to have a presence on the DTC campus and build momentum to ensure students understand these programs are easily transferrable to the university.”
For more information about Dixie Technical College, visit dixietech.edu and to learn more about Dixie State University, visit utahtech.edu.