The Evolution and Accreditation of History Programs at Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University (UT), formerly known as Dixie State University (DSU), has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1911. Over the years, the institution has undergone several transformations, evolving from a small academy to a comprehensive polytechnic university. This article explores the history of Utah Tech University, focusing on the development and accreditation of its history programs.

Early Years and Transformation

The institution began as the St. George Stake Academy on September 19, 1911, founded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Originally a secondary school, it aimed to provide education to the local community. In 1935, the Utah State Board of Education took over funding, leading to a split between college and high school students. The community resisted this separation, believing that a combined student body would enhance academic and social programs.

Between 1935 and 1963, the college faced several proposals for closure, but local citizens rallied to support it. The Dixie Education Association raised funds to purchase land for a new campus, which was then presented to the state, leading to the construction of new buildings.

The institution underwent several name changes, reflecting its evolving role and mission:

1911-1913: St. George Stake Academy
1913-1916: Dixie Academy
1916-1923: Dixie Normal College
1923-1970: Dixie Junior College
1970-2000: Dixie College
2000-2013: Dixie State College
2013-2022: Dixie State University

In 2013, the Utah Legislature officially changed the institution's status to a university, naming it "Dixie State University." This milestone was celebrated as the fulfillment of the original Mormon pioneers' dream of having a university in their communities.

Growth and Expansion

Throughout its history, Utah Tech University has experienced significant growth. In 1941, as the nation recovered from the Great Depression, there was a demand for skilled craftsmen. War production training funds were used to transform the school into a state-supported, two-year vocational school. Wilson W. Sorensen became the director in 1945, overseeing the construction of a complete facility in three phases, which was completed in 1963 and designed for 1,200 students.

Enrollment neared 1,000 students in 1961, prompting the need for expansion. Land was purchased in southwest Orem adjacent to Interstate 15, and a federal grant was secured for landscaping and a business and administration building.

Leadership and Vision

Wilson W. Sorensen retired in 1982 after 41 years of service, including 37 years as president. Kerry D. Romesburg succeeded him, followed by William A. Higbee. Each leader contributed to the university's growth and development.

Under Higbee, the campus continued to expand to keep pace with local demand. He also fostered relationships with organizations like the Valley Community College Foundation and the Alumni Association.

Academic Programs and Curriculum

Utah Tech University offers a variety of academic programs, including bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. The institution has evolved to meet the changing needs of its students and the community.

In 2016, UT made the decision to pivot its curriculum towards becoming a comprehensive polytechnic university. A polytechnic model was selected because it relies on the university's instructional model of "active learning. active life," that focuses on career preparation and engagement in regional economic and workforce growth and development.

History Programs

The Utah Tech State University baccalaureate program in History is comprised of a Bachelor’s of Arts (BA), a Bachelor’s of Science (BS), and a minor. The BA degree requires proficiency in a foreign language, which can be fulfilled in a variety of ways. The BS degree requires Social Sciences coursework beyond the core and electives. Both degree paths prepare students for advanced study in History, Law, and related areas, or to enter the workforce in business, government, journalism, or numerous other professional fields. This degree focuses on historical knowledge, historical thinking, building critical analytic skills, and writing in an organized and persuasive manner.

The minor in History prepares students from a variety of disciplines to contextualize their studies within the human experience through exposure to a variety of perspectives and research methodologies that augment their skills in almost any profession or area of graduate study.

The curriculum for the History programs includes:

History Since 1877
HIST 3000 Historical Research Methodologies
HIST 4890 Senior Capstone
HIST 1100 & HIST 1110 Western Civilization: From Pre-History to 1715 (SS, GC) and Western Civilization: From 1715 to Present (SS, GC)
HIST 1500 & HIST 1510 World History to 1500 (SS, GC) and World History Since 1500 (SS, GC)
History Electives
Upper Division History Electives
Social Science Electives

History and Social Sciences Education Program

In addition to the BA and BS degrees in History, Utah Tech University offers a unique degree emphasis: the BA or BS in History and Social Sciences Education. This program is specifically designed for students seeking secondary teaching careers, preparing them to teach American, World, and Utah History, along with Political Science, Geography, Economics, Sociology, and Psychology.

This emphasis also includes a Secondary Education (SCED) teaching certification, which qualifies students to secure employment at the high school level immediately upon graduation.

The curriculum for the History and Social Sciences Education program includes:

HIST 3000 Historical Research Methodologies
HIST 3870 History of Utah
ECON 2010 Micro Economics (SS, GC)
ECON 2020 Macro Economics (SS, GC)
GEOG 1000 & GEOG 1005 Physical Geography (PS) and Physical Geography Lab (LAB)
GEOG 1300 World Regional Geography
GEOG 4200 Geography of Utah
POLS 1100 American Government (AI)
POLS 2100 Introduction to International Relations (SS, GC)
PSY 1010 General Psychology (SS, GC)
PSY Upper Division Elective
SOC 1010 Introduction to Sociology (SS, GC)
SOC Upper Division Elective
EDUC 1010 Foundations/Intro to Education
EDUC 2010 Intro to Exceptional Learners
EDUC 2110 Educational Psychology
EDUC 2400 Foundations Multicultural/ESL (SS, GC, ALCI)
EDUC 2500 Instructional Technology in K-12 Classrooms
EDUC 2700 Graduation Planning, Program Application & Career Prep
SCED 3720 Reading Writing Content Areas (ALPP)
SCED 4100 Curriculum and Instruction
SCED 4200 Secondary Assessment
SCED 4300 Practicum Seminar
SCED 4600 Classroom Management (ALPP)
SCED 4700 Social Studies Curr Methods
SCED 4900 Secondary Student Teaching
SCED 4989 Student Teaching Capstone

Accreditation

Utah Tech University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This accreditation ensures that the university meets rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness. The university's accreditation status is "Accreditation Reaffirmed," with the most recent reaffirmation based on a comprehensive self-study in 2020. A mid-cycle review was conducted in Fall 2023.

Specialized or programmatic accreditation applies to specific programs or departments within the institution. These accreditations provide further assurance of the quality and relevance of these programs.

Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

The Business (BA/BS Business Administration, Finance & Accounting) programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The next reaffirmation is scheduled for Fall 2029.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

The Elementary Education (BS) and Secondary Education (BA, BS) programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The next reaffirmation is scheduled for October 2027.

Utah Tech University's Mission and Values

Utah Tech University is guided by a mission statement and a set of core values that shape its academic programs and institutional culture. These values include:

Active Learning
Career Preparation
Community Engagement
Inclusion

Campus and Facilities

The primary campus of UT, known as the Dixie Campus, is in St. George, Utah. The Hurricane Education Center campus extension located in Hurricane, Utah, is 20 minutes to the east. UT has also expanded its campus to surrounding communities by adding new community education centers that offer concurrent enrollment and college-level classes. The Utah State legislature granted UT over $55 million in 2022 to build a 120,000 square-foot General Classroom Building which is set to open in fall 2025. The Atwood Innovation Plaza on UT's campus provides resources to students and the St. George community.

Student Life

UT's Student Association (UTSA) is a federated student administrative body overseeing the functions, funding, and promotion of official student organizations. Various responsibilities fall to UTSA including the planning of most on-campus events, charity and service work, and relations between university students and the school's faculty and surrounding community.

UT provides students with single student and family student housing options. With 300 days of sunshine, an average temperature of 77 degrees, and 0 annual inches of snowfall, outdoor recreation is a popular student activity at Utah Tech, with many participating in activities like hiking, rock climbing, and biking.

Athletics

UT competes in NCAA Division I as a recent full member of the WAC. The Trailblazers have won 16 PacWest Championships, 5 PacWest Community Engagement Awards, and have appeared in 34 NCAA Division II tournaments.

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