In Area 15’s first All Clubs Day this year, members of SGR, Dixie
Sunrise, Red Rock, Hurricane Valley and Zion Canyon Rotary Clubs gathered to
network and socialize and to hear from Dr. Richard (“Biff”) Williams, who will be
inaugurated as the 18th President of Dixie State University on
October 23. Egor Shulman, president of
Red Rock Rotary presented a check in the amount of $500 for the Guatemala stove
project expressing his wish, “all the members of our club could travel there
with you.”
On his continuing “listening tour” since taking the helm,
President Williams followed a spirited Horseplay with Rick Schofield at the
podium. Born and reared in Brigham City,
Biff and his family return to the Beehive State after many years pursuing a
Bachelor’s Degree in Lifestyle Management at Ricks College, a Masters in
Athletic Training from Weber State University and a PhD. In Athletic Training
Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University. For several years, he served as Provost (“no
one really knows what that means,” he quipped during his presentation, “but it
sounds important.”) at Indiana State University where there was “a strong
emphasis on community engagement for hands-on experiences.” Why did he decide to apply for the
position in Southern Utah? “My in-laws live here so you
know how it is … ‘happy wife, happy life.’”
He also recognized what he describes as a huge potential for the future
of DSU and “it was a great fit for me!”
As DSU grows, “we are in a position to chart our course ..
and we’ve got to get it (the strategic planning process) right. Students will come and go, but the community's vision for the university lasts forever.”
According to the new president, “enrollment is on the rise, but is limited by a serious need for more student housing.” Plans for the future of the university include construction of a 350-bed dormitory, a second story addition of 75 offices at the Burns Arena, and a human performance center. A University / Town Task Force to create the “Best University Town in America” is being organized with a focus on technology, health care and human performance, “but we must be creative in our expansion, including offering the best in online education.”
According to the new president, “enrollment is on the rise, but is limited by a serious need for more student housing.” Plans for the future of the university include construction of a 350-bed dormitory, a second story addition of 75 offices at the Burns Arena, and a human performance center. A University / Town Task Force to create the “Best University Town in America” is being organized with a focus on technology, health care and human performance, “but we must be creative in our expansion, including offering the best in online education.”
As he and his family have been learning about DSU, he noted multiple times saying, “who knew” about the programs already functioning on campus. The President and DSU's outstanding faculty and staff look forward to adding to what his predecessors have put in place and creating stronger community partnerships because “WE” are Dixie!
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