Dixie State University May Be Getting Renamed, Bill Cleared House Committee

Dixie State University may soon be getting a new name, as the House Election Committee voted 12-2 in support of HB278.

Rep. Kelly Miles, R-Ogden sponsored the bill that would require the university's trustees to recommend and choose another name for the college, in consultation with the Utah Board of Higher Education.

In addition, the bill would require the Legislature's Education Interim Committee to consider legislation that would incorporate the new name for the institution in Utah Code.

Due to the vote, the bill will now move into the House for further consideration, reported KSL.

Brad Last, R-Hurricane, has evolved his thoughts about the bill. He first mentioned that the thought of changing the name game him a "sick feeling" in his stomach, and he didn't know if he could continue working at the establishment "if there isn't Dixie."

However, he said that he is coming to terms with it and that "we have a responsibility to do the very best we can for our students." He said, "I think the name is a bit of a distraction or deterrence to the success of our students."

Some are still pushing back against the bill, however, claiming that the bill "has not been thoroughly vetted by the community."

According to the university's website, it has had six name changes since its establishment in 1911, each with Dixie in the name, except for its inaugural name, St. George Stake Academy.

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