Utah Tech University’s new name and polytechnic mission emphasize growth, but the continued use of “Dixie” raises questions about how far the university has moved forward.
Utah Tech took a vote to remove the term Dixie from the university’s name. This was due to the term being associated with the Confederacy, white supremacy. In 2021, the House voted 56-15 for the approval of the name change. The Senate followed with 17-12.
This wasn’t the first time the university brought up the idea of a name change. Back in the ’90s, the Utah Tech Board of Trustees voted on the ban of the Confederate flag, and later the Rodney the Rebel mascot on campus.
Clan Crismon, a former student from the ’90s, said what stood out to him the most was how many people were shocked by the concept of changing the name and mascot. The idea of switching anything around was quite shocking to the community.
“It seemed to be a small group of students sharing their concerns, hoping that the message would work its way up to those who could make a decision. Nowadays, it seems like it was a much larger student base that was requesting for that change,” Crismon said.
While the term Dixie has continued to appear around campus for events such as Dixie Got Talent, and D-Week, some question why it is still being used on campus. Part of the deal for the name change was that the university had to call it Dixie Campus, which can be linked to the initiative to keep the traditions of the school alive.
Jyl Hall, director of public relations for Utah Tech, said they’ve taken many steps to honor the Dixie name and local heritage, and continue to look for new ways to recognize and preserve that history. Utah Tech actively partners with the City of St. George and the Dixie Days celebration, hosting events on campus to strengthen ties between the university and community while honoring shared heritage.
Jyl Hall said, “Because the southern Utah community understands the beloved local meaning of Dixie to represent the pioneer heritage of camaraderie, grit, sacrifice and service, the university continues to use the term for initiatives that are local-focused and involve our community.”
In the three years since the name change, the university has continued to see a growth of students, with the largest enrollment of students last fall. Hall said she is proud to see the student accomplishments and institutional successes that have occurred under the new institutional name.
“We will continue to honor the rich heritage and traditions of Utah’s Dixie and the university in ways that celebrate both our history and our future as a polytechnic university that offers premier active learning experiences that prepare our students to graduate ready to fulfill workforce needs,” Jyl Hall said.
Yet, current students are the ones navigating seeing the term Dixie still being used on campus.
Jett Nielson, a junior finance major from Herriman, said he was surprised to learn about the university’s past history. Seeing old photos was shocking as a student. Nielson pulled up the 1959 yearbook, which featured students in blackface at a Halloween dance on page 69.
Nielson said, “I don’t see the point of continuing to use the word Dixie. To actually move forward as an institution, we need to let go of the past.”
Eden Hall, a junior integrated studies major from Nephi, said she was pleased to hear of the name change a few years ago. She said the continuation of the term Dixie is odd after pushing for the change.
“I think it would be inappropriate to continue the word Dixie on campus due to its history and racism. The institution should work to remove ‘Dixie’ from institution involvement,” Eden Hall said.
