Category: News

The city of St. George now offers a new bike lane to help residents and students get around parts of the city with ease.

The new lane was constructed on the east side of 700 East between 600 South and St. George Blvd., directly by Utah Tech University. This goes from Greater Zion Stadium to the Dolores Doré Eccles Fine Arts Center and into the city.

St. George News released an article in July where they said the idea came from a cycling event that the city hosted in 2021, when they turned the road on 700 East into a two-lane bike trail.

After seeing how the road would look with a bike lane, the city council ended up approving the estimated $1.45 million project on a 3-2 vote in May, which shows there were some doubts about the construction of this lane.

The article expressed the concerns that 50 parking spots will be replaced in the use of this new lane along 700 East. However, the city plans to create more parking spaces in the future.

In response to that, Cameron Cutler, public works director for the city of St. George, said they are adding angle parking by the cemetery, on Tabernacle Street.

Students and faculty have started using this lane and they each have their opinions about it.

Nathan Snow, associate professor of media studies, rides his bike to the university, and he used to struggle feeling safe with his space on the road.

”I don’t feel comfortable riding on the sidewalks because I think that they should be for pedestrians, but I also want to be considerate of the cars because I don’t want to ride in the middle of the street,” Snow said.

The goal of this new bike lane is to help the people who use this method of transport to have their dedicated space and ensure the safety of pedestrians, bikers and drivers.

“[The bike lane] is a safe place that is on the road, but I also don’t have to worry about cars that blow past me,” Snow said.

When asked if he believes this addition will encourage faculty and students to bike more frequently, he said an increase in biking is unlikely.

“If somebody isn’t biking already, I don’t know if the addition of one bike lane is going to get them. Because it’s a lot to ask somebody to consistently bike,” Snow said.

Christopher Uyleman, a sophomore general studies major from Orem, is not satisfied with the new addition.

“I’m all for bike infrastructure, but with the cost and the placement of the lane, I just think it’s not worth it,” Uyleman said. “If it was more focused towards students and it affected the in-campus commute then it would be a better investment.”

Sean Flint, a sophomore information systems and analytics major from Las Vegas, said the new trail can be useful for students who bike on their way to the university. Yet, he said he feels residents would benefit more if the bike lane had been promoted on a larger scale, like through an email to students or flyers around campus.

The recently opened General Classroom Building‘s modern but transparent design has raised some safety concerns.

Sherry Ruesch, assistant vice president of facilities management, said the primary goal behind the construction of the GCB is to create classrooms and office space to house the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Several goals were outlined in the building program completed by architects from Method Studio including constructing lecture halls, classrooms, labs, faculty and academic support offices, conference rooms, and study spaces.

In regards to security measures, Ruesch said the building has many electronic locks that can be all locked down in case of an emergency.

“The video monitors located in the main lobby areas will announce emergency information when needed,” Ruesch said.

On top of that, there are more than 60 security cameras throughout the building. Elevator No. 1 is the only elevator with an emergency power generator to assist with the evacuation of those with limited mobility.

When referring to how the layout of the building can help during evacuations, Ruesch said the north and south stairways provide a fully enclosed exit leading directly to the outside.

The police department has also supervised the functionality of the safety measures in this building.

Wes LiCalzi, Utah Tech University chief of police, said they have completed various demonstrations and planning sessions since the construction, with various disciplines including SWAT commanders and law enforcement from local and state agencies, facilities personnel, as well as fire marshals and fire personnel.

When asked about the design of the building LiCalzi said, “[Our] department takes building safety seriously and has conducted comprehensive walkthroughs with our partner agencies [St. George Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Office] to assess the building’s characteristics.”

LiCalzi said the police adapt to the layout of each building in order to give the best service possible.

“While all of our campus buildings are relatively unique in their design, we developed specific response plans and training that incorporate national best practices,” LiCalzi said.

In the case of an emergency, the police maintain a 24/7 campus coverage with regular building checks, and the officers prioritize high-traffic areas during peak hours.

“Our compact campus layout allows all locations to be quickly accessible by law enforcement and medical personnel and provides various approach options from multiple angles. This, paired with our patrol coverage, promotes rapid response times,” LiCalzi said.

Considering the planning that went into the design of this building, Ruesch said the top priority in designing a classroom building is to provide the best spaces for teaching, learning and studying.

“The glass in the building is to help bring natural light to the center of the building and create transparency; this provides an environment for personal safety,” Ruesch said.

She said, for the new General Classroom Building, safety is not sacrificed; it is enhanced and is part of the design.

Donovan Peterson, a junior communication studies major from Mesquite, Nevada, gave his opinion on the design and safety of the place.

“It looks very modern and I also feel very safe here,” he said. “Although it was made quickly, everything looks like it was installed properly.”

However, if you feel unsafe, you can report a crime or suspicious activity by calling the non-emergency dispatch (435) 627-4300. You can also contact the university police through the myUT app or call 911 in case of an emergency.

On the night of Aug. 31, 22-year-old Jordan “Don” Konanui-Kong from Las Vegas fell from his balcony on the fifth floor of Campus View Suites II.

Freshman Konanui-Kong was transported to St. George Regional Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

In a statement from Utah Tech University published to students and faculty, “Utah Tech University is devastated by the loss of a member of our Utah Tech family. His presence will be deeply missed on campus.”

A candlelight vigil was held Sept. 4. Students, faculty, staff and family members gathered to remember Konanui-Kong. Memories and experiences were shared as both laughter and tears filled the room.

Tamron Lee, dean of students, said at the vigil, “My wish is that we can find strength in our unity, and hope in the knowledge that Don’s light still shines in our hearts.”

After messages from both Lee and Van Mangus, academic adviser for College of the Arts and professor to Don, students and staff were invited to share memories.

Don was an animation major and was passionate about his work in art. He loved creating new characters and storylines.

In unity, everyone who spoke agreed that Don was able to make an impact to anyone he met. Students who came to the vigil had only known him for a short time, but they all met Don through a similar interaction — he just said hello.

Thomas Walker, a senior criminal justice and family studies major from Wyoming, said: “…one thing that is just so awesome is to see the campus community, and the community from St. George all coming together to pay their respects.”

His memory brought light in a room of mourning. Don’s artwork was also displayed for everyone to see.

Noah Nelsen, a student at Dixie Tech and close friend to Don said, “I think Don had a lot of traits I admired in him.”

Nelsen and Don met at the Clearfield Job Corps, and moved down to St. George to continue their education. While attending Dixie Tech, Toney Hawkes later met Don at an event held at Dixie Tech. They continued to be friends, sharing memories and getting to know each other.

Hawkes, another student at Dixie Tech and a close friend of Don, described him as, “A really good guy, he was always there when you needed him and when you needed someone to talk to.”

Nelsen and Hawkes both said that his death was an accident. Both friends attributed that Don had epilepsy and other health conditions.

Don’s mother posted on TikTok that Don took his own life.

Sun News Daily was denied police reports involving the details on Don’s death.

Hawkes said, “Don really did do his best to bring light in everyone’s eyes. I feel like he really did live each life to his fullest.”

Two departments at Utah Tech University are being moved to new buildings to enhance more space and resources for students and faculty.

The relocation of the Testing Center is scheduled to begin Sept. 10. The center will be closed Sept. 10-11 to allow faculty to move the equipment and furniture to the new location. The center is expected to open Sept. 12, and will be located on the fourth floor of the Holland building. 

Debbie Bartlett, assistant director of student testing, said, “This building [where Testing Center currently stands] is old and outdated, and it is going to be demolished and replaced with a parking lot.”

The transition from the previous to the new location will benefit students with a pleasant location and more areas for studying. 

Cali Nicolosi, a sophomore general studies major from New Hampshire who works at the Testing Center, said the new location at the Holland will benefit students.

“It will be easier to find location-wise,” Nicolosi said. “I think being in a library setting is more relaxing, quiet[er].”

Sydney Swanson, a freshman communication studies major from Pleasant Grove, said the new location is more convenient for her because it’s a central place on campus.

“I live on campus, and I do not want to cross that street [to the Testing Center],” Swanson said. “The Holland building is nearby, so I am excited about that.”

At the time of relocation, students need to plan their schedule accurately and come to complete the tests during temporarily open days, Bartlett said.

The English department experienced relocation as well. The new location of the English department is the new General Classroom Building, where they have better conditions for work. The new building has more spacious rooms, a bigger territory and modern technologies.

The partial relocation of the department began Aug. 11 and finished Aug. 20, when the academic year started. 

Lillian Minar, an English administrative assistant, said, “They [faculty members] have been settled by Aug. 20 when classes began, but it was still kind of crazy here because we still had to get our printers set up.”

Cheri Crenshaw, an English professor, said there are advantages of the new location of the English department for educators and the college.

“Now we can see each other in the hallways, and we have opportunities to talk about collaboration,” Crenshaw said. “I think having us all together will be definitely beneficial.”

Crenshaw also said the General Classroom Building has more advanced technologies and has enough rooms for all the faculty members. 

“This is our permanent building,” Minar said. “This is our space now and we are staying here forever.”

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.

Last spring semester, 10 international students at Utah Tech University had their visas revoked.

After this situation, the community of international students had some concerns about their academic future in the United States.

Shadman Bashir, executive director of International Programs, said students came to his office to express their concerns during that time, but now they are feeling more confident about keeping their visas.

“Last semester was different. It was an unusual thing to happen,” Bashir said. “We always tell them to make sure to not violate the law; it doesn’t have to be something big, even a small thing, don’t do it.”

Now, first-time students are having issues with immigration services to get to Utah Tech in time.

To support these students, Bashir said the International Office coordinates with advisers and ensures early registration for those awaiting visas.

Allison McMullin, International Programs immigration coordinator, said a few common causes that can get students in trouble with their visa status include underage drinking, driving under the influence or speeding tickets, to even unlicensed fishing.

These examples were the reasons some of these students got their visas revoked last spring. As a result, students in similar situations grew concerned about the potential impact on their immigration status.

Bashir said: “If a student comes into our office to talk about a legal situation, we connect them with attorneys since we can’t give legal advice. But if there is any other issue, we keep an eye on their immigration status and talk to them if they are making a mistake or have any doubts. So, by being proactive, we keep the students from breaking any law.”

McMullin said the offenses related to alcohol are the most worrying because the laws or regulations in other countries are different from the ones in the U.S. This leads to some students not understanding the seriousness of drinking underage.

She also said that, even though the affected students had already resolved their legal issues, their visas were still terminated last semester.

McMullin said students now are showing greater caution, a better understanding of the rules, and being more honest if problems arise — which in turn allows the International Office to aid them to the fullest.

Guillermo Plaza Ruiz, a sophomore biochemistry major from Madrid, Spain, talked from his perspective from being both an international student and an International Student Leader.

“As an ISL, we help students with adapting and assimilating to the life in this country so they can stay in here, as they should,” Plaza Ruiz said. “From the students I mentor and the rest of the new ones, I haven’t had any concerns on this matter.”

Plaza Ruiz said that, as a student, there is a worry, but he feels like there shouldn’t be a feeling of fear.

He said that as long as students follow the laws, complete the required credits and do everything that they are asked to, they should not have any issues.

Utah Tech University is partnering with the University of Utah to create a new medical campus in St. George to address the state’s shortage of rural doctors.

The campus will be established by the University of Utah with support from Utah Tech in facilities and student support services. The campus will open in St. George fall 2027 and will start with 10 students a year, with the hope of increasing it over the years.

U of U associate professor Michelle Hofmann said, “We’re really hoping to train what we are calling ‘rural primary care doctors’ in this campus.”

They are looking for students who know that this is the pathway they want to pursue when applying to medical school.

There are three phases to the program. The first phase is in Salt Lake City, where the students will be enrolled at the U of U in a larger class. In phases two and three, which overlap, students will move to St. George and do hands-on and simulation training along with lectures.

Hofmann said, “It’s a really cool opportunity for local students in the region to be supported on a pathway that will eventually address future employment in the region that is in high need.” 

Larissa Thomas, a sophomore general studies major from Spanish Fork, said, “St. George specifically has a lot of residents for only having one hospital. I believe it is vital to be training people for all the circumstances for being in such an active environment.” 

McKaydee Lindwall, a freshman general studies major from Riverton, said the program will open more pathways and opportunities for students.

The program is intended for students who know that they would like to go back to a community they grew up in and want to be primary care doctors with a knowledge of multiple specialties.

“We are looking for people who want to wear many different hats and do many different things,” Hofmann said. “If we are successful in finding them early, our goal is to put them on a pathway to get them into practice and align incentives that help support them in reducing their debt.”

This program should grow with the demand. It will be built upon itself, as it seeks to recruit, train and retain the physicians locally, creating a base of doctors that will be able to train more physicians in the future.

“But until we get to that point of building that base, we have to be careful about growing too quickly and diminishing the students’ training experience because we don’t have enough doctors to train them,” Hofmann said.

The U of U currently has two graduate health sciences education programs in partnership with Utah Tech. The physician assistant program was established in 2018, and the doctor of physical therapy program was established in 2022.

The medical doctor program is the newest program that the U of U is bringing to Utah Tech. The program will include four years of training, and then students will need to do additional training for the field they choose.

Hofmann said, “We are doing something unique in southern Utah for this cohort of 10 students, where we are establishing an additional curriculum for them targeted towards rural primary care and population health.”