Utah Tech University welcomes first freshmen class under new name

Utah Tech University started welcoming its new students to campus over the past week, marking the first freshman class to join the institution under its new name.

Officials at Utah Tech have been helping students move in, become familiar with the campus, and learn about the school's policies and expectations through the "Trailblazer Connections Courses."

Though the enrollment numbers haven’t been finalized, but it could be the largest total enrollment in the history of the university when counting concurrent enrollment students, said Darlene Dilley, the associate provost of Enrollment Management.

“We are so excited to welcome the first incoming class of Utah Tech University," Dilley said, noting that 27% of the class included minority students and international students, a significant increase in the school's diversity.

About 68% of enrollees are from within Utah, with 32% coming from outside the state, Dilley said.

University officials and many others were excited about the newest class under the Utah Tech name, although some freshmen who grew up in the area said they still have attachments to the school's old "Dixie" name.

The school changed its name from Dixie State University to Utah Tech earlier this summer after the state Legislature approved the move.

Dilley said the name change doesn't seem to have dissuaded many locals from enrolling though, even if some have voiced a problem with it.

“You know, they've grown up here. It has been Dixie their whole life," she said. "So it's something new, but helping students understand what that means, not only for the university's future but for their future, that's why we did it, is to help our students be successful."

As Utah Tech continues to grow and implement the ‘tech” part into all classes, the university is starting by offering full access to students for online classes with Pluralsight. This will allow students to earn certificates and badges in things like coding or tech support but also applies to all types of classes.

The university's official enrollment numbers will be released in the next few months Dilley said.

Elle Cabrera covers breaking news and topics. Please help us to continue producing this content at thespectrum.com/subscribe. 

This article originally appeared on St. George Spectrum & Daily News: Utah Tech welcomes first freshmen class under new name