House concurs with Senate substitute to allow limited baccalaureate degrees at Dixie College

On Feb. 24 the Utah House voted to concur with the fourth Senate substitute for House Bill 32, a higher-education measure focused on Dixie College.

Representative John Hickman, sponsor on the floor, said the substitute directs the State Board of Regents to review the role and mission of Dixie College and, as part of master planning, to determine whether up to three baccalaureate degree programs may be offered at the college. Hickman told colleagues the Regents, in consultation with the local Board of Trustees, would designate which specific degrees could be offered and would report back to the Legislature by Nov. 15.

Representative Hatchell asked about timing and whether the Regents would decide which degrees might be offered; Hickman replied the Regents and the Board of Trustees would make those determinations before the stated effective semester. Other members raised concerns about whether other universities might offer degrees at Dixie instead of Dixie itself; Hickman said degrees could be offered by a research institution only if it is more effective and less expensive to do so than Dixie providing the degree.

The substitute also contemplates a name change to Dixie State College at the recommendation of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents, unless a different jointly agreed name is presented in the next session. Representative Hickman described the package as beneficial for Washington County, Dixie College, and its students.

The House concurred with the Senate substitute and then voted for final passage of the fourth substitute; the Clerk recorded the vote as 60 yes and 3 no. The bill will be referred to the Senate for the president’s signature and further action.