"Between Salt Lake and Las Vegas, it's the only college that offers the full range of community college functions," Kendell said, adding that Dixie's eight existing four-year programs offer students great opportunity.

The school will present its ideas for moving into a more competitive niche.

Other issues the regents will hear and possibly take action on include land use at Weber State University, specifically regarding acreage designated for a new development. They will also hear a report on the progress of the State Scholar Initiative, which was initiated last year to help more high school students transition and prepare for higher education.

Kendell said that in addition to the national Scholars program, the board has been working with additional foundations that provide scholarships and other sources of funding to students who pursue math- and science-related fields.

"That's where our economy is going and it's great for young people to get started early," Kendell said. "It's where the high-paying jobs are — in science, engineering and medicine."

A panel, including successful women in those disciplines, will address the board and discuss ways to incorporate more recruitment possibilities for such programs in Utah's schools.

The board, Kendell said, is not prepared to discuss gun control and campus safety issues at this meeting, but does express concern and sympathy to those impacted by the recent shootings at Virginia Tech. He said safety is always an issue, and protecting students' freedom of expression as well as their rights is important and will be discussed in depth at a later date.

---

E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com