ST. GEORGE — Dixie State College's interim president, Stephen Nadauld, shared his vision for the institution's future on Monday, assuring a small audience that it includes more four-year degrees and an eventual move to university status.

"There is no angst here. No worries. It is inevitable. It is just going to happen," said Nadauld.

Referring to a proposed merger between the University of Utah and Dixie State College, he said, "The affiliation is a good idea, but we are probably on step two out of a 10-step process to move it forward."

Nadauld's comments were made to the President's Colleagues of Dixie State College, an organization of retired professionals living in the Washington County area, during their monthly meeting. The noon forum also attracted several adjunct professors, teachers and members of the public.

Washington County's continuing population boom will help fuel the need to increase the region's educational choices, although it is less clear if the affiliation proposal with the U. of U. will occur or not, Nadauld said.

More than 54,000 people moved to Washington County since 2000, swelling the county's population to more than 150,000 residents.

"One way we may or may not get there is through this University of Utah affiliation idea," he said. "But I want to be clear about this; there's one idea out there that says we would affiliate with the U. of U. and have 20 more degrees on campus next fall. That's not going to happen."

In order to gain more four-year degrees, Dixie State must have additional funding to pay teachers to lead those programs, Nadauld reminded the group.

"I doubt very much that the U. of U. is going to take some of their money and give it to us, that's not how it works," he said. "Maybe by working with the U. of U. we can get more money out of the Legislature. But you have to understand there are other institutions in the state that would put up a fight (for the same funding)."

Nadauld also threw out the notion that the U. might "wake up" and not be as excited about the affiliation concept as it once was.

"It could happen. We need a Plan B and we need to work on getting additional resources," he said. "But it's going to happen. You're not gong to be denied. None of us should spend one sleepless night worrying about whether this institution will get there (to university status)."

The "can do" attitude of Dixie State College employees, faculty, students and the community at large is one of its biggest assets, Nadauld said.

"I don't think my goals (for Dixie State) are dependent on the U. of U. affiliation idea, really," he said, in response to a question from the audience. "Our ultimate outcome doesn't depend on them. We'll get there with or without them, whether we waltz our way there or fox trot, I don't know. I do know we're not going to lay down and say die if the U. of U. doesn't work out."