Smooth transition for Dixie chief

ST. GEORGE — Lee G. Caldwell will inherit a smooth-sailing ship at Dixie State College when he takes the job as president of that school next month.

"I don't think there are any problems or rough spots," said Caldwell, currently executive vice president of academics at Dixie State.

The State Board of Regents Tuesday announced that Caldwell will replace Robert D. Huddleston as Dixie's 16th president.

"He's delivered a college that is fundamentally in good condition," Caldwell said of his predecessor. "I think a lot of the hard work has been done."

Huddleston has been praised by regents for having one of the best-managed institutions in the state.

Huddleston had his hat in the ring during the recent search for a new president at Salt Lake Community College — but now his plans are to retire and return to Dixie State in 2006 to teach under a "regents professorship." That designation affords presidents who serve seven years in Utah a teaching position for at least three years at no more than 70 percent of their ending salary. Huddleston was making more than $122,000 as president.

Caldwell was chosen from a pool of 74 candidates from 31 states. Regents Chairman Nolan Karras liked both Caldwell's experience in administrative roles in higher education and his job history with companies like Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Novell and Unisys.

"He brings a very broad resume," Karras said.

Regents were impressed with Caldwell's attitude toward further expanding DSC, home to more than 8,500 students, with more four-year degrees and graduate programs while using existing resources from other schools. The school currently offers five baccalaureate programs.

"Mission creep is kind of a crazy word," Caldwell said in an interview. He is less "hung up" on who offers what kinds of courses and more focused on meeting the needs of students on a statewide basis.

"Frankly, that warmed our hearts," Karras said of Caldwell's approach.

State lawmakers like Sen. Bill Hickman, R-St. George, are happy with regents' choice.

"We are absolutely delighted," Hickman said on behalf of the Washington County delegation. "He's just a very bright, enthusiastic person who will move this institution on to a new plateau."

Caldwell said he doesn't want to run "willy-nilly" into creating new degrees. Rather, his plan to expand Dixie State includes introducing about 10 new degrees in the next five years or so.