Stephen D. Nadauld officially inaugurated as Dixie State College president

ST. GEORGE — Without much pomp or circumstance, Dixie State College's 17th president officially took hold of the reins of the school, saying its future "couldn't be brighter."

"Dixie State College will become a regional state university," President Stephen D. Nadauld said, after he accepted his post during a simple inauguration ceremony held on campus Friday. For the past two years, Nadauld has served as Dixie's interim president, following the resignation of Lee G. Caldwell in 2008.

The newly appointed president said officials are working on a plan that includes construction of new buildings and various renovations to accommodate enrollment growth, as well as the continual addition of degree programs, making what Dixie offers comparable to other regional state universities.

"I believe building is really fun," he said. "Let's continue to build together."

During his tenure at Dixie, Nadauld has seen the campus grow by 40 percent, and it currently serves more than 8,000 students. It is anticipated the college will keep growing as the region continues to attract various businesses and families.

As the school's newest president, Nadauld was given a charge to build a quality four-year institution that is student-centered, with quality teaching and advising at its core, along with innovative programs to drive students. He was also formally charged with the duty of positioning Dixie for future growth, by partnering with other institutions, businesses and the community. In delivering the charge, Board of Regents Chairman Jed Pitcher said Nadauld has served with "distinction."

Nadauld told an audience in the Avenna Center Cox Auditorium that he left a promising career on Wall Street to become a teacher because of the nature of students and the prospects of learning.

"We need you and are determined to see you succeed," he said. He also commended faculty and staff at Dixie for their dedication after three years of virtually no bonuses or salary increases and for pressing forward to advance the college during one of the "most difficult circumstances in 50 years."

In the past two years, minority enrollment at the school has increased 60 percent, growth that Nadauld said must continue "if we're going to have a successful future in our community."

The school will begin celebrating its 100th year following its 99th commencement exercises this spring, and Nadauld said many events are being planned to commemorate Dixie's past, present and future.

"Dr. Nadauld is a man of experience, talent and vision," said Greg Stauffer, associate commissioner of finance and facilities for the Utah System of Higher Education. "He has dedicated his life to teaching students and enhancing the community."

e-mail: wleonard@desnews.com