ST. GEORGE, Utah — The Utah Board of Higher Education voted unanimously Wednesday to approve and recommended changing the name of Dixie State University to Utah Tech University.
With another step in drawn out process cleared, the name change will now head to the state legislature where it will be voted on during the 2022 general session. Both the House and Senate must approve the change, which, if it passes, would then be signed into law by Gov. Spencer Cox.
The general session begins in January and the bill can be brought up any time during the 45-day period.
Supporters of the name change say it reflects the institution's mission and significance to the region and state. However, critics decried the loss of tradition and claim the name Dixie has no connection to the Confederacy.
Even coming up with the school's new name was a difficult task as Utah Polytechnic State University, the first choice submitted by a select committee in June, was derided by nearly everyone. The name was shortened to Utah Tech University a few weeks later and passed by the Board of Trustees.
