Shane B. Smeed joined Utah Tech University in 2025 as the President. His first visit to St. George was during the interview process, yet he and his family have embraced the University and the area wholeheartedly. With Angela, his wife, one daughter recently married, and two sons- one fresh off an L.D.S. mission and another in high school- the Smeed family has come to enjoy this community that fits the family motto of “Active Learning, Active Life”.
One of President Smeed’s favorite pastimes is paddle boarding along with climbing and hiking. These pastimes are perfect for their family to enjoy spending time in the beautiful scenery of Washington County. Moving from Kansas City was quite a difficult decision for the Smeed family. However, after accepting the position they have felt it has been the greatest decision that they could possibly have made, not only for themselves, but most importantly for the students that they serve here.
President Smeed shared the framework for Utah Tech’s five-year strategic plan. There are four pillars of the plan. The first is an example of Academic Excellence and Innovation. The second is Student Experience and Success, third is People and Culture and the fourth pillar is Community Engagement and Philanthropy. “Community engagement is central to my leadership as the President of the University. One of my most important responsibilities is to continue to build strong bridges between the community and the university, building relationships of trust. We have a tremendous history and heritage here in St. George and Washington County. History and heritage that is framed around the university, dating back to 1911. We have to be part of that storytelling process.”
As part of building bridges with the community, President Smeed wants everyone to come see what is happening on campus, “We are inviting the community to come and participate, as much as they are able. We want them to be involved.” Every week the men’s basketball team receives larger attendance at the games and winning is essential to that. In athletics as we continue to have success, residents want to participate and have pride in their Trailblazers. “It’s exciting to see the Burns Arena when it is packed. I look around and see more community members than students, faculty and staff.” President Smeed expressed gratitude for the support received from the community, not only in athletics but also for the recent Sears Museum Gala. He encourages alumni who have graduated from Dixie College or Dixie State University to come to the bookstore and get swag.
The best leaders help to develop leadership skills in others. President Smeed was pleased to spotlight the Utah Tech Student Association, “UTSA is led by a really terrific student leader and president named Chelsea Ramirez. She has other leaders within that organization with various responsibilities, such as volunteering in the community. They lead out in a very profound way.” UTSA aims to foster school spirit, create unity, and craft a unique student culture. “We get a vision of what they are going to do once they graduate, get out into the community, and start working for an organization or company. That is what I am really excited about.”
At Utah Tech, President Smeed is leading initiatives in workforce development. “To keep strong connections between industry, our workforce and education is a high priority for us.” Not only does our state prioritize this connection but our community expects it. “Our students are the next health care professionals, the next group of engineers that are going to develop something of significance. The next teachers and educators teaching the next generation of students”.
President Smeed recently announced a new scholarship opportunity for students from Dixie Tech College. The scholarship was created to better forge seamless pathways between technical education and university degrees. Upon completion of certification, if a student desires to continue their education they can receive a bridge scholarship to attend Utah Tech. This scholarship will help many students on their educational pathway.
“It is a gift and a privilege to work in higher education because we get to surround ourselves with students and nothing brings me and our faculty and staff greater joy than to be able to serve students.”
“It's a gift and a privilege to work in higher education because we get to surround ourselves with students and nothing brings me, our faculty and staff greater joy than to be able to serve students.”
The Smeed family has come to enjoy this community that fits the family motto of “Active Learning, Active Life”.