By Taylor Timothy
For Dixie Sun News
Dixie State University Student Association started a campaign to get opinoins about the school's identity, Nov. 25
A series of posts on social networks, along with text messages and emails have been sent off to the student body. DSUSA said they hope to reach its goal of 2,000 surveys taken by Dec. 12. About 500 students have taken the survey as of Dec. 3.
“Jordon Sharp and I have presented to athletics, ambassadors, student services, alumni, the public relations department and others to see what is possible,” said Student Body President Gregory J. Layton, a senior English major from Cottonwood Heights. “I have been talking about the mascot for two years now but really pushed for it during the summer.”
Layton says changing the name and mascot is currently at a state of discussion. He said the “Red Storm”, and the “Bull” are confusing. Layton feels that changing these will create a better identity for the school.
Layton said he still has to finish this campaign to determine if action is needed and can happen.
The survey has five questions the students are asked to answer in regards to school identity. One of the questions asked students about their impression of the school mascot.
So far, about 300 of 500 students answered, they were confused about the the mascot’s name, the name Red Storm, and they have a negative opinion about the mascot. The students feel the mascot doesn’t make a connection with the name “Red Storm.”
Layton said when President Biff Williams was elected he met with him to talk about the school’s identity. President Williams response was that he was open for discussion to the idea of changing the school’s identity, which Layton said sparked DSU identity campaign.
Jason Boothe, Dixie State athletic director, says he has no comment on this until all the survey results have been completed.
“We need a real mascot … I feel like our mascot doesn't relate to the name,” said Madison Pennie, a junior integrated studies major from Alpine.
Pennie said a bull and the “Red Storm” don’t make a connection, and don't relate to one another.
“I don’t like it, and it should be changed to something that applies to this school,” said Megan Welch, a freshman pharmaceutical major from St. George.
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