Center for
Teaching & Learning

Prof. Susan Ertel, Associate Professor of English, has been at Dixie State University (DSU) for 23 years, with January being her teaching anniversary. Ms. Ertel’s specialty is working with under-prepared students. She specializes in working with these students in composition, but she covers many other general areas of college life as well.

Learn how Prof. Ertel uses hands-on learning, humor, and real-life applications to engage her students.

Dr. Tracy Fawns, Assistant Professor of Nursing has been at Dixie State University (DSU) since January of 2018. Her teaching specialties lie in research, which she does as much of as she can, as well as organizational leadership and health systems. She contributes this knowledge to the DSU Undergraduate Research Committee, as well as the research committee for the College of Health Sciences, and chair for the research committee for the DSU Department of Nursing.

Learn more about Dr. Fawn’s process in creating comprehensive online courses for her students. 

Dr. Timothy Francis, Associate Professor of Music, has been at Dixie State University (DSU) since 2012. His primary area of expertise is Music Theory, and he also plays trombone in the Southwest Symphony and the Rebel Jazz Band. When it comes to preparing for classes, Dr. Francis follows a technique called “Just in Time” teaching.

Learn more about Dr. Francis and how he uses the “Just in Time” teaching technique to be in-tune with his student’s progress and needs within the classroom. 

Prof. Jay Sneddon, Instructor of the Practice in Information Technology, has been at Dixie State University (DSU) for 6 years. Professor Sneddon believes in doing as much hands on work as possible when it comes to teaching, and he uses this belief to further active learning in his classroom.

Learn how Professor Sneddon created new active learning opportunities by bringing together professors in IT and Design.

Janet Campbell, Instructor of the Practice in Computer Information Systems, has been at Dixie State University since 1996. Since she started at Dixie College, she’s seen a lot of growth and changes on the campus.

Learn how Professor Campbell uses hands-on labs to take her flipped classrooms to the next level.

Dr. Bryant Smith is an Assistant Professor of Music (Director of Bands), and has been at Dixie State University since the fall semester of 2016. Dr. Smith teaches a variety of subjects in band; however, his specialty lies in conducting, in which he has both a master’s and a doctorate degree in Musical Conducting.

Learn how Dr. Smith has used new technology and real-world applications to elevate student education.

Dr. Taylor is an Associate professor of Spanish, and Department Chair of History, Humanities, and Modern Languages. She has been at Dixie State University since 2013, is a certified Oral Proficiency Interview tester, and is a Bridge program adviser for the state of Utah.

Learn about Applying DSU’s motto “Active learning, active life” to the Spanish Program

Dr. Nate Snow is an assistant professor of media studies and has been at DSU since July of 2019.  Dr. Snow has degrees in film and media, film theory, film criticism, and video production. He has expertise in animation, with his doctorate dissertation focusing on animation theory. Dr. Snow previously worked 10 years as a video producer, making online video content in southern California advertising.

Learn about his Innovative Teaching Techniques

Prof. Sarah Black, P/T Chemistry Faculty, M.S. in Organic Chemistry, and B.S. in Chemistry has been at Dixie State University for 22 years. She grew up in Tucson, Arizona, and attended BYU for her undergraduate and graduate studies. After graduate school she came directly to DSU and has stayed ever since. She’s seen a lot of change, but has learned valuable teaching methods and ideals along the way.

Learn here about some of her methods and how they have been successful in the pandemic.

In response to the transition to remote teaching, Dr. Grayson spoke about living in a world without walls. Businesses in global teams are spread throughout the world. Thus, working effectively in a virtual environment is a necessity for people. Now, more than ever, students need to learn to adapt to remote work situations. As part of her pedagogy, she hopes to provide students some exposure to how remote learning will enhance their ability to manage working remotely in their careers.

Kristy Grayson