St. George, UT – Dixie Technical College’s Digital Design program celebrated a triumphant
return to the SkillsUSA stage, earning medals in every event entered at the 2025 SkillsUSA
Utah State Leadership and Skills Conference. Held at Salt Lake Community College, the
conference showcased top talent in design, media, and technical education from across the
state. Dixie Tech’s win included students bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals, a
testament to their skill and dedication.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that serves as a partnership between students, teachers,
and industry leaders to ensure America’s workforce is well-prepared and highly skilled.
Representing over 442,000 members nationwide, SkillsUSA hosts annual competitions in more
than 130 occupational areas, where participants demonstrate their abilities in real-world
scenarios. These events are designed to test technical proficiency while fostering personal and
professional growth.
Six students represented Dixie Tech’s Digital Design program, including five collegiate-level
participants and one high school student from Desert Hills High School. Together, they excelled
in both individual and team competitions, achieving remarkable results in every category they
competed in:
● Taylor Walker & Gavin Thayn – Gold, Digital Cinema Production (Team)
● Derek Maxwell – Silver, Photography
● John Hunting – Bronze, Photography
● Hannah Kearl – Bronze, Advertising Design
● Kayleanna Beckstrom – Gold, T-Shirt Design (Secondary Level)
This year’s competition marked a significant milestone for the program, signaling its return to
SkillsUSA after several years. The success reflects the renewed energy and recent updates to
the curriculum of Dixie Tech’s popular Digital Design program.
“We’re incredibly proud of how our students represented not only the program but the future of
creative industries in Southern Utah,” said Noah Burt, Digital Design Instructor. “Every single
student medaled—a testament to their dedication and the industry-responsive standards of the
program, where students don’t just learn design; they live it, work it, and prepare for exciting
careers in this dynamic field.”
Tyce Peterson, Associate Vice President of Instruction at Dixie Technical College, emphasized
the significance of SkillsUSA for students: “SkillsUSA gives our students the chance to put their
training to the test in real-world scenarios, helping them build both confidence and competence.
It’s a powerful experience that not only pushes them to rise to industry expectations but also
connects them with peers and professionals who value hands-on skill and professionalism. For
the school, it’s an opportunity to showcase the incredible talent and dedication of our students
while reinforcing our commitment to excellence, workforce readiness, and the value of career-
focused education.”
The Digital Design program at Dixie Tech offers a hands-on, industry-aligned education that
trains students in Adobe Creative Suite tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere
Pro, and After Effects, as well as in-demand platforms like Figma and modern web design tools.
Students gain practical experience in graphic design, branding, video production, photography,
motion graphics, UI/UX design, and marketing, preparing them for immediate entry into creative
careers or advanced studies.
SkillsUSA’s mission is achieved through the SkillsUSA Framework, which integrates Personal
Skills, Workplace Skills, and Technical Skills Grounded in Academics into classroom curriculum
and competition. By participating in SkillsUSA, students like those from Dixie Tech’s Digital
Design program refine essential career-readiness skills—teamwork, communication,
professionalism, and leadership—while gaining hands-on experience aligned with current
industry standards. This combination ensures graduates are prepared to meet the demands of
today’s workforce.
“We’re committed to building a program that helps shape the next generation of creative
professionals in Southern Utah, providing them with the skills and opportunities to turn their
passion into a fulfilling career,” said Austin Pickett, Digital Design Instructor. “This success
highlights the value of career-focused education and aims to inspire more creatives to pursue
their passion through practical, real-world training in design and media.”
About Dixie Technical College
Dixie Technical College, located in St. George, Utah, provides high-quality, hands-on training
that leads to employment in high-demand careers. Serving students throughout Washington
County and beyond, Dixie Tech partners closely with industry to ensure programs are aligned
with workforce needs. With over 25 accredited programs across fields like healthcare,
technology, trades, and digital media, Dixie Tech empowers students to build meaningful
careers through skill-based education. Learn more at dixietech.edu.
Contact:
Ashlynn Murphy
Email: amurphy@dixietech.edurence
