2022–23 Employee Milestones

He knows the history of most of the trees on campus such as who planted the tree, how old they are, and any trees that have been donated. Dale loves to share this knowledge with anyone who is interested. He has inventoried every tree on campus and documents the health of each tree. He takes great care in trying to find ways to conserve water on campus all while still keeping the grounds looking their best. Dale has made the college grounds and its properties strikingly beautiful with his knowledge of horticulture and experience with many types of landscaping architecture. Dale has gained the respect of many because of his genuinely friendly and non judgmental attitude towards all. Dale enjoys keeping things light hearted with those he works with. 

When not spending his time at Westminster Dale enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. He is a huge fan of Major League Baseball, specifically the San Francisco Giants. He also loves the San Francisco 49ers. He enjoys watching all sports. He loves to follow Westminster sports and know how the teams are doing.  

We at Westminster are grateful to have Dale as a member of our community and appreciative of all he does.

Dr. Baxter also started the Great Salt Lake Institute (GSLI) in 2008 to connect people to the Great Salt Lake through education and research. Through this avenue, Dr. Baxter and many prestigious collaborators have been awarded several external grants, which has then funded dozens of undergraduate and graduate research projects. These resources have helped Westminster College students gain the skills and experience needed to be successful in jobs after graduation, research-based graduate programs, and medical schools.

One of Dr. Baxter’s most shining qualities is her commitment to the happiness of students and colleagues alike. I have lost count how many times she has opened up her afternoon or her home to folks in need of hot tea and a good laugh. And she will do all of this while holding a perfect Vrikshasana, or Tree Pose.

Though I have said this in a previous tribute, this short story sums up Ronda’s personality then and continues to this day:  
I recall my first few months here as a new faculty person. Ronda would be on her way to the printer and as she passed my office, she would see my face and with a smile, laughing under her breath say, “just hang in there, it will get better.”   She was right, of course, things always got better. 

In the 25 years here, Ronda has been the chair of many college committees, a member of all the college committees, a member of nursing program committees and director of graduate nursing programs.  Her service on these committees has been effective as she actively listens and presents appropriate thoughts and solutions when needed.  In the past couple of years Dr. Lucey developed the first Clinical Doctorate in Nursing program for Westminster College. Ronda currently serves as the Director of this program, teaches in graduate nursing programs, and is the chair the Faculty College Committee.

Ronda is committed to the position of a faculty person, with genuine concern for students, as they learn to be the best healthcare providers for the community.  She has a great reputation as an academic partner with health care facilities. Through her work and expertise in the community, we continue to have the reputation of having the best nursing graduates in the state.

Dr. Lucey’s accomplishments are numerous; too numerous to mention in the time frame given for this tribute.  Ronda’s expertise, leadership, and genuineness have led to years of uncompromised focus to improve nursing education and develop exceptional nursing graduates to take care of those in need.

Ronda is a great person and friend, who loves her family, gives thoughtful advice, and is great to talk and laugh with. She is an excellent listener and most of all loves the beach. What a pleasure it is to call her an associate and academic partner. It is my hope that Dr. Lucey will continue to provide health care services to those in need as well as share her expertise in the classroom.

Need a forgotten chemical, he is off to Hi-Valley Chemical. Through the years he has picked up hundreds of pounds of dry ice and hundreds of gallons of liquid nitrogen to freeze everything from sperm to ice-cream. Bob has several remarkable skills including an almost magical ability to separate frozen pieces of glassware, cleaning baked-on chemicals from glassware, removing tar from specialized instruments, and cleaning melted plastic from hot surfaces. So many things would have just had to have been thrown out if it were not for Bob. He supports science though in many other ways, he drives students to field sites and conferences, collects field samples, creates forensic serial number samples, and keeps stock rooms organized. He also keeps us safe, checking water quality, air flow, safety showers and fire extinguishers. Bob doesn’t just belong to Meldrum, but the entire campus. Of his own initiative, he created a recycling and hazardous waste program for the Arts, Nursing, and Student Health beyond his official duties, his stories of exploits in his former career as a crime lab forensic scientist keep students riveted.

Though her PhD was in Medicinal Chemistry from University of Utah, Robyn’s research with undergraduates has ranged. They determine hydrocarbon content in water and soil, assess water quality in alpine lakes, develop science outreach materials and improve Organic Chemistry laboratories. Through mentoring, she helps students develop research and communication skills, develop a commitment to community service and achieve their dreams of entering medicine.

An active member of the Westminster community, Robyn has previously served as Chair of the Faculty, TLR, Senate, and Salary and Benefits Committees. Currently she directs Meldrum Science Center and has been instrumental in securing funds for student learning, research, and outreach. An active member of the community, Robyn frequently leads science outreach events in schools and libraries around Salt Lake.

Her passion for education and service extends beyond Westminster; each summer you can find her at Silver Lake, where she is an Interpretive Forest Ranger with the US Forest Service.

Michael’s service to the college community and beyond has been exemplary. He relates well with others, both inside and outside the school of business. He has served as chair of the Economics Program since 2014, for which the economics faculty are grateful. He has also served as the Chairperson for International Business since August 2018, and the Vice Chair for the Division of Accounting, Finance, and Economics, from 2012-2014.

Michael’s academic research is focused on public policy issues in the areas of school choice, charter schools, and taxation. As his participation in local school districts and his academic research on public policy show Michael enjoys being an advocate for public schools. His most recent work on the financing of public schools in Utah is due for publication on the summer edition of the Journal of Education Finance. Michael believes that assuring sufficient financing and growth of public schools should be a high priority as Utah's future is closely tied to the success and prosperity of its schools.

Outside of Westminster, Michael served as City Commissioner for the Salt Lake City Housing Authority and is currently serving as Vice Chair to the School Community Council at Granite School District. He has made podcasts, served on a National Experts Panel, and was recently interviewed by ABC4 News regarding the effects of supply-chain disruptions. Michael exemplifies the kind of faculty person for which Westminster is known, competent, caring, committed to seeing that each student succeeds.

Alysse has taught a variety of courses while at Westminster. Including Managing Processes/Operations Management at the graduate and undergraduate level, BUSI 101, and Information Resource Management. She has also participated in many overseas trips.

Alysse’s contribution of valuable service to the BVGSB and Westminster is impressive. Highlights include senate chair, faculty chair, associate dean, and scheduling and analytics guru. In addition to her administrative and committee duties Alysse is also an active and responsible adviser. Alysse has become a friend and a trusted and valuable colleague. The BVGSB and Westminster are better places because of her contributions.