ST. GEORGE – Dixie State College of Utah has announced the appointment of Gail Cooper Smith to its Board of Trustees. She will be formally introduced at DSC’s Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 9.

A 1961 graduate of then Dixie College, Smith was appointed by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert to replace David H. Jeppson, who completed his term as a DSC Trustee last June. She joins Lon E. Henderson and DSC student body president Mike Sheffield as the newest additions to the Board.

“Gail Smith is uniquely suited to serve on the Dixie State College Board of Trustees,” Herbert said. “She brings a sound background in academics and business, as well as a drive for excellence. I am confident she will prove an exceptional addition to the board as she serves her alma mater.”

A seventh generation native of Utah’s Dixie, Smith was born in St. George and raised in neighboring Washington.

Among other things, Smith excelled as a college athlete and was a member of Dixie’s first Women’s ICAC basketball team, and is credited in making the winning free throw to bring home the championship trophy from the BYU Invitational.

Smith taught both high school and junior high school, and coached basketball at Centerville Junior High.

Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education, was awarded an honorary doctorate from DSC in 1995, was enshrined into DSC’s Hall of Fame in 2008 and was inducted into the inaugural class of the Dixie State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008.

The mother of six is also the author of the book, “Shadow Fall: Reflections on Nurturing Family Values.” She is married to Hyrum Smith and was instrumental in starting the Franklin Day Planner business with her husband.