Former Dean Harold Hiskey Passes Away

Published: March 19, 2021 | Author: Kenzie Lundberg | Read Time: 3 minutes

It is with sadness that Southern Utah University shares the news that Harold Hiskey, former dean of the School of Business, Technology and Communication, passed away on March 15.

“Dr. Hiskey was an amazing leader in every capacity in which he served,” said Mary Pearson, dean of SUU’s School of Business. “He will forever be remembered for his kind and compassionate disposition and for the outstanding development of the business school at Southern Utah University. He is a wonderful example of a life of service to his family, SUU, his community, and his church.”

Hiskey served as the dean of SUU’s School of Business, Technology and Communication for nearly two decades, in addition to his rank of professor of economics. In 1991, he was named as the University’s first vice president for regional services and director of the Center for Rural Life. While in that role, he established the Utah Rural Summit, the longest-running rural development conference in the nation.
He was known for his attention to detail, sense and practice of fairness, and compassion for the students he worked with. He fought particularly hard for students from rural areas, hoping they would have a better start in life than he did.

“Harold represents the best of SUU,” said Stuart Jones, vice president for advancement and enrollment at SUU. “He possessed unimpeachable integrity, sound wisdom and judgement, and an abiding love and respect for his colleagues and students. Harold will be deeply missed by our campus and greater community.”

Hiskey’s dedication to the community began almost immediately after his arrival in Cedar City in 1970. He served two terms on the Cedar City Council, as president of the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, president of the Rotary Club of Cedar City, a member of the Cedar City/Iron County Economic Development Board, and on the Selective Service Board. He also served on two separate occasions as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with being the president of Cedar West Stake and the St. George Temple.

“Harold was a long standing pillar of SUU and our community,” said Mindy Benson, vice president of Alumni and Community Relations. “His impact will be seen for years to come in the continued success of the many programs he launched, including the Utah Rural Summit. Harold had the ability to bring people together with a shared vision which helped build so much of our region. Harold will always be a big part of the history of SUU.”

Born in Bicknell, Utah, Hiskey attended and graduated from Wayne County High School. After serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, Hiskey earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Utah State University. He later earned his doctorate in economics from Utah State University.
Hiskey leaves behind a loving family including his wife of almost 70 years, Mona, four children, 14 grandchildren, and 38 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021, at 12 p.m. in the Cedar City 13th LDS Ward Chapel, 725 South 1100 West in Cedar City. Friends may call for viewing at the Southern Utah Mortuary in Cedar City, Friday morning from 10-11:30 a.m. prior to the services.

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Tags: Regional Services School of Business Economics

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