Southern Utah University
The central focus the university places on community engagement, academic excellence, and sustainability.
Southern Utah University (SUU) is a public university located in Cedar City, Utah. Founded in 1897, SUU offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across four colleges: Arts & Letters; Business & Communication; Education & Human Development; and Science & Engineering. With a student population of over 8,000 students from all 50 states and over 80 countries, SUU prides itself on its diverse student body.
The mission of SUU is “to create an environment in which faculty, staff, and students use their intellectual abilities to improve themselves and their communities and to foster the responsible stewardship of our natural resources.” This mission statement reflects the central focus the university places on community engagement, academic excellence, and sustainability.
At SUU, students have access to world-class educational opportunities ranging from traditional degree programs, to international exchange programs, to innovative project-based learning opportunities. Students may choose from more than 150 majors, minors, certificates and concentrations in a wide variety of disciplines such as business, engineering, health sciences, education, the performing arts, and much more. In addition to traditional academic programs, SUU offers special opportunities including internships, independent studies, research projects and study abroad programs.
SUU also offers a variety of student organizations ranging from recreational clubs to professional societies. These organizations provide students with a forum for socializing, networking and honing their leadership skills. SUU also offers a robust student life experience outside the classroom with more than 200 clubs, recreational centers, intramural sports leagues and student associations.
History
Southern Utah University was founded in 1897 as Branch Normal School, a teacher-training school. The university was renamed to Southern Utah State College in 1935, and then again to its current name in 1991. SUU is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state of Utah and has played an integral role in educating the citizens of Cedar City and the surrounding region.
SUU is situated on a beautiful 109-acre campus in Cedar City, Utah. The university is located just two hours from Las Vegas, three hours from Salt Lake City and five hours from the Grand Canyon National Park. SUU serves as an important cultural center for Iron County and provides numerous activities, events and programs throughout the year.