Cedar City Home to Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University sign
Cedar City is home to Southern Utah University! Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019 all rights reserved.

SUU Brings Education, Culture, Art, Athletics Home

Man wearing a suit
by Sam Dodd
Tall clock tower with blue sky behind
Southern Utah University Clock Tower. Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.
Old stately brick building on SUU Campus
Old Main on the campuse of Southern Utah University.  Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.
Shakespearean theater surrounded by trees
The Adams Memorial Theatre on the SUU campus is a testament to the Utah Shakespearean Festival that got its start here. Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.
Historic brick building
Braithwaite Liberal Arts Center at SUU. Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.
Southern Utah University Centurium
The Centurian at Southern Utah University. Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.
Statues in the SUU Centurium
Statues in the Centurium at SUU in Cedar City honor the values students throughout history have treasured. Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.
A walkway with trees and beautiful fall leaves
Autumn on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City is a sight to behold. Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.
Old Sorrel Monument a huge statue of a horse pulling a wagon
Old Sorrel is a statue commemorating the early beginnings of Cedar City's university. Photo courtesy Your Content Queen, copyright 2019, all rights reserved.

Southern Utah University made its home in Cedar City long before I was a twinkle in anyone's eye. Sometimes I forget just how much impact this major Utah institute of higher education brings to the community. The list seems endless, but I'll attempt to give you a taste of what it brings to a flourishing city tied indelibly to its pioneer roots:

  • Access to higher education
  • Research resources
  • Bolstered economy
  • Exciting athletics
  • Educated workforce
  • Fine arts
  • Young population
  • Educated residents
  • Crucial growth

I could go on and on; but, what struck me today as I strolled across campus was the overwhelming sense of pride Southern Utah University has instilled in Cedar City residents since it became a part of the landscape in 1897 as Branch Normal School. Citizens fought through the raging winter to ensure their town became the host of a very important Utah institution. Although the original founders have long since passed, that pride has only become more contagious as the university expands its academic, cultural, scientific and athletic offerings year after year.

A Look Inside Our Pride


Southern Utah University offers a whopping 145 undergraduate programs and 18 graduate and certificate programs in six academic colleges.

With enrollment of more than 10,300 (10,245 in 2017), this institution has a huge impact on our community. 

The Princeton Review's "Best Colleges: Region by Region," and "Best Value Colleges" boards have recognized SUU multiple times! 

"One of 40 public schools to be included on U.S. News & World Report's annual collegiate ranking, SUU is ranked in the top tier of all universities in the West, for its strength at both the undergraduate and graduate levels of education," according to SUU's Accolades web page. 

Year after year the university has earned the distinction of being ranked in the top 100 of the more than 8,000 accredited four-year colleges and universities across the nation.

It was even named the most "Outdoorsy University" by Outdoor Nation two years in a row (2015-16 and 2017-18) and remains the reigning champion!

This is in no way a complete list of honors and awards bestowed upon the university, for a more comprehensive list visit the University's website!

Thunderbirds Soar Here

Well known for its active studentbody, SUU offers a host of men's and women's athletic programs that help keep campus life exciting and its students fit. In fact, these teams bring life to the entire community - a community that supports its students with pure enthusiasm. Teams include:

Men:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Football
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field

Women:

  • Basketball
  • Cross Country
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball

Learn more about SUU athletics at the Thunderbird's website!

In addition to athletics, the university hosts a multitude of clubs and organizations to help students get involved regardless of their personal interests. There's a little something for everyone.

Our Campus is Awe-Inspiring

Southern Utah University maintains some of the most beautiful scenery in an already-stunning community with plenty to do. Historic buildings help our community honor its history. New buildings help us march toward  very bright future. Stunning green space reflects the awe-inspiring natural surroundings. Inspiring statues grace the campus with reminders of great thinkers of the past who helped shape our collective mind and still inspire us today. 

You don't have to be a student to enjoy the towering pine trees, bright flowers, strategically-placed quiet spaces and thoughtful architecture across the entire campus. Go ahead, take a walk and breath in the heart of our community throbbing with excitement.

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