Southern Utah University

Cedar City, UT

publicgraduate

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Quick Facts

9,533

Total Students

$7K

Tuition (In-State)

$21K

Tuition (Out-State)

$11K

Avg Net Price

80%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Graduation Rate

6-year

74%

Retention Rate

Master's Colleges & Universities

Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Southern Utah University

Born from community spirit, SUU began as Utah's pioneering teacher training institution.

Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of southern Utah, Southern Utah University (SUU) boasts a rich history deeply rooted in community spirit and a pioneering educational mission. What began in 1897 as the Branch Normal School (BNS), the region's first institution dedicated to training teachers, quickly became a testament to the dedication of Cedar City's citizens. They tirelessly labored to construct the school's facilities, ensuring that higher education could flourish in their community, culminating in the impressive Old Main building.

SUU's early days were shaped by visionary leaders and an exceptional inaugural faculty, affectionately known as the "Founding Four." Principal Milton Bennion not only brought a strong code of integrity but also established a self-governing student body, laying a foundation for student empowerment that endures today. The curriculum was robust from the start, encompassing history, geography, physiology, English, and physical education, supported by a natural history museum, laboratories, and a library.

This blend of foundational strength in teaching, a broad liberal arts approach, and a commitment to student leadership defines the SUU experience. The academic legacy continues with institutions like the Howard R. Driggs Collection, honoring an original English professor and historian of the American West, which still hosts lectures by national scholars. Prospective students can anticipate an environment where academic rigor meets a vibrant community spirit, echoing the collaborative efforts that brought the university to life.

Key Highlights

✦Established in 1897 as the Branch Normal School, the first teaching training institution in southern Utah.
✦Founded through the dedicated labor of Cedar City citizens who built the initial facilities, including the Old Main building.
✦Pioneered a self-governing student body under its first principal, Milton Bennion.
✦The original faculty, known as the "Founding Four," included pioneers in English, history, and physical education.
✦Home to the Howard R. Driggs Collection, preserving the legacy of an original English professor and historian.
✦Early curriculum included a natural history museum, biological and physical laboratories, and a robust liberal arts offering.
✦The student body actively influenced leadership decisions, leading to George W. Decker's appointment as principal.

Timeline

1897

Cedar City chosen as the site for the "Branch Normal School," the first teaching training school in southern Utah.

1897

Branch Normal School opened its doors in Ward Hall in September.

1898

Old Main, featuring a chapel, library, museum, labs, and classrooms, was almost completed in September.

1900

Milton Bennion, the first principal, left to teach at the University of Utah.

1904

George W. Decker, one of the original faculty members and a southern Utah native, became principal.

1905

Howard R. Driggs, the first English professor, concluded his tenure.

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