Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University (SUU) stands as a testament to community dedication and a pioneering spirit in education. Founded in 1897 as the Branch Normal School (BNS) in Cedar City, it was the first teaching training institution in southern Utah. The university's very inception was a remarkable community effort, with citizens laboring tirelessly to construct facilities like Ward Hall and the iconic Old Main, ensuring the school could open its doors. This deep-rooted connection to its founding community continues to shape SUU's identity.

From its earliest days, SUU (then BNS) established a strong foundation in practical and engaging education. Under its first principal, Milton Bennion, the school fostered a code of integrity and a groundbreaking self-governing student body. The "Founding Four" teachers, including Bennion, Howard R. Driggs (a prominent English professor and historian), George W. Decker (known for teaching from the student's perspective), and Annie Elizabeth Spencer Milne (who initiated the school's first basketball team), laid the groundwork for a rich academic tradition.

Students at SUU benefit from a history of dedicated educators and innovative learning environments. The legacy of professors like Howard R. Driggs, whose contributions to English education and American West history are still honored through the Gerald R. Sherratt Library's collection and semi-annual lectures, underscores the university's commitment to scholarly pursuit. This blend of community spirit, academic rigor, and a focus on student-centered learning makes Southern Utah University a vibrant place for aspiring scholars and future leaders.