Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University (SUU) in Cedar City

Southern Utah University is a public university located in Cedar City, Utah, serving over 14,000 students across more than 150 undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1897, SUU combines the personal attention of a small liberal arts college with the resources and opportunities of a larger university. The 133-acre campus is set against the stunning backdrop of the Markagunt Plateau and sits at 5,800 feet elevation, offering students and visitors four-season outdoor recreation minutes from campus.

Academics, Athletics & Arts

SUU offers programs through seven academic colleges including business, education, engineering, health sciences, humanities, performing arts, and science. The university is particularly renowned for its performing and visual arts programs, which are closely connected to the world-famous Utah Shakespeare Festival held on campus each summer. SUU competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the United Athletic Conference, with football, basketball, gymnastics, and cross-country among its most popular sports. The campus also hosts the Southern Utah Museum of Art (SUMA), which features rotating exhibitions of regional and national artists.

Campus & Community

The SUU campus features a mix of historic sandstone buildings and modern facilities. Key landmarks include the Hunter Conference Center, the America First Event Center (home to Thunderbird basketball), and the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts. The university is the largest employer in Cedar City and a major cultural and economic driver for Iron County. Visitors are welcome to explore campus, attend athletic events, visit SUMA, and enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds. SUU is located along I-15, approximately 1 hour north of St. George, making it an easy day trip from anywhere in Southern Utah.