Southern Utah University A.k.a. SUU

If you had asked me last year what the best kept secret of Cedar City, Utah is I wouldn't have been able to tell you. You see I have only lived in this town for a couple of years. Each day is a new mystery waiting to be solved. Still as I prepared to write this article I was still unsure what exactly I should write about. There were so many good things to explore. Then one day I asked a local professor from Southern Utah University what he thought. His answer shocked me, for he said, "It's the University."

He went on to say, "It's a hidden paradise." I must agree with him. Having walked through the campus once or twice you get the feeling of wonder. For example, I walked through the library one day in January, before the semester had begun, and I was amazed at a specific spot within those walls. A waterfall that is two stories makes a nice focal point as you enter the library from the main doors. It is just to your left with the alphabet covering the waterfall. It truly is something you have to see to know how truly amazing it really is. This is just one of the many reasons SUU, as the students and locals call it, is a "Hidden Paradise".

The students are said to love their time being educated there. Especially since the class sizes are small, giving the students a chance to really get to know the professors. I have yet to experience this first hand, but maybe I will in the near future.

When people come to tour the campus they are truly surprised at what the university has to offer its students. Another reason it is a "hidden paradise" is many people don't realize there is a college, let alone a university, in this small, but growing, town. If you asked someone from Salt Lake City, which is about three and a half hours north if they know anything about Southern Utah University they might look at you funny or ask, "Where is it?"

Not only do the students get a great education from the classes they take they are able to truly enjoy the outdoors. With many activities within an hour, the sky is the limit. From skiing in the winter to fishing in the summer there is never a dull moment (unless you choose not to go out!). Southern Utah University is the best kept secret of Cedar City. Even if the locals know all about it, everyone else might not.

You can find a full history at the following website: http://www.suu.edu/general/history.html and you can find the universities mission statement here: http://www.suu.edu/general/mission.html