The Top 10 SUU News Stories of 2013

Published: December 18, 2013 | Read Time: 3 minutes

The past calendar year has been one marked by progress and achievement at Southern Utah University. From new presidents taking office to academic programs taking flight, 2013 was a year of growth and revolution to continually improve the University experience. 

Take a look below for a list (based on number of views) of SUU’s top stories from 2013. You may be impressed by the news, but you won’t be surprised.

1. Scott L Wyatt Named President of Southern Utah University

The State Board of Regents selected Scott L Wyatt as the 16th President of Southern Utah University. President Wyatt, who is currently leading Snow College, will succeed Interim President Richard Kendell.

2. Homecoming 2013 Promises Something for Everyone

There is nothing like a college campus on a crisp fall weekend with the chants of  “Southern…Utah” wafting from the football stadium that’s covered in a sea of red. Homecoming Week 2013 was such a time for SUU alumni, parents, families, friends, fans and students with a variety of festivities.

3. Haunted Happenings: SUU’s Eerie Legends

SUU is home to 7, 745 students and more than 600 employees and one resident ghost? That’s right. Legend goes that in a lover’s dispute gone wrong a young woman was murdered, but her blood still clings to the bricks of Old Main. Her spirit is rumored to still haunt the building’s halls.

4. Roll of the Dice: SUU’s Twist on the Classic Game

SUU students, alumni and friends now have a chance to roll the dice and buy their favorite campus attractions and landmarks in the first ever T-Birdopoly, an SUU twist to the classic board game, Monopoly®. T-Birdopoly allows players to vicariously travel around campus and remember their fondest college memories.

5. SUU Academics Take Flight with New Pilot Program

SUU academics took to the air this fall when the University opened a new aviation program through a partnership with private aviation company Upper Limit Aviation. The new associate offers instruction for professional pilot licensure on rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft.

6. 'Hands on a Hardbody' takes Theatre Alumna on 'Incredible Ride'

Accomplished actress, singer and Southern Utah University alumna Keala Settle joined an elite group of performers as a Tony Award nominee with her nomination of Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her Broadway performance as Norma Valverde in Hands on a Hardbody.

7. The One and Only Thunderbird

A school's mascot often speaks to its history and identity, this feature told the tale of our favorite thunderbird, Thor, its rise befitting the certain charms of a mythical mascot capable of producing thunder, lightning and rain.

8. New Experts Directory Highlights Campus’ Specialists

From terrestrial snails to psychoanalytic systems, SUU touts within its faculty and staff a wide range of experts and now these experts can be found through the new Experts Directory for use by students, community members and media representatives.

9. SUU Helps Preserve Archaeological Site in Southern Utah

SUU entered into a unique partnership when plans were finalized to sell 12.48 acres of land in Paragonah, Utah to a non-profit group, The Archaeology Conservancy. This humble 12.48 acres of land— 25 miles north of SUU campus — plays host to one of the last remnants of a Fremont Indian archaeological site (circa 700-1300).

10. Cowgirl Thunderbird qualifies for Fourth CNFR

SUU senior Milli Twitchell took first place in the Rocky Mountain Region in goat tying for the fourth straight year, and then went on to place first within the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. She then competed at the College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyo.

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