Beazer to resign as SUU Athletics Director

Published: May 28, 2015 | Read Time: 2 minutes

Southern Utah University Director of Athletics Ken Beazer announced today that he is seeking employment opportunities, after nearly ten years leading SUU athletics. He will continue in his current role while the University searches for his replacement and he pursues new opportunities. SUU will look for new leadership and aggressive fundraising in a national search to be announced June 1, 2015.

Beazer has accomplished what he set out to do at SUU. “I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish over my time at SUU and I look forward to pursuing the other opportunities that lie ahead for my family and me.” Beazer said.

His accomplishments during his tenure include propelling Thunderbird athletics into the Big Sky Conference and rallying Thunderbird Athletics to its first football playoff appearance in 2013. He will continue as President of the FCS Athletic Directors Association.

Beazer's work with SUU's student athletes has been paramount, as was his focus on developing the University's coaching staff and community partnerships.

“I truly believe we have the greatest core of coaches anywhere. All of them exhibit high character, professionalism, passion and a genuine interest in the overall development of our student-athletes,” Beazer said.

Beazer continued, “It has been a privilege to associate with so many great student-athletes, coaches and administrators over my tenure, all of whom have enriched my life.”

While adding women’s golf and women’s volleyball, Beazer racked up 18 conference championships. A career highlight was assisting in the development of a strong gymnastics team, which beat top-seeded UCLA in front of a sold-out local crowd in the Centrum Arena in 2011.

SUU President Scott L Wyatt said, “Ken’s devotion to athletics and his extremely hard work ethic will be difficult to match and we are excited to see where his next adventure takes him.”

Beazer, who has been a positive influence across the Cedar City community, said, “My family and I have been blessed to live in Cedar City, where we have made many lifelong friends.”

Wyatt said, “His lasting legacy will be seen and felt for a long time to come.”

Ken Beazer was appointed by President Steven Bennion as Southern Utah University’s Director of Athletics in January 2006 and was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the SUU Athletics Department, providing leadership and direction for 17 NCAA Division I sports and over 350 student-athletes. Ken ensured athletic programs were in harmony with the University’s mission and NCAA policy and ideals.

Southern Utah University (1897) located in Cedar City, Utah features more than 150 undergraduate and nine graduate programs across five academic colleges. The University’s success is rooted in an unwavering dedication to students. SUU is host to the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Utah Summer Games.

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