By May Hunter, For Iron County Today
Southern Utah University (SUU) was founded in 1897 in Cedar City, Utah. It was originally established as a teacher-training school known as the Branch Normal School.
Location
Classes first began in September 1897 inside an existing downtown building known as Ward Hall. At the time, constructing a new campus on “Academy Hill” was too expensive for the small local community.
Just two months into the school’s first term, the state threatened to withdraw funding and close the school because Cedar City had not yet constructed a dedicated college building on the required 15 acres of deeded land.
In the dead of winter in 1898, local residents organized a dangerous lumber expedition into the snowy mountains east of Cedar City. Using wooden wagons, they gathered the materials needed to complete the school’s first building and meet the state-mandated deadline.
Now known as Old Main, the university’s first building remains an inspirational symbol of fortitude, determination, and community achievement.
Name Changes
1897–1913: Branch Normal School
1913–1953: Branch Agricultural College
1953–1969: College of Southern Utah
1969–1990: Southern Utah State College
1991–Present: Southern Utah University
SUU was built through the determination of hardy pioneers who sacrificed their health, property, and businesses for the privilege of bringing an institution of higher education to their community.
Their ultimate goal was to give students an equal opportunity to learn together, break down barriers, and succeed. Their strong will and refusal to give up continue to resonate throughout the university today.
Why Red Matters at SUU
School Identity: Red is SUU’s primary color and is proudly worn by students, faculty, staff, and alumni to display their Thunderbird spirit.
Red Fridays: Wearing red every Friday is a celebrated campus tradition that promotes unity, pride, and a shared sense of belonging throughout the university community.
Keeping the Tradition Alive: Red Fridays encourage the SUU community to wear red each week as a symbol of pride and togetherness. Students, alumni, and anyone wishing to show their SUU spirit also proudly wear red during traditions such as Paint the Town Red and Homecoming, helping keep the T-Bird spirit alive!
