Southern Utah University is marking its 125th anniversary this year, a milestone celebrated alongside its ongoing role as the sponsor and host of the Utah Summer Games in Cedar City. The university continues to integrate diverse extracurricular activities into its mission of student success and community connection.
A Milestone Anniversary
As Southern Utah University enters its 125th year of operation, President Mindy Benson noted that the institution is focusing on the future while honoring its storied founding. The university, located in Cedar City near five national parks, aims to cultivate future leaders through its academic and extracurricular offerings.
Academic and Institutional Scope
The university's academic profile includes seven colleges and schools providing more than 150 undergraduate programs. Additionally, the institution offers 32 graduate and certificate programs, as well as a professional doctorate degree. All programs at the university are fully accredited.
Extracurricular and Athletic Life
Beyond its academic curriculum, Southern Utah University hosts a variety of dynamic extracurricular activities. This roster includes nearly 120 clubs and organizations, the Utah Shakespeare Festival, and 17 NCAA Division I athletic teams competing within the Big Sky Conference.
The Utah Summer Games
A central component of the university's community engagement is the Utah Summer Games. Functioning as the official State Games for the state of Utah, the organization was founded in 1986. The sporting festival seeks to create an atmosphere of competition inspired by the traditions of the Olympic Games, aiming to build a sense of community and connection through sports.
Recent Sporting Events
The Utah Summer Games maintains an active schedule of events in the Cedar City area. Recent events held during the 2026 season included a night at the Utah Shakespeare Festival on June 27, 2026, which served as part of a 40th Anniversary Celebration Series. Other recent competitions included outdoor volleyball on June 27, 2026, equestrian barreling and poles on July 1, 2026, and various shooting and tennis matches throughout July and August 2026.
Upcoming 2027 Schedule
Looking toward the future, the Utah Summer Games has several upcoming events scheduled for 2027. The calendar includes wrestling on March 19, 2027, and figure skating competitions scheduled for both March 25 and March 26, 2027. Further competitions are slated for April 2027, including sporting clays, skeet, and 50 target super sport on April 3, and water polo matches on April 8 and April 9.
A Legacy of Success
Through its 125-year history, Southern Utah University has focused on personalized learning experiences and character building. By hosting the Utah Summer Games and supporting diverse extracurricular programs, the university remains a central hub for both education and community-wide athletic traditions in Southern Utah.
