“SUU has lost a friend and leader, and he will be missed,” said Vice President for Alumni and Community Relations Mindy Benson. “Terry played a critical role as Provost during a pivotal time of growth. He remained active on campus throughout his retirement, serving as a board member and past president of the SUU Emeriti organization. Our thoughts go out to his family.”

Alger committed his entire life to higher education spending more than 30 years in the classroom and serving 18 years as the Provost for SUU. He played a vital role in helping the college earn university status and established the first graduate program offerings.

His educational philosophy was to teach and mentor always. According to Alger, “Everything we do as a university should have the goal of facilitating teaching. All else is peripheral. Other programs and activities provide feeling and enjoyment to students. Undergraduate scholarship is one of the best aspects of teaching, along with applied research and service. Students give professors life and vision — they keep you going.”

When Alger was given the mandate to increase enrollment, he immediately recognized the need to effectively manage growth. By regulating academic programs as they developed, the college could provide a broader academic experience for both faculty and students, while attaining a more cost-effective institution which was able to flourish and grow.

Alger had an unfailing dedication to providing quality academic experiences for both students and faculty. One of his greatest strengths was his ability to build consensus across campus. He formalized the academic administrative structure which clarified roles and opened lines of communication between faculty and administrators. This flow of ideas and atmosphere of cooperation were characteristic during an era of growth and expansion at SUU.

During his tenure, Alger had a clear understanding of what was needed to increase the institution’s stature and recognized that by building upon the founding ideals and strengthening existing programs the college would achieve long term success and stability.

Born in Carbon County, Utah, Alger graduated from Carbon High School and attended West Point where he played football and lacrosse. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Utah and completed post-doctorate work at the University of Illinois. He taught chemistry at Utah State University and at the University of Utah. He also served the Utah System of Higher Education for nine years as the Associate Director and Acting Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs. In 1981, President Orville Carnahan recruited Alger to be SUU’s new Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Terry and his late wife Kay Alger have two children, Mitch and Paula, who have both worked at SUU, and three grandchildren. He was currently married to Janet Nakken Alger.

Dr. Terry Alger made a deep and lasting impact on the institution and will be missed.

About Southern Utah University

Established in 1897, Southern Utah University evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated masters university, offering more than 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world-class, project-based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1), students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.

Dr. Jacqualine Grant is an associate professor of biology at SUU and the director of the Garth and Jerri Frehner Museum of Natural History. As a conservation biologist, her work focuses on green infrastructure and organismal biology related to insects, mammals, and amphibians.

“A green roof is covered with plants and a special soil-like matrix in which tough plants can grow,” said Dr. Grant. “The green roof at SUU was created in 2010 as part of the national Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process that gives us national recognition for sustainability on campus. The green roof helps to insulate our building and protect it from the damaging rays of the sun. Other benefits include the ability of green roofs to soak up stormwater runoff that might lead to flooding, and to provide habitat for urban pollinators.”

The first years of SUU’s research, supported by the National Science Foundation, showed that very few pollinators were attracted to the non-native plants on the roof, so in 2016 native plants were added.

“In urban areas green roofs can be important for connecting wild habitats to each other and for providing urban habitat,” said Dr. Grant. “The most studied green roof inhabitants are insects, but birds, lizards, and even bats have been known to use green roofs if they are furnished with shelter and the right plants.”

SUU students gain research experience by studying the green roof and have built a special piece of equipment called a lysimeter, used to measure how much water is used on the green roof. Their research will help determine if, in addition to insulating the building, green roofs can also be used to grow food.

Providing urban biodiversity, reducing noise and air pollution, and increasing the lifetime of the roof, a green roof offers countless environmental benefits and are very cost-effective in dense areas where stormwater management costs are high and energy conservation is a priority. Green infrastructure may seem to have an urban focus and feel out of reach to the average homeowner, but by repurposing the flow of stormwater, homeowners can help reduce the flow of water into storm drains and save on water bills too.

Dr. Grant has three simple suggestions to create green infrastructure and water conservation improvements around your home:

1. Build a green roof on a dog house or backyard shade shelter. Remember that green roofs are heavy so your construction needs extra support to hold the weight of plants, matrix, and water. Need instructions? Here’s a link: http://petprojectblog.com/archives/dogs/diy-green-roof-dog-house-ii/

2. Map where the water flows in your yard after a rainstorm. Is the water flowing away from yard and down the street? You might consider a landscape design that encompasses rainwater harvesting to nourish your plants. Check your local regulations and read Brad Lancaster’s great book: https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/store/volume1/testimonials-volume-1/.

3. Ask your local extension agent to measure how effective your irrigation system is. They can help you determine how much to water and possibly recommend some low-water native grasses for the lawn.

Learn more about green infrastructure at epa.gov/green-infrastructure.

About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.

Duncan, originally from Monticello, graduated from SUU in May with a degree in human nutrition and plans to enroll in dental school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) this fall. When asked about his experience at SUU, Duncan indicated, “The small class sizes allowed me to have personal interactions with my professors, and there were so many opportunities for extracurricular and service activities. SUU’s offerings helped make me a well-rounded student.”

As a student, Duncan received great support in pursuing dentistry through the Rural Health Scholars (RHS) program, where he was involved in Fluoride Swish and Camp Kesem. In addition, Duncan participated in a service trip to Costa Rica with the SUU Community Engagement Center.

The Army HPSP Scholarship is highly competitive and provides a full tuition benefit to graduate health programs, along with a generous monthly stipend. Scholars of this program are commissioned as officers and serve in the Army after graduation. Duncan indicates, “I can’t think of a better way for me to contribute my skills and abilities to this wonderful country. My motivation for applying was my desire to be a part of this greater good done by our service men and women.”

“Dallin’s journey into dentistry has been a joy to follow. I have full confidence that he will succeed in dental school, in the Army, and as a small town dentist in the future,” indicates Karen Ganss, assistant director of the SUU RHS program and Duncan’s pre-health advisor. Rural areas in particular tend to have a high need for dentists due to geographic isolation, lack of transportation, poverty rates, and provider shortages.

VCU’s School of Dentistry is located in Richmond, Virginia and is a four-year program emphasizing basic, clinical, and social sciences. In addition to HPSP, Duncan is receiving a $20,000 admissions scholarship from VCU. He will be a part of a class size of about 100 students from all over the country and will graduate with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, Duncan will serve in the Army as a dentist, and eventually hopes to return to rural Monticello and open his own practice. More information on VCU’s School of Dentistry can be found at dentistry.vcu.edu.

The Rural Health Scholars program is available at Southern Utah University, Dixie State University, Snow College, and Utah State University-Eastern in Price. Through a partnership with the University of Utah School of Medicine, this program assists students in becoming successful applicants to medical, nursing, podiatry, dental, pharmacy, and other health professions programs. For more information about the Utah Center for Rural Health programs, contact Karen Ganss at 435-865-8660 or visit the SUU RHS website.

About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.

“I would say that the book is about failure and life changing events,” said Petersen. “But I should add that it’s also a comedic book.”

Petersen has been writing seriously for roughly 25 years. He published some poems and stories in the early 2000s and sold his first book, Long After Dark, in 2007. His next novel, Rift, was released in 2009. Petersen already has plans for his fourth book, Picnic in the Ruins, which is set for release in Spring of 2020.

Petersen prefers to hand write his ideas before transferring them onto a computer. He uses a program called Ulysses that allows him to write scenes individually and then weave them back together.

“These days a writer has to be proficient with computers to do the work,” said Petersen. “Surprisingly this includes social media and writing for the web.”

For his newest book, Petersen’s publicist set-up the chance to create a Spotify playlist for the book that was featured on the blog Large Hearted Boy. “It was really fun to do and helped promote the book.”

Balancing his work as an author with his full-time position as a college professor has been challenging.

“Time has become increasingly more difficult to come by,” said Petersen. “In addition to my work as a professor and author, I also try to be a good husband, parent, and community member. I often feel like one of those old performers who keeps dozens of plates and bowls spinning on dowels by running back and forth like a crazy person.”

For any aspiring writers, Petersen offers this advice: “Read. Read. Read. Read old stuff and new stuff. Read your competition in the marketplace. Read against your normal habits. Read philosophy and books about physics, photography, and biology. Read books by people who aren’t like you at all. If you stick to the little familiar neighborhood of your regular reading habits, you’ll be less likely to surprise yourself, and if you can’t surprise yourself, you won’t surprise a reader. Without surprise, delight is difficult to accomplish.”

Dr. Todd Petersen has worked as a YMCA assistant program director, literary journal editor, and English professor. Currently, he serves as director of an award-winning experiential learning program at Southern Utah University. He is a member of the National Society of Experiential Education (NSEE) and offers workshops through the NSEE’s Experiential Learning Academy. He is also a member of the Author’s Guild.

Petersen has a bachelor of arts degree in telecommunications and film from University of Oregon, a master’s degree in English from Northern Arizona University, and a Ph.D. in English with emphasis in fictional rhetoric and critical theory from Oklahoma State University.

Petersen’s new book, It Has to Look Like We Tried, was released May 1, 2018.

About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.

“In the next five years, Boeing needs 600,000 pilots, Airbus needs 500,000 pilots, and that’s just the main companies,” said Michael Mower, executive director of SUU Aviation and chief flight instructor. “There’s no possible way for the current aviation infrastructure to meet the global demand, so we are working hard to get the word out. Our partnership with I Hart Flying will tap into a whole market of female aviators who can fill this demand.”

The strategic partnership between SUU and I Hart Flying leverages the unique resources of each entity with the goal of recruiting more female students to the aviation program and giving these students the resources to attend flight school.

“Women occupy less than six percent of the pilot population,” said Rachelle Spector, founder and president of I Hart Flying. “We want to help young women consider fields not readily apparent for them and develop a passion for something greater than themselves. I’ve been flying for more than seven years now and because someone gave me the gift of flight it changed my life forever.”

What started as a campaign has turned into a national nonprofit organization with the goal to reach global audiences, raising money and awareness to bring more women into the aviation field. Spector started the nonprofit in August 2017. Immediately following nonprofit status and securing the partnership with EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association), she offered a flight scholarship of $5,000 fall 2017 to young women who showed an interest in aviation and received 200 qualified applications. I Hart Flying has since partnered with more than 10 different companies and organizations and has established themselves nationally as female-driven aviation advocates.

I Hart Flying’s goal is to reach, aid, and assist as many young women as possible with offering various scholarship, educational, and flight opportunities on a yearly basis.

SUU offers training in rotor wing (helicopter) and fixed wing (airplane) pilot components with the goal to expand the fixed wing program. The Professional Pilot Program offers licenses and ratings in areas ranging from Private Pilot to Certified Flight Instructor. Training takes place from the Cedar City Airport.

About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.

According to the Detroit Lions’ website, Killebrew joined the Lions in 2016 as a fourth-round draft pick out of Southern Utah University, becoming the highest draft pick in the school’s history. He appeared in all 16 games as a rookie and picked off his first pass of the season against Saints QB Drew Brees. By the end of his career at SUU, Killebrew emerged as a leader on one of the stingiest defenses in the FCS. Killebrew finished his career with 356 tackles (210 solo), six and a half tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions, seven pass defenses and two defensive touchdowns. He was named All-Big Sky Honorable Mention twice (2012, 2013), All-Big Sky Second Team once (2014) and All-Big Sky First Team once (2015).

“We are thrilled that Miles is coming back to support SUU and the Utah Summer Games,” said Mindy Benson, Vice President of Alumni and Community Relations. “Having Miles participate in the event really speaks to the athletic spirit of the games.”

Along with Killebrew’s appearance, people won’t want to miss this year’s featured performer, Steve Augeri, former lead vocalist from the hit band Journey. The Opening Ceremony will also include the athlete’s march, the Jazz Bear, family-friendly activities and fireworks.

The Opening Ceremony starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Southern Utah University Eccles Coliseum. General admission is $5 and reserved seating is $8. Athletes can attend for free by wearing their official Utah Summer Games athlete t-shirt. There are no youth/child prices for this event. Tickets can be purchased at SUU’s America First Event Center Ticket Office at (435) 586-7872 or online. They are also available for purchase at the gate.

The Utah Summer Games has been held in Cedar City, Utah since 1986 hosting athletes of all ages and skill levels from across the western United States participating in more than 40 different competitive sporting events. The games continue to average a total of 9,600 participants, 50,000 spectators, and 1,000 volunteers with those numbers increasing each year.

The Utah Summer Games bring forward the best of the best through its Olympic style athletic events to celebrate excellence in the human spirit and healthy lifestyles.

The Utah Summer Games has been held in Cedar City, Utah since 1986 hosting athletes of all ages and skill levels from across the western United States participating in more than 40 different competitive sporting events. The games continue to average a total of 9,600 participants, 50,000 spectators, and 1,000 volunteers with those numbers increasing each year.

The games continues to grow and enhance its offerings. This year athletes can experience three news events that include power tumbling, golf, and high power rifle shooting. Game participants and members of the Cedar City community are also invited to enjoy the new Summer Games Party in the Park, a fun evening event hosted at Main Street Park on June 8th, 15th, and 22nd starting at 7 p.m.

Prior to the Opening Ceremony is the free Summer Block Party, sponsored by the KSL Read Today Initiative. The block party will be from 3 to 7:30 p.m. on June 14 in front of the SUU America First Event Center on 800 West. There will be food trucks, face painting, games and prizes.

Following the Block Party, the Opening Ceremony will start at 8:30 p.m. in the Southern Utah University Eccles Coliseum and will feature the athlete’s march, family-friendly activities and fireworks. People won’t want to miss this year’s featured performer, Steve Augeri, former lead vocalist from the hit band Journey.

To attend the Opening Ceremony, general admission is $5 and reserved seating is $8. Athletes can attend for free by wearing their official Utah Summer Games athlete t-shirt. There are no youth/child prices for this event. Tickets can be purchased at SUU’s America First Event Center Ticket Office at (435) 586-7872 or online. They are also available for purchase at the gate.

“Cedar City (and southern Utah) is blessed with amazing trail systems branching across the city, county, state parks, national forests, national parks and BLM lands,” said Dr. Briget Eastep, Director of Southern Utah University’s Outdoor Engagement Center and creator of the Intergovernmental Internship Cooperative. “These trails open Cedar City’s foothills and the backcountry to people of all ages and abilities to rejuvenate their bodies, minds, and souls. Some of Cedar City’s trails are less than a mile from SUU’s campus, making it easy to get out on National Trails Day and enjoy a hike with a friend.”

Events are taking place across the United States for National Trails Day, in all 50 states and Washington D.C. The closest event to Cedar City will be held in the city of Kanab, Utah, just 80 miles southeast.

While no events are happening in Cedar City for National Trails Day, Eastep encourages visitors to become a trail steward whenever outside.

“National events are wonderful reminders that public lands belong to us and can use our care and attention,” said Eastep. “Becoming an outdoor steward is as easy as picking up trash, staying on the trails, reporting undesired conditions to land managers, and practicing Leave No Trace wherever you go out.”

For more information about National Trails Day, please read this longer article… https://tbirdnation.suu.edu/get-outside-for-national-trails-day

Community engagement connects college experience with hands-on experiences, giving students the opportunity to share and improve skills, knowledge, and abilities. It is a collaboration between SUU students, faculty and the larger community (local, regional/state, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of partnership and reciprocity. Community engagement enriches scholarship, research, and creative activity; enhances curriculum, teaching and learning; prepares educated, engaged citizens; strengthens democratic values and civic responsibility; addresses critical societal issues; and contributes to the public good.

Below is a list of award recipients:

Committed Community Partner: Bryce Canyon National Park

This award recognizes an individual or organization that:

• Strengthens community involvement at the institution

• Provides meaningful service and learning opportunities for students

• Enhances their agency’s mission/programs/goals by partnering with the institution

“Bryce Canyon National Park enjoys a distinctive partnership with SUU that helps both parties to fulfill our missions… National Parks are places of great beauty that refresh our senses and transform our lives,” said Pam Branin, associate director of Community Engagement Center. “Collaborations with SUU suggest a bright future for the management of Bryce Canyon National Park while fostering a legacy of stewardship.”

Community Engaged Scholar: Liz Olson

This award recognizes an individual with:

• Experience in using community engagement or service-learning as a successful pedagogy

• Innovation in employing reflective strategies to connect students’ service with academics

• Evidence of academic community engagement through teaching, community-based research, or promotion of service-learning on campus or in one’s dispute

“As an Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Liz Olson uses community-engaged, and/or reflective, pedagogies in all of her classes where common themes include public and global health, environmental problem solving, and sustainable development,” said SUU Provost Brad Cook. “Professor Olson is energetic in connecting classroom with the community in a collaborative and self-reflecting learning process.”

Community Engaged Staff Member: Anne Smith

This award recognizes a staff member that:

• Shows leadership in advancing community engagement as a critical component within their higher education partnerships

• Forms innovative campus and community partnerships

• Engages, models, or influences students to be involved in community service and/or service-learning

“In a career spanning thirty years at SUU, Anne Smith has been a committed educator, staff member, and program builder,” said President Scott L Wyatt. “Anne is recognized for her leadership in advancing outdoor recreation and community engagement, and for sustaining collaborations between SUU, local organizations, and public land agencies. Anne has engaged, modeled, and influenced students to be involved in their own communities and in places such as Swaziland where they have raised funds and collected books for libraries.”

Community Engaged Student: Ashlyn Judd

This award recognizes a student or student group that:

• Demonstrates commitment to building or enhancing campus-based efforts to address community needs

• Leads, inspires, and engages other students, members of the institution, or community

• Demonstrates efforts to sustain their work through developing strategies for institutional and community commitment

“Ashlyn Judd is honored this year for her outstanding leadership in revitalizing the Student Alliance of Interfaith Leaders (also known as SAIL) and in promoting valuable campus conversations and activities,” said Dean of Integrative and Engaged Learning Dr. Patrick Clarke. “In developing SAIL programs, Ashlyn has demonstrated honesty, passion, and humility in ways that inspire others and enhance community engagement.”

Community Engaged Alumnus: Paula Mitchell

This award recognizes an SUU alum that:

• Demonstrates on-going and deep commitment to community engagement

• Leads, inspires, and engages other members of their community toward positive social change

• Furthers the community engagement efforts of the institution

“Paula Mitchell is honored this year as an SUU alum who has shown a deep commitment to all forms of community engagement, much of it focused on preserving local history and historical resources,” said Ron Cardon, director of Alumni and Community Relations. “She has created strong connections between the Sherratt Library and a number of local, state, and national organizations (such as the Mormon History Association). Paula has supervised volunteers with the Utah Shakespeare Festival for more than a decade, and she is the go-to person for anyone researching history in southern Utah.”

In addition to these awards, five Exemplar awards were given. An exemplar is defined as a person serving as a typical example or excellent model, in this case of community engagement and service. Those awarded were Tessa Douglas, Office of Learning Abroad, Dr. Kurt Harris, Office of Learning Abroad, Dr. Steve Barney, Professor of Psychology, Alexis Bucknam, Executive Director of the Utah Campus Compact, and Dr. Patrick Clarke, Dean of the School of Integrative and Engaged Learning.

For more information about the Community Engagement Center, click here.

About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.

The Best of State Awards recognize outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses in Utah. More than 100 judges review the nominations and determine the winners based on achievement in the field of endeavor, innovation or creativity in approaches, techniques, methods or processes, and contribution to the quality of life in Utah.

SUU has experienced unprecedented growth in the past several years and simultaneously increased the quality of students being admitted into the university. According to the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) annual enrollment report released in October (2017), Southern Utah University continues to increase students at a steady rate growing more than 20% in total headcount in the last three years.

Anthony Braun, a senior interdisciplinary studies student, was one of three students who put together the award nomination packet.

“Service and excellence define SUU,” said Braun. “Faculty and staff encourage students to strive for bigger and better things. This exemplary leadership is illustrated every single day across campus. Most recently, I spoke with President Scott L Wyatt at the Festival of Excellence. He had an FOE schedule on the front of a binder and a goal to visit every showcase in the festival. The President of SUU cleared his entire day to serve his students, faculty, and staff—this is the kind of leadership SUU is dedicated to.”

Southern Utah University continues to build a reputation for excellence. SUU is at the forefront of undergraduate research, experiential education, and scholarship, with a commitment to a personalized student experience not found at larger schools. This commitment to the student experience and unique educational opportunities is gaining national attention, positioning SUU as a top university in the Intermountain West.

About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University (1897) evolved from a teacher training institution to Utah’s designated masters university, offering over 140 undergraduate and 19 graduate programs. With world class project based learning, unique undergraduate research opportunities, and a personalized learning environment (18:1) students lead projects mentored by professors. True to the University’s core vision, SUU faculty, staff and administrators enable students to honor thought in all its finest forms, achieve excellence in their chosen field, and create positive change in the world.