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Southern Utah University

Southern Utah University (SUU) is a public university in Cedar City, Utah, known for strong programs in business, nursing, engineering, computer science, psychology, and the liberal arts plus a mid‑size, recreational‑oriented campus and Division I athletics. Students often rave about the “University of the Parks” location, outdoor‑adventure access, many clubs and organizations, and a close‑knit, Western‑college vibe that feels both relaxed and engaged.

State

Utah

Student Population

15,400

Acceptance Rate

81–82%

GPA Range

3.4–4.0

SAT Range

1100–1290

Common Majors

business administration, nursing, engineering, computer science

“I love SUU’s mountain‑town setting, how easy it is to get outside and still be close to campus‑life events, and the way many clubs and sports games feel like a real family, but from a past‑student view I’ll say the slower‑paced town, some dated housing, and the heavier‑commuter dynamic in upper years were all more noticeable once I stopped just visiting and started living there.”

Team & Tuition

Divison

Division 1

Tuition (no scholarship)

$6,770 / $20,586

Conference

Western Athletic Conference

Scholarships Available

Yes. Both athletic and academic.

Avg Men's Scores

74.8

Avg Women's Scores

80.7

Men's Team Notes

Thunderbirds finished T17th at Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate on Classic Club (+27) and 13th at Watney Invitational on San Joaquin Country Club. Uy Doan's 70 (-2) and Braylon Bingham's 71 paced birdie runs amid California desert winds through steady par-4 scoring.

Women's Team Notes

SUU women posted 322.6 adjusted average over 23 rounds with top-10s at Utah Tech Spring Invite onEntrada Golf Course and Utah Fall Classic. Resilient finishes at WAC events highlighted par saves across desert layouts through team depth and consistent birdie opportunities.

Coaches

Men's Coach

Richard Church

Women's Coach

Caylyn McKinlay (Ponich)

Men's Email

churchr@suu.edu

Women's Email

caylynponich@suu.edu

Men's Coach Bio

Richard Church directs Southern Utah men's golf as Director of Golf and head coach, preparing Thunderbirds for WAC Championships at venues like Chaparral Pines. From Cedar City base, he oversees staff including John Evans and Reed McArthur, building competitive squads averaging under 300 strokes per round targeting postseason success.

Women's Coach Bio

Caylyn Ponich (McKinlay) leads SUU women's golf since her January 2025 appointment, bringing energy to the program under Director Richard Church. With assistants Reed McArthur and others, she develops Thunderbirds through WAC schedules from Cedar City, emphasizing student-athlete growth ahead of 2026 Big Sky transition.

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