Items · Student Life

Dr. Jared Tippets

Jared Tippets is the vice president for student affairs at Southern Utah University. In this role he is responsible for student retention and completion. Tippets is committed to supporting all students as they learn to become successful and effective leaders on campus and in the community. Tippets views student services as a partner to academics. He strives to find meaningful ways to connect a student’s experiences in the classroom with their lives outside of the classroom. He oversees a variety of resources and services at SUU such as career services, tutoring, testing, counseling, academic advising, financial aid and student support services. His professional career has been spent focusing on retention, completion, and student success efforts on both the academic affairs and student affairs side of the academy. Prior to SUU, Tippets worked at Purdue University, the University of Kentucky, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and Utah Valley University. Tippets earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Utah State University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He has a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Kentucky where his dissertation topic was about organizational change in higher education.

Dr. Stephen Allen

As a student at Southern Utah University, Dr. Stephen Allen was inspired by talented educators such as Sterling Church, Mindy Benson, Steve Bennion, Sandra Lord (Thomas), and others. By the time he graduated from SUU, he knew he wanted a career in higher education. His mentor, Vice President Church, introduced him to a graduate program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln that specialized in student affairs. At Nebraska, Stephen took his first job in admissions after completing a master's degree. He also obtained his Ph.D. in higher education leadership at UNL. In 2003, Dr. Allen accepted a position at SUU as the Executive Director of Enrollment Management. When the Vice President for Student Services, Donna Eddleman, announced her resignation in 2012, Dr. Allen was asked to serve as the interim Vice President for Student Affairs, which included Enrollment Management. He served as the interim Vice President from 2012 through 2014. It was a transitional time for the University, including the departure of Mike Benson, an interim president (Rich Kendall), and a new president (Scott Wyatt). Dr. Allen played a key role in helping the University develop and implement high-impact experiential learning opportunities for students. During his time as the interim Vice President, student services incorporated meaningful learning outcomes throughout the division. In April 2014, the University’s accrediting body, NWCCU, produced its year seven peer review report. Student Affairs was given a glowing commendation in the report which said in part, “The Division of Student Services is to be commended for the broad scale infusion of articulated student learning outcomes into the portfolio of the services that it offers. The division stands as a model for the measurement of meaningful indicators of achievement that have led to program improvements.” During Dr. Allen’s tenure, SUU experienced the highest average composite ACT (23) score and highest average GPA (3.49) for an incoming class up to that point in the University’s history. Stephen was known as a professional who cultivated relationships and reached out to departments and organizations outside of student services to collaborate and improve the student experience. What he loved most about his time as the interim Vice President were the opportunities to connect with students and work with talented professionals within the division.

Tory Porter

Hi guys, my name is Tory Porter, and I am from Heber, Utah. I’m an Art Education major with minors in Art History and Painting/Drawing/Printmaking. I love playing the guitar, painting, and being an Ace!

Tad Webb

Hello!! My name is Tad and I’m from Heber UT. This is my third year at SUU. I’m majoring in communications with a minor in economics. I’m a proud crab dad of two pet hermit crabs named Squid and Sushi. During my free time I love rock climbing, slacklining, archery, or geeking out over marvel movies!

Sarah Loertscher

Hi! I’m Sarah and I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah. I’m a senior here at SUU and I am majoring in Psychology. I love hanging with friends, watching reality TV shows, listening to anything by Taylor Swift, and going to soda shops! I love SUU and I hope that you’ll have the best time here!

Riley Harrison

Hi! I’m Riley and I’m from St George, Utah studying family life and human development. I love the ocean, running, traveling, trying new things, and fish (especially goldfish crackers:)! My favorite thing about SUU is how genuine and down to earth the people are.

Micah Cajilig

Thanks for clicking on me! My name is Micah Cajilig, and I am from Lehi, Utah. I’m currently in the BFA Program studying Acting! (I know who would’ve thought;) I love Diet Coke, Everything Everywhere All At Once, and spending the day doodling with my oil pastels.

Maddy Steffensen

Hey T-Birds! My Name is Maddy Steffensen, and I am from the great town of Cedar City! I am studying Criminal Justice and Sociology! I love being outside and being at all of the SUU activities! You’ll always find me at a game or on the third floor of the library! I can’t wait for you guys to have the best time at SUU!

Logan Eteuati

"What is up my friends! My name is Logan , and I am from the islands of Hawaii , specifically , from the island of Oahu ! I am studying psychology! I love the events that SUU holds for the students and overall everything the university has to offer :) I love going to the gym , playing video games , and spending time with my friends and family . We are so excited and stoked for you to be here friends ! Stay frosty and take care t-birds , aloha ! :) "

Leona Lombardi

What’s up T-Birds!? My name is Leona and I’m from Herrriman, Utah. I’m a Theatre Education major with a music minor and I absolutely LOVE anything creative! I also love reading, baking, playing piano, hiking (put me in the sun, I’ll be happy), and the Beatles. My funnest fact is that I just spent a semester in England- shoutout to SUU’s study abroad program! Can’t wait to meet you all!

Landon Lee

Ace

Kristina Ririe

Hey friend!! My name’s Kris, I’m a city girl at heart who loves movies, food, music, and humor like none other. I was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and am an Acting BFA major here at SUU. I want you to know you’re loved! You belong here. We have the potential to succeed together, so let’s do this thing!!

Kaylee McKinnon

What's up T-Birds! My name's Kaylee McKinnon, I’m a sophomore double majoring in Psychology and Social Work and minoring in Family Services. I was born and raised in Logan, UT and I love spending time with my brothers, puppy, and friends! I LOVE driving up canyons jamming to music with friends and finding new places to explore! Welcome to the T-Bird fam we are so excited to have you:)

Katelyn Hansen

Hey!! My name is Katelyn Hansen and I'm a senior studying nutrition! I’m from St. George, UT I love to read, cook, bake (according to my coworkers I make the best banana bread!), and spend time in the sun! I love Cedar City because of all the small town shops but I would love to have a Target and a Trader Joes

Kasia Watson

Hey T-Birds! My name is Kasia (Kaw-Sha) Watson and I am a Senior here at SUU majoring in Psychology and Minoring in Family Services. I am originally from Long Beach California, but was raised in the beautiful city of St. George. Some of my favorite activities include late night mountain jam sessions, spending time outdoors, wandering aimlessly around Target and listening to true crime podcasts. Welcome to the SUU family, we are pumped to have you!

Kade Simmons

What’s up T-Bird! My name is Kade Simmons. I got my associates degree from Snow College before transferring to SUU to study Marketing. I grew up in Cedar City, so SUU is like home to me! A few super epic things I love are Mountain Dew, longboarding, and Facebook Marketplace :) My favorite part of SUU is all of the outdoor opportunities that surround our campus!

Hailey Harris

Hi! My name is Hailey Harris and I’m from West Jordan Utah! I am a senior here at SUU studying Family Life and Human Development! I play lacrosse here at SUU and love it so much! I love reality TV, and crocheting! I am so happy you chose SUU I have loved all 3 years I have studied here! I am so excited to meet all of you!

Denali Baker

Hi! My name is Denali Baker and I’m from Ephraim, Utah! I earned my associate’s degree at Snow College before transferring to SUU last year! I am a senior this year, majoring in Social Work with a minor in Family Services. I love a good movie, but I love a terrible movie just as much! My favorite thing about SUU is all of the great people who are cheering us on and helping us succeed.

Carston Hyre

Hey T-BIRDS! My name is Carston Hyre and I am from Tooele Utah. I am majoring in Cybersecurity. I enjoy listening to 5 star music, playing sports of all kinds, and meeting all the legendary people SUU has to offer. LETS GO T-BIRDS!!!

Brynn Kilpatrick

Hey! My name is Brynn Kilpatrick and I am from Spanish Fork, Utah. I am a junior here at SUU and I am studying Elementary Education. I love going to the gym, being with friends, and anything outdoors. I love SUU and I am so excited that you’re here!

Braeden Knutsen

2023-2024 Hello friend :) I’m Braeden but if you can come up with a cooler nickname, let me know. I love SUU and learning new things from amazing people like you sooo if you want to teach me a language, give me book recommendations, tell me about fun trails to run, go out for burritos, or literally anything else, I am here!

Amberly Mikkelson

Howdy! My name is Amberly (but you can call me Amber cause we are friends now) and I am from St. George, UT! I am Majoring in Hospitality Management with a double minor in Marketing and Entrepreneurship! You can find me outdoors doing dangerous things, playing pickleball, or devouring a chimichanga at a Mexican restaurant! I love SUU because of the rad people! I am happy you’re here :)

Ada Heaton

Hey hey hey!! My name is Ada Heaton, I’m from a super small town in Nevada called Panaca! I am a sophomore studying Communications and minoring in Agriculture! You can typically find me at highfit, binge reading twilight, or in the FiiZ drive through! I LOVE SUU and I know that you will too!!

Abigail Brazier

HI friend! My name is Abby and I am from Tooele, Utah. I am a junior studying physical and health education. I love swig runs, playing pickleball, watching catfish, cooking new foods, and spending time with friends! I am so happy you’re at SUU and can't wait to meet you :)

Wyatt Edwards

Hey T-Birds! My name is Wyatt Edwards and I am from Alpine, Utah. I am majoring in aviation and I am hoping to be a future airline pilot! I love playing games with friends, traveling around the world, playing pickleball and eating food especially if it comes from Costa Vida. SUU is my home and I love the people that come here that make SUU so great!