An inaugural convocation honoring Steven D. Bennion, the 14th president of Southern Utah University and grandson of the institution's first leader, will be conducted Friday, Nov. 14 at the Centrum Arena.
Bennion officially assumed the leadership of the university July 1, succeeding Gerald R. Sherratt, who had served as the institution's president since 1982.Before joining SUU, Bennion served as president of Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, from 1989-97 and president of Snow College in Ephraim from 1982-89.
A native of Salt Lake City, Bennion earned a bachelor's degree in political science at the University of Utah, a master's in public administration at Cornell University, and a doctorate in higher education administration at the University of Wisconsin. He and his wife, Marjorie, have five children.
Stephen R. Covey, well-known author, speaker, and business management adviser, will be the featured speaker at the 10 a.m. ceremony.
The program will also feature remarks by Gov. Mike Leavitt, an SUU graduate.
Cecelia H. Foxley, commissioner of the Utah System of Higher Education, members of the Utah State Board of Regents and members of the SUU Board of Trustees plan to attend.
The public is invited, as are faculty, students and staff of SUU.