Southern Utah University (or SUU) is a public university located in Cedar City, Utah, United States, founded in 1898. Originally a normal school, Southern Utah University now graduates over 1,700 students each year with baccalaureate and graduate degrees from its six colleges. SUU offers more than 85 undergraduate degrees and eight graduate programs. There are more than 8,000 students that attend SUU. SUU's 17 athletic teams compete in Division 1 of the NCAA and are collectively known as the Thunderbirds. SUU joined the Big Sky Conference in September 2012.