Southern Utah University Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Southern Utah University has 8 executives leading key functions including external relations, internal operations, institutional strategy, student leadership, and academic club management.

Committed to project-based learning, Southern Utah University empowers students through professional experience and rigorous academic programs designed for success in the modern job market.

Leadership Roles at Southern Utah University

  • Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer - Marie Tuite
  • Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer - Todd Brown
  • President - Michael Benson
  • President (Lsa) - Sydney Crystal
  • Involvement Captains President - Maddy Steffensen
  • Professional Accountancy Club President - SUU - Kanyon Gardner
  • Table Tennis Club Creator and President - Diego Delgado
  • President - Leah Crossley
  • Marie Tuite - Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer

    Marie Tuite, the Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer at Southern Utah University, manages institutional partnerships and operational efficiency. Overseeing external communications, the Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer aligns university outreach with broader state-level educational goals. This role requires constant coordination with academic departments to ensure project-based learning initiatives receive adequate funding and public support. By streamlining administrative workflows, Marie Tuite optimizes resource allocation across the campus. The Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer also monitors regional market trends to maintain the competitive standing of the institution. Through strategic engagement with stakeholders, the Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer fosters an environment conducive to student professional development. Ultimately, Tuite secures the operational foundation necessary for the university to deliver high-quality, experiential education to the student body while expanding the institutional footprint across the western United States.

    Todd Brown - Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer

    Todd Brown, the Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer at Southern Utah University, directs internal athletic operations and facility management. Overseeing the daily logistics of collegiate sports programs, the Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer ensures compliance with state regulations and internal university policies. This leadership position involves managing athletic budgets and coordinating with academic staff to support student-athlete performance. By optimizing internal processes, Todd Brown enhances the efficiency of athletic department functions. The Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer also supervises infrastructure maintenance to provide high-quality training environments for all teams. Through rigorous oversight of internal systems, the Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer maintains the integrity of the athletic program. Ultimately, Brown drives the operational success of the department, ensuring that athletic activities align with the core mission of providing professional experience to students.

    Michael Benson - President

    Michael Benson, the President at Southern Utah University, architects the overarching strategic vision and academic direction of the institution. Overseeing the executive leadership team, the President ensures that all departments remain focused on the core mission of project-based learning. This role involves frequent engagement with the Board of Trustees to secure long-term financial stability and institutional growth. By championing innovative educational models, Michael Benson elevates the reputation of the university within the national higher education landscape. The President also manages high-level relationships with state government officials to advocate for increased educational funding. Through consistent focus on student outcomes, the President drives the development of new academic programs that prepare graduates for the modern workforce. Ultimately, Benson provides the necessary guidance to maintain the university as a premier destination for students seeking practical, hands-on experience before entering the competitive job market.

    Sydney Crystal - President (Lsa)

    Sydney Crystal, the President (Lsa) at Southern Utah University, leads the Liberal Studies Association with a focus on interdisciplinary academic growth. Overseeing the association, the President (Lsa) coordinates student-led initiatives that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This role requires constant collaboration with faculty members to design workshops that enhance student professional skills. By fostering a culture of inquiry, Sydney Crystal encourages students to explore diverse career paths through project-based learning. The President (Lsa) also manages the association budget to support student research projects and academic conferences. Through active participation in campus governance, the President (Lsa) ensures that the needs of liberal studies students remain a priority for the administration. Ultimately, Crystal strengthens the academic community by providing students with the tools and resources required to succeed in their chosen fields after graduation.

    Maddy Steffensen - Involvement Captains President

    Maddy Steffensen, the Involvement Captains President at Southern Utah University, directs student engagement initiatives across the campus. Overseeing the involvement captains, the Involvement Captains President organizes events that promote student participation in professional development activities. This role involves coordinating with various student organizations to ensure a cohesive approach to campus life. By facilitating networking opportunities, Maddy Steffensen helps students gain the soft skills necessary for future career success. The Involvement Captains President also monitors student feedback to improve the quality and relevance of campus programming. Through strategic planning, the Involvement Captains President ensures that all activities align with the university mission of experiential learning. Ultimately, Steffensen drives student involvement, creating a vibrant campus culture where students can build professional networks and gain valuable leadership experience before entering the workforce.

    Kanyon Gardner - Professional Accountancy Club President - SUU

    Kanyon Gardner, the Professional Accountancy Club President - SUU at Southern Utah University, manages the activities and professional development of accounting students. Overseeing club operations, the Professional Accountancy Club President - SUU organizes seminars and guest speaker sessions that connect students with industry professionals. This role requires close coordination with the accounting department to ensure that club activities complement the academic curriculum. By facilitating internships and networking events, Kanyon Gardner helps students secure practical experience in the financial sector. The Professional Accountancy Club President - SUU also manages club finances and membership recruitment to ensure long-term sustainability. Through active engagement with local accounting firms, the Professional Accountancy Club President - SUU bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. Ultimately, Gardner prepares accounting students for the professional job market by providing essential industry insights and career-building opportunities.

    Diego Delgado - Table Tennis Club Creator and President

    Diego Delgado, the Table Tennis Club Creator and President at Southern Utah University, manages the development and operations of the campus table tennis organization. Overseeing club logistics, the Table Tennis Club Creator and President coordinates tournaments and practice sessions that foster student community and physical activity. This role involves managing equipment procurement and securing space for club activities within university facilities. By promoting inclusivity, Diego Delgado encourages students from diverse backgrounds to participate in club events. The Table Tennis Club Creator and President also handles administrative tasks such as budget management and membership outreach. Through consistent leadership, the Table Tennis Club Creator and President ensures that the club remains a valuable resource for student recreation and social interaction. Ultimately, Delgado contributes to the overall student experience by providing a structured environment for extracurricular engagement and personal growth outside of the classroom.

    Leah Crossley - President

    Leah Crossley, the President at Southern Utah University, leads specific student-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall campus experience. Overseeing the strategic direction of these initiatives, the President ensures that all programs support the university commitment to project-based learning. This role involves collaborating with other student leaders to address campus-wide issues and improve student services. By advocating for student needs, Leah Crossley influences the development of policies that promote academic and personal success. The President also manages the allocation of resources for student-led projects, ensuring that funds are used effectively to maximize impact. Through active communication with the student body, the President fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Ultimately, Crossley drives the success of these initiatives, providing students with the support and opportunities necessary to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Southern Utah University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Southern Utah University?
    Southern Utah University is led by Marie Tuite (Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Todd Brown (Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer) and Michael Benson (President).
    Who is part of Southern Utah University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Southern Utah University includes leaders such as Marie Tuite (Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer), Todd Brown (Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer), Michael Benson (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Southern Utah University have?
    Southern Utah University has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Southern Utah University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Southern Utah University includes roles such as Deputy Director, External Relations & Chief Operating Officer, Deputy Athletic Director for Internal and Chief Operating Officer, President, President (Lsa), Involvement Captains President.