College of S.T.E.M. Faculty Spotlight: David Maxwell
Posted: October 02, 2026 | Author: SUU | Read Time: 2 minutes
Professor David Maxwell's connection to Southern Utah University began when he took his first class at Southern Utah State College (SUSC) in fall 1987. His relationship with the campus has now spanned almost 40 years.
Professor Maxwell went on to earn a bachelor's degree in design engineering technology with an emphasis in civil design, along with a minor in psychology. He later earned a master's degree in geographical information systems, combining his interests in design, technology, and geography into a career in the geospatial field.
Currently, Professor Maxwell serves as the SUU GIS program director and associate professor of geographic information systems, where he helps prepare students for careers in the growing geospatial workforce. His research focuses on integrating UAV technology into the geospatial curriculum, degree program, and GIS Certificate. Professor Maxwell is also involved in community mapping service-learning projects involving local and historical cemeteries, as well as campus mapping projects, including the recent campus tree inventory and basemap for online mapping.
Student projects have included UAV multispectral analysis of petrified wood in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, research examining high-density student housing and related road deterioration on routes to campus in cooperation with UDOT, and a cooperative agreement with Bryce Canyon National Park and the SUU IIC that provides GIS students with internship opportunities working with utility infrastructure.
One of Professor Maxwell's favorite things about working at SUU is the campus itself and its
inviting landscape. He appreciates the Cedar City community, the smaller-town environment, the
ability to walk to work, and interacting with the many great faculty, staff, and students who make
SUU is a special place.
His work at SUU has also earned him several notable recognitions, including the Influencer
Award and Outstanding Faculty of Geoscience. Professor Maxwell has also been featured in an
interview for the Classroom to Career marketing series, highlighting his efforts to help prepare
GIS students for careers in the geospatial workforce.
Outside of his professional life, SUU has been an important part of his family's story as well.
Professor Maxwell raised five boys in Cedar City, all of whom attended SUU. He also met his
wife at SUU 38 years ago. More recently, he has had the opportunity to introduce his
grandchildren to the SUU campus, continuing a family connection to the university that has
spanned generations.