Alumnus Micah Paul Keith Continues to Reap Benefits from Undergraduate Education at SUU
Published: February 25, 2025 | Author: Kierstin Holloway | Read Time: 3 minutes
Southern Utah University (SUU) has been known for its small class sizes and individualized education, but for successful business leader and Finance Composite alumnus Micah Paul Keith, it was the training ground that prepared him for his impressive achievements in a competitive graduate school program and a successful career that has included working with prominent brands and companies such as Heinz, Nestlé, Sonoma Creamery, and Blue Diamond Growers.
"The incredibly wonderful amount of extra-curricular activities at SUU set me up for a lot of opportunities to serve in leadership in graduate school and in my professional life," Keith said. "Since there were so many opportunities to help organize and execute activities and events, those experiences gave me confidence to do the same in graduate school and in my career where those types of experiences are rare to most others (especially those that attend huge universities). I feel those experiences gave me added confidence to step up often, which gave me greater visibility to those around me and other leaders. SUU is an incredible place to grow leadership skills because of all the opportunities to get involved."
This strong foundation gave Keith the confidence to excel in a rigorous and competitive MBA program.
"SUU really prepared me well for graduate school at a Top-20 MBA program. I was nervous rubbing shoulders with classmates from Ivy League and well-known universities, but quickly felt I was just as capable if not more so, to take on the challenging curriculum and succeed,” said Keith
Having had numerous chances to take on leadership roles at SUU, Keith was prepared to carry that experience into graduate school as the graduate student body president.
In addition to the numerous extracurricular leadership opportunities presented at SUU, Keith was provided with the academic skills he needed to succeed.
"In my rigorous graduate program, analytics was a big focus with decision modeling being a dreaded class by most of my classmates because of how difficult it was," said Keith. "Since I took a decision modeling class at SUU with the late Dr. Kraft, I felt like the class genius and was able to cruise through the material because I had been prepared well.”
The personal connections that Keith was able to build with peers and mentors also positively impacted Keith's academic journey.
"I remember just having wonderful, heartfelt talks with my then SUUSA Advisor, Mindy Benson, about all sorts of things - student influence, policies, decisions, classes, girls...she was and is such an advocate and mentor for students of SUU, that I've never forgotten her nearly daily kindnesses she imparted to all of us while we served students,” said Keith. "My Thunderbird heart nearly burst when I heard the news that President Benson was named the leader of our beloved university. We are in incredible hands with her at the helm!"
Keith is a wonderful example of how SUU provides students with every opportunity not just to succeed, but soar. The University is committed to providing the highest quality education and dedicated mentors and a caring community to help every T-Bird soar, both personally and professionally.
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Contact Information:
Nikki Koontz
435-586-5400
nikkikoontz@suu.edu