SUU Professor Ryan Paul Honored by Utah Historical Society for Outstanding Achievement in Public History
Published: January 20, 2026 | Author: Nikki Koontz | Read Time: 2 minutes
CEDAR CITY, Utah - The Utah Historical Society has recognized Ryan Paul, assistant professor of history at Southern Utah University, with its Outstanding Achievement Award for his exceptional contributions to public history, education, and the preservation of Utah's heritage.
Paul will be formally honored at the Utah Historical Society's Annual Awards Presentation on Monday, Jan. 28, 2026, at the Hill Aerospace Museum.
The Utah Historical Society's annual awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the history, historic preservation, community history, and scholarship in Utah. Whether these efforts are quiet or prominent, they benefit the state's citizens by preserving and sharing Utah's rich past.
"Ryan Paul is a living, breathing, history machine," said Dave Lunt, chair of SUU's Department of History, Sociology, and Anthropology. "He teaches with passion, collaborates with purpose, and brings history to life for students and communities alike. His energy and dedication make history feel immediate and meaningful."
At SUU, Paul teaches courses in American History, Public and Local History, and the History of the National Parks. A specialist in experiential and community-engaged learning, he directs the APEX Speaker Series, which brings distinguished scholars and public figures to campus for conversations with students and community members.
"I am thrilled to be a recipient of the Utah Historical Society's Outstanding Achievement Award," Paul said. "I am thankful for the opportunity I've had to explore our shared past and share it with students and community members. History thrives through collective effort, and I am proud to be part of that community.
Paul's career spans over two decades of service to Utah history. Before joining SUU, he spent 19 years as the Museum Curator at Frontier Homestead State Park Museum, where he developed exhibits, educational programming, and interpretive materials that deepened public appreciation for the region's past. He has produced five documentary films and authored two books--one on the Utah Shakespeare Festival and another on the Utah Parks Company. He also served as President of the Utah Museums Association and continues to lead public history projects that connect people to place.
Among his recent initiatives is Main Street Minutes, a digital storytelling series created in partnership with Visit Cedar City • Brian Head that highlights the unique history and character of Cedar City. Paul also plays a central role in America 250: Iron County, a local commemoration of the nation's semiquincentennial that brings historical programming and public discussions to SUU and the broader community.
"To me, history is a collection of stories," Paul said. "We search these stories and look for patterns that give meaning to our experience and help us understand who we are and how we can be our best selves. I am committed and excited to continue telling the story of our shared past."
Paul's work reflects SUU's mission of learning by doing--creating experiences that blend academic rigor with real-world application and positive community impact. For more information about SUU's history programs, visit SUU's Department of History, Sociology, and Anthropology.
Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences FacStaff Community History
Contact Information:
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu