Former Utah Governor and HHS Secretary Michael O. Leavitt to Address SUU’s Class of 2026 During Historic America 250 Celebration
Published: March 19, 2026 | Read Time: 4 minutes
CEDAR CITY, UT – Southern Utah University (SUU) is proud to announce that distinguished alumnus and statesman Michael O. Leavitt will deliver the keynote address at the University’s 127th annual commencement ceremony.
During America’s 250 celebration year, SUU is proud to center this year’s graduation on the theme of American service and heritage. Governor Leavitt’s career - from his three terms as Utah’s governor to two cabinet-level positions in the White House - reflects a lifelong dedication to the public service that has helped shape both the State of Utah and the nation.
During the ceremony, Leavitt will be awarded the Presidential Medallion of Service.
“As our nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence through the America 250 initiative, we are proud to welcome Governor Mike Leavitt as our commencement speaker,” said SUU President and Co-Chair of the America 250 Utah Committee Mindy Benson. “Throughout his career - from leading Utah through historic moments like the Salt Lake City Olympics to serving as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services - he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, community, and progress. Governor Leavitt’s leadership has shaped both our state and our nation, and his example reminds our graduates that meaningful public service can leave a lasting impact.”
Leavitt’s Southern Utah roots run deep. Born in Cedar City, he earned a bachelor's degree in business and economics from SUU (then Southern Utah State College) while working in the insurance industry. He later became chief executive of The Leavitt Group, a family business founded in 1952 by his father, Dixie Leavitt, which he helped transform from a local Cedar City agency into one of the largest privately held insurance brokerages in the nation.
In 1993, Leavitt was elected as the 14th governor of Utah, serving three terms during a period of historic growth and prosperity for the state. His leadership was defined by a pattern of innovation and fiscal responsibility, most visible in his work to modernize the state's infrastructure, ensuring Utah was prepared to take the global stage. With Leavitt at the helm, the state successfully hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, a milestone that remains a defining chapter in his legacy of public service.
Following his tenure as governor, Leavitt served in the Cabinet of President George W. Bush in two critical roles: first as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (2003–2005) and subsequently as the Secretary of Health and Human Services (2005–2009). At HHS, he managed a $750 billion budget and led the historic implementation of the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program.
Today, Leavitt continues to shape the future of healthcare as the founder of Leavitt Partners, a healthcare consulting firm. Simultaneously, he remains deeply invested in the next generation of leaders through his work with the Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service at SUU. His dedication to his alma mater has remained steadfast, ensuring that future generations of T-Birds have the resources to engage in meaningful civic leadership.
"Returning to the campus where my professional journey began during such a significant year for our country is a profound privilege," said Leavitt. "The values I learned at SUU: hard work, common sense, and the importance of community have been my compass throughout my career. I look forward to celebrating the Class of 2026 as they prepare to write the next chapter of the American story."
Members of the community are invited to attend the Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, April 23, beginning at 7 p.m. in the America First Event Center. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with doors opening at 5 p.m. To ensure public safety and make entry more efficient, SUU's clear-bag policy will be enforced at all commencement events.
For more information about SUU’s 127th Commencement, please visit suu.edu/graduation .
About Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a caring campus community where students realize their potential through personalized mentorship from people dedicated to helping them soar. Offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, SUU provides hands-on, career-focused learning to prepare students for the future. Located in the world’s best backyard, SUU’s safe and vibrant campus offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels supported and inspired by both the natural beauty and a strong sense of community. Whether on campus or online, SUU provides an education that is competitively priced and highly valued, giving students the skills and confidence to thrive in any professional setting. This is where students soar.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu