Southern Utah University Names Dr. Mary Pearson as New Provost
Published: April 14, 2026 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Following a comprehensive national search, Southern Utah University (SUU) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Mary Pearson as the University's next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Pearson, an innovative leader with 27 years of experience in higher education, currently serves as SUU's Vice President for Finance and Administration.
The selection comes after a rigorous process guided by a representative committee of faculty, staff, students, and trustees. Dr. Pearson's deep institutional knowledge, combined with her extensive background as a professor, dean, and executive administrator, positioned her as the ideal choice to lead SUU's academic mission into the future.
"In today's landscape, the role of Provost requires a leader who can champion the academic soul of our campus while navigating the complex financial environments of higher education and our partnership with the Utah System of Higher Education," said SUU President Mindy Benson. "Dr. Pearson brings a rare depth and range of experience that uniquely positions her to do both. She understands the needs of our students and faculty from the ground up, and her vision for student-centered learning will ensure that SUU remains a leader in academic innovation and workforce readiness."
Dr. Pearson's tenure at SUU demonstrates a record of both growth and student success. During her time as Dean of the Dixie L. Leavitt School of Business, she oversaw a 114% increase in enrollment and a 97% career placement rate for graduates. She also secured over $12.6 million in philanthropic giving and the funding necessary to construct the new Joe and Beverly Burgess Family Business Center.
As Provost, Dr. Pearson will oversee all academic programs, faculty development, and scholarly efforts. She is tasked with maintaining the University's commitment to personalized education while expanding hands-on, career-focused experiences that prepare students for the global marketplace.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to serve as Provost at Southern Utah University," said Dr. Mary Pearson. "I am especially excited to return to the academic mission of the institution and look forward to building on our strong foundation, supporting our students on their unique academic journeys, and working closely with faculty and staff to ensure SUU remains a place of opportunity and excellence for generations to come."
Dr. Pearson is a two-time alumna of Southern Utah University, holding both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Accounting from the institution before earning her Ph.D. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Advanced Accounting. A Certified Public Accountant, she has also served as a visiting professor in Austria and remains active on several state and local boards, including the Governor's Utah Economic Council.
"The search committee dedicated a lot of time and care into screening applicants, identifying strong candidates, and ensuring that the process was fair and robust," explained Dr. Kelly Goonan, SUU Provost Search Committee Co-Chair and Associate Professor of Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism/Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences. "I am grateful to everyone who served on the committee and appreciate the unique experiences and perspectives they brought to the process. I fully support this decision and look forward to working with Dr. Pearson as SUU's next Provost."
Dr. Pearson will replace Shauna Mendini, who has served as SUU's interim provost for nearly two years. A cornerstone of the SUU community for 30 years including serving as Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts (CPVA), Mendini graciously set aside her retirement plans in 2024 and agreed to serve as interim provost until a replacement could be found.
On July 1, 2026, Dr. Pearson will begin her new appointment with plans to host a series of listening sessions with faculty leadership and the broader campus community throughout the coming months.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu