How SUU’s Anthropology Program Prepared Annie Weight for Harvard
Published: June 18, 2026 | Read Time: 3 minutes
Annie Weight, who recently graduated from Southern Utah University (SUU) with a bachelor's degree in anthropology, has been accepted into the Master of Divinity program at Harvard. From an excellent capstone to several fulfilling study abroads, Weight has gained extensive experience in academic perspectives on religion through SUU's high quality and personalized education.
"She is one of the best students I've ever taught, and few will ever match her propensity for applying nuanced social theory to cultural diversity," Dr. Matthew Newsom, assistant anthropology professor at SUU, said. "Annie is likewise extraordinary in that she combines her intellectualism with a sincere devotion to anthropology's humanistic approach-a devotion she expressed in many of my classes through deep engagements with social, economic, and environmental justice."
While Weight conducted research during Newsom's field school in Southern Belize, she immersed herself in the local culture by attending many local church services and working alongside villagers in their fields. Her humility, curiosity, and persistence has led to not only impressive research, but has allowed her to build meaningful connections with those around her.
"Annie was an exceptional student to have in Belize," Newson said. "The combination of her intellectual maturity and her humble yet curious personality not only led to an impressive final research paper, but also generated meaningful relationships with villagers, who still ask me for updates on her whereabouts."
Weight's experience is a prime example of how education isn't confined to a classroom. In Cusco, Peru, Weight interned in a public hospital's labor and delivery room and witnessed the profound human experience of birth. This exposure to healthcare in a cross-cultural setting planted the seeds for her future interest in chaplaincy. In Southern Belize, she participated in an ethnographic field school led by Dr. Newsom, where students explore the ways in which religion shapes social, economic, and historical facets of a community.
"I learned so much in both places," Weight said. "I was amazed by the kindness and support provided by the faculty. These experiences were foundational for what I ultimately chose to study in grad school."
While Weight initially chose SUU for its proximity to public lands and its reputation for a hands-on approach, she quickly found that the "university of the parks" offered much more than just a beautiful backdrop. In SUU's Anthropology Department, Weight found a network of mentors in Dr. Matthew Newsom, Dr. Emily Dean, and Dr. Andreas Koenig. She describes their influence as "invaluable," noting that their passion for teaching and the time they spent counseling her provided the momentum she needed for her next chapter.
"I am immensely proud of Annie and so grateful to have had her as a student. In always asking tough questions about course materials and applying insights gleaned from her personal experiences and observations, Annie challenged me to be a better professor," Newsom said. "She is sure to do great things in this world and will serve as a role model for all current and future SUU students--especially those in anthropology."
Eventually, encouragement from a fellow SUU alumna, Julia Gilmore, at Yale Divinity school led Weight to apply for a Master of Divinity (MDiv) program with the goal of becoming a hospital chaplain. When the acceptance letter arrived from Harvard University, she knew her time at SUU had prepared her for the challenge.
"I have no doubt that my anthropology classes prepared me well to engage in complex and nuanced discussions and research at a graduate level," she says. "I don't think anyone should leave SUU without taking an anthropology class. The faculty care about you and will do everything they can to help you succeed."
As Weight prepares to trade the red rocks for the historic halls of Harvard, she remains a fierce advocate for the department that started it all. Her advice for current students is simple: lean into the community around you. Her journey from a curious undergraduate to a Harvard scholar proves that at SUU, the possibilities are limitless.
SUU's History, Society, and Anthropology Department provides many unique programs, degrees, and experiences-such as an anthropology degree or a study abroad session-for T-birds to learn from.
Contact Information
Brooke Heath
435-586-5400
brookeheath1@suu.edu