SUU Science Prepares Students to Thrive in Competitive Med School Programs
Published: November 06, 2026 | Author: Kierstin Holloway | Read Time: 2 minutes
Holden Petty graduated from Southern Utah University (SUU) with a Bachelor of Science. While at SUU, he was on a premed track, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry and Spanish. Now that Petty is in medical school, he has gained an even greater appreciation for the education he received at SUU and the professors who were invested in the success of their students.
"I am grateful to SUU's professors who challenged us to understand the science, connect ideas, and explain our reasoning," said Petty. "That foundation has allowed me to build on what I already know while keeping pace with new material. I entered medical school hoping SUU had prepared me to keep up; I soon realized that, in many areas, it had given me a head start."
Petty explained that the SUU alumni are often the students answering questions during lectures and working out the science behind their clinical cases. There are a total of seven SUU graduates in his first-year med-school class. Holden expressed that it was easy for these students to feel intimidated in their new educational environment, especially alongside classmates who had attended schools such as Princeton and Johns Hopkins. However, once classes began, they quickly realized how strong their preparation had been.
"It honestly made me incredibly proud of the education I received at SUU," Petty said. "I have classmates who attended large, highly recognized institutions, yet the SUU students have been exceptionally well prepared."
Holden and his fellow SUU graduates have often been able to answer questions and explain foundational concepts. During group learning activities, many of them have been asked to lead discussions or even help explain challenging material.
"In these groups, we have often been asked, 'Where did you learn that?' It has been moments like those that have helped me appreciate how much I gained from my undergraduate education," said Holden.
Holden's ultimate career goals include becoming a primary care physician and establishing a multifaceted health clinic in a rural part of Utah that offers an extended outreach of care for chronic conditions. He leaves this advice for students currently pursuing a pre-med degree at SUU:
"Aim for more than an 'A'. Strong grades matter, but being able to explain a concept, apply it to a new situation, and recall it when you need it matters even more. Stay engaged with what your professors ask of you, ask questions, and take advantage of the opportunity to learn from them."
To learn more about SUU's Walter Maxwell Gibson College of STEM degree programs and student resources, visit suu.edu/cstem.
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