SUU STEM Center for Teaching & Learning

Mission: The Southern Utah University STEM Center for Teaching and Learning builds a better future for Utah by providing free high-quality STEM experiences and instruction for all K-12 students in Southern Utah by collaborating with the state, schools, businesses, and community.

History of the SUU STEM Center

In 2008, Dr. John R. Taylor began the monumental task of finding funding to create a STEM center to provide STEM outreach to Southern Utah. With a small budget allocated, the VOYAGER trailer was purchased as a mobile science lab, marking the beginning of STEM outreach in the area. John continued his work, lobbying for funding. In 2014, paperwork was signed and an inaugural director, Dr. William Heyborne, was appointed for the SUU Center for STEM Teaching and Learning. He began the work to find a physical space for the Center to work out of. He was able to gain access to a large closet at North Elementary, in which supplies were stored, and new programs were born.

After five years of dedicated service, Dr. Elaine Vickers stepped in as the new director. Elaine was able to secure increased funding through the State Legislature as well as a number of new donors and grants to grow the programs and materials offered through the STEM Center. During her time as director, a physical space was also built in the newly remodeled Geosciences Building, and the name was changed to the SUU STEM Center for Teaching and Learning.

With exponential growth happening, the decision was made to hire a full-time director for the STEM Center. Dylan Kirklin was appointed as the first full-time director. Dylan continues to grow the STEM Center through new funding sources and has established a number of new programs. Dylan has also focused on taking over existing programs to help the University grow and maintain these programs. Today, the STEM Center provides programming and support to five counties in Southern Utah.